Phil Park
By Chad Cheverier
17 Dec 2008
I didn't know Phil very long, but in a short time this man made quite an impact on my life. Phil, being the funny character he was, would often make a situation awkward by saying something out of place. He would also always carry around a book on philosophy and tell people he was an Artist. His attitude, humor, and face won't be forgotten.
When I moved to New York, Phil told me he wanted to visit. He was always in and out of the hospital, and I knew he wouldn't make it anytime soon. Phil had bone cancer and was facing a long treatment. So, I brought New York to him. I took a photo of him and then made a mask of his face. I got the idea from the photos Melvin Sokolsky took in the sixties. I then took pictures with friends and strangers all over NYC and Washington DC covering their faces with Phil's face.
The idea would have progressed, but I wanted to put it all in a book and give it to Phil as a gift to cheer him up. Phil needed encouragement to keep on going, and he needed to know he was loved. When I went back to California to visit, I brought him the book. The book contained approximately 20 photos, and it really made him happy. He was in the hospital at the time and his condition was good. This was the last time I saw my friend.
His condition became much worse after that, and he died several months later. I have not done another project quite as rewarding as this one. I love my friend, and I am so happy to have been able to do this for him.
The photos provided are my five favorite from the book, plus a photo I took of Phil when I delivered the book, the last photo I ever took of him. Thank you for looking, and please don't forget to tell your friends you love them.
34 responses
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Michael Adams gave props (17 Dec 2008):
What a great series of photos. I am glad that you were able to make a small difference in his life and the he knew he mattered, at least to someone. Got my vote!
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Joe Z gave props (17 Dec 2008):
It's got my vote.
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Jane Kratochvil gave props (17 Dec 2008):
What a wonderful idea. And, an inspiration. I'm incredibly sorry about the loss of your good friend. This project is touching in so many ways...
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Michael Risenhoover gave props (17 Dec 2008):
Awesome story and a wonderful tribute, you are a good man!
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Christina Fung gave props (18 Dec 2008):
This is a really great tribute to a dear friend, I'm glad he was able to see the photos you took for him and that it brought him joy. it's got my vote :)
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Denman said (18 Dec 2008):
amazing project, really thoughtful story. great work in many ways!
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Klas Enochsson gave props (18 Dec 2008):
i had tears in my eyes when after reading this one, it was fantastic..!
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dominic serrao gave props (18 Dec 2008):
wonderful touching project...
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Mario Garcia said (18 Dec 2008):
Put a knot in my throat & a smile on my face. Simply a beautiful story & friendship...
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KY M................ said (18 Dec 2008):
What a wonderful, sweet idea to give to someone, and what a way to preserve a memory of such a special person! Put a knot in my throat and a tear to my eye! Great job! Great project!
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Hector rtiz gave props (18 Dec 2008):
youre the greatest friend ever....
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Tim Morse gave props (18 Dec 2008):
wow. all the props in the world! so moving, man! THAT'S friendship.
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Sarina Ilott said (18 Dec 2008):
You have a Beautiful heart and a wonderful imagination to have done this for your friend. Your friendship was a gift to him and for that you are blessed.
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helaine alon said (18 Dec 2008):
thank you so much for your story... it was so moving and really touched me. my mother is going through cancer right now and it means a lot to see how you were able to creatively bring joy into his life and into the lives of so many. beautiful
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Pablo Jimenez said (18 Dec 2008):
amazing, you are a good friend!
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Suz Broughton said (19 Dec 2008):
This is a great story. What a beautiful project.
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Terry Pruss gave props (19 Dec 2008):
Thank you for sharing. Friends come in and out of our lives every year, but it's always sad when you lose someone to something uncontrolable like a disease.
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Michael Billert said (20 Dec 2008):
Lost my sister this year, she faught bravely for 14 years, it was hard to get her to smile, I had to work hard at it. mjb
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Juan Carlos Rodriguez said (20 Dec 2008):
Well done man!
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Richard Johnson said (20 Dec 2008):
Thank you for sharing your story. It's a lovely tribute to your friend Phil. I currently have a dear friend battling liver cancer in Seattle. It sucks being so far away from him (Chicago).
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Oregon Curly gave props (20 Dec 2008):
A touching, wonderful story of an incredible tribute to/for a friend. Vote Yeah...absolutely!
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Rich Harris gave props (20 Dec 2008):
This is excellent and very thoughtful. Great job. Very touching.
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Henry Bowman said (20 Dec 2008):
Great job...I'm going through chemo now and every day is a gift. Excellent story and I hope it gets published.
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marilu gave props (21 Dec 2008):
I found that the love & care you gave to your friend to be very touching. Thanks for sharing this beautiful story!
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Jack Storey gave props (21 Dec 2008):
Brilliant idea and well done...
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stingeverything gave props (22 Dec 2008):
you got a great idea, good photos, and you're a good friend...
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Sarah Storer gave props (22 Dec 2008):
Wow - what a wonderful thing you did for him. Very touching, he was lucky to have known you as your were him x x x
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Marcy Massura said (22 Dec 2008):
It these things we do with talents God gave us- that can have an impact on people's lives. You have done well. And I am certain Phil is saying something awkward in Heaven making people laugh. Perhaps when you make it up there- he will have arranged for everyone to meet you at the pearly gates wearing a mask of YOU. Friendship is awesome. And so are you.
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Brian Deconinck said (26 Dec 2008):
Great way to take your friend to New York and Washington DC. I hope it made him laugh. Friends like you are special, you were both like lucky to have met each other.
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Wallace Jones gave props (29 Dec 2008):
great tribute! I'm sure that it really blessed him!
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Regenia Brabham gave props (30 Dec 2008):
A beautiful story and an awesome tribute to friendship.
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Laurie LaGrone said (21 Jan 2009):
I signed up just so I could add my YES vote. Quite late so I doubt it will help, but a photo essay this planned-yet-random, light-hearted-yet-solemn, definitely deserves more attention from the world. You are a valuable friend, and you have my vote.
-- Laurie -
Sarah♥ Littlefield gave props (9 Apr 2009):
I have no words.... what can I say? This is touching and wonderful!
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NG gave props (12 Sep 2009):
Touching. I voted.
