Processing 2022

Howdy, Neighbor. People have been telling Phil he’s a good storyteller for a long time… so we are trying something new and pretty-much non-sales Just sharing occasional sweet stories, tall tales, and life lessons learned around these parts. Northwoods Notes are a new, semi-bi-irregular peek into the heart and mind of Phil Frasier… you can read or listen… whichever you prefer… and you are receiving a copy because you’re a current customer of Frasier’s Plumbing and Heating, Inc. We think you’ll like them, but you can unsubscribe any time by clicking on the link at the bottom. But we hope you give us a chance!

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We lost four incredible people in 2022.

Not a day goes by that I don’t think about them.

Many a time while I’m out fishing, I’ll think to myself, “Man, Steve would’ve loved this moment.” Then I’ll make a cast and say, “Steve, this one’s for you.”

Our morning meetings at Frasier’s haven’t been the same since we lost our install manager, Gene. But, when I’m trying to motivate the team, I hear Gene gently whisper words of encouragement in my ear.

I miss my dear friend Pat and our crazy conversations. She was a neat ol’ gal. Funny, too. I hope I’m still hunting and fishing at 90 years old like Pat was.

But, by far, the toughest loss was my dad. I miss him more than words can say.

With my wonderful wife Joanna by my side, I was able to navigate the tricky twists and turns of 2022. I don’t think I could’ve done it without her.

I grieve outdoors. She gave me the space to do that. I rarely missed an evening on our lake.

Out there on the water, I was able to process those losses in a proper, healthy way. And for that, I am thankful.

How about you, neighbor? Are you also going through a rough season? I wish I had a magic solution, but there’s no right or wrong answer.

I’ll just say this… please find someone to talk to. It could be one person or a group of people. It may be a friend, your spouse, a pastor… someone who will listen to your heart… and also sit in silent support when you don’t know what to say.

That’s why God gave us one another. So that, together, we can talk… listen… process… and grow.

Don’t let pride keep you from reaching out to someone close by. I’ve learned that the hard way.

And when you’re talking, don’t be surprised if you go from reflection to laughing to crying and back to laughing again. That’s normal. That’s healthy. So get it all out.

I also recommend keeping a journal… so you can write down all the words that you may not want to say to a friend. That’s healthy, too.

So, again, if you’re grieving, make sure you take time to…

Think…

Reflect…

Process…

Pray…

And spend time with the people in your corner.

That’s what got me through 2022.

And it will get all of us through 2023, as well.

Take care, neighbor. Take good care.

Phil Frasier

P.S. – We finally got around to naming the duck at Frasier’s. In honor of our beloved install manager, the duck’s name is Eugene.