A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO AN OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIAST

On December 30, 1998, a very special person was called by Our Heavenly Father to a resting place in eternity. He is remembered today as the inspiration in my life in so many dimensions. He was a gentle man, an honorable human being, a loving husband, a loving Dad, a friend, a confidant, and a man for all seasons. He loved life, and he always had a sense of humor that helped to resolve many critical disputes with all those persons that had the pleasure of meeting him. He was a very spiritual person who had a living faith beyond comprehension. He walked his talk with consistency. He always had time for everyone. He remembered everyone's birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and New Years' reminders. He was in love with his city, the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Although he was orphaned at a very early age, he knew how to dispense love in multiple ways including the many strangers who made his acquaintance. He loved playing cards especially poker and rummy. He loved sports of all kinds. He was a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Mummers Association and Parade even though he was unable to perform as an adult. He encouraged others to get involved including my younger brother who played the banjo for an award-winning String Band, the Fralinger String Band. He loved to play darts as a southpaw, and he could have won many dart tournaments but he declined the many invitations. He never owned a home; he never owned a car; but he always gave of his treasures for 30 years with his love of sending good wishes for others including his own family and their extended families. He did not need a computer to organize the information. His computer was attached to him. Although he completed only the fifth grade, he would run circles around PHDs with his common sense approach. He lived the Ladder of Achievement every day of his mortal life. He climbed up and down that Ladder for 87 years. He accomplished a lifetime legacy by being a loving Dad, a loving husband, and a man of courage.

THANK YOU, DAD, FOR THE GIFTS OF LIFE AND LOVE. YES, DAD, IT IS GREAT TO BE ALIVE AND TO HAVE EVERYONE IN OUR FAMILY RETURN THEIR LOVE TO YOU. Matthew Patrick Hillen is living eternal life with the Holy Trinity and the loving Mother Mary. He is with all of the Saints whom he touched here on earth. Yes, Dad, you went from one "throne to another throne." May you and all of the rest of the faithful departed through the mercy of God REST IN PEACE. I LOVE YOU, DAD! YOU ARE THE BEST ACHIEVEMENT LADDER ENTHUSIAST THAT I HAVE EVER KNOWN!