Condolence: I still have fond memories of Nehemiah Phinizy, two years after I posted my original note here. May his memory continue to be a blessing. Jon Strauss

Condolence: During the past decade, I have been a volunteer at the Rhode Island Veterans Home. Because of the recent extensive renovations of the Veterans Home, I not been there for about a year. It was only this past week that I learned of Nehemiah Phinizy’s death. Some people spread love by what they do. Others spread love by their words. Nehemiah Phinizy spread love by just being. During the time I knew him as a Veterans Home resident, he was in his late 80’s. He never spoke. But he had a quiet joy about him that made him one of my favorite residents. I would greet him with “Hello, Mr. Phinizy!” He responded only with a knowing, peaceful glance. I would usually find him sitting in his wheelchair at a table. Sometimes I adjusted his wheelchair to make him a bit more comfortable. His face conveyed his feelings of appreciation, despite his lack of words. Until his death, I knew nothing about him other than what was visible. At some point, he had lost his legs, though I never learned how or when. Because of his residency in the Veterans Home, he was obviously a military man, though I never learned about his military experience. Only after reading his obituary did I learn that he was born in South Carolina. As a black man he must have faced discrimination, though I never learned how he dealt with it. I have been unable to locate any photos of him. I would be appreciative if someone would send me one; my e-mail address is JonTStrauss@aol.com . At the Veterans Home, Mr. Phinizy was a source of serenity and comfort. His name, Nehemiah, appropriately means God’s comfort. I remain grateful for his contribution to my life. Jon T. Strauss Bristol, RI