My heart is broken, shattered into many pieces by the passing of this great human who made such an indelible mark on this planet. I haven't been able to stop the tears...
Philbert and I grew up in the very rural and rustic district of Thornton, St. Elizabeth. We attended Thornton Primary School and the Thornton New Testament Church of God, where our mothers were members and friends. I remember when he passed the Common Entrance Examination to attend Munro College, our community was so proud! Often, he would visit our school during the holidays and give pep talks, encouraging us. He became my inspiration, my hero, albeit from a distance.
By the time I passed the Common Entrance and started to attend Hampton School, he was already Head Boy, "Big Bird". But to us who were following in his footsteps, he was "Big Brother", a mentor and role model who took a keen interest in our progress and grasped every opportunity to ensure we were on the right path.
I experienced Philbert up close and personal in one of the darkest periods of my life. I was a student at Norman Manley Law School and he had just returned from studying in Russia. I had not seen him in years but our mothers would give us updates about each other. I was walking in crowded Half Way Tree, rushing to get a bus, when my eyes locked with his. He called my name, literally picked me up and spun me around. For the rest of that day, we played catch up, regaling each other with stories from the past. He was so easy to talk to, he had a genuine interest in every person's well being. I told him I was pregnant and alone, not sure how I was going to make it through school. I was so scared of being a failure, of being a disappointment to my mother and my community. Philbert never left my side; he became my rock, my friend, encouraging me, supporting me, visiting me, ensuring that I lacked nothing, assuring me I was capable. When my son was born, I made Philbert his godfather. Several times he would travel to the States to be present for my son's graduations, instilling values.
When I look at my son today, 34 years old and the Principal of a renowned High School in Boston, Massachusetts, I cannot help but credit Philbert for the calm and comforting environment he created from the chaos, ultimately resulting in another human beng with the same gentle and caring disposition, enshrining a brilliant mind.
My story is not unique in Philbert's legacy. Many persons can attest to his immense kindness and boundless generosity, endless patience, his non-judgemental ways, his knack for being available at your most vulnerable, his capacity to bring out the best in everyone. He was the best of the best, as close to pure and perfect as this world will ever see.
I love you Philbert, you will live in my heart forever.