LOVE feature
Story by Ashley Elvington • Photography by Laura McBryde
DEBBIE &
PHIL EDWARDS
going the distance
IF YOU’VE EVER LOGGED INTO PINTEREST, you’ll find there is an abundance of quotes
on every topic, especially love. While it’s difficult to sum up the true meaning of love in just a few words,
there are some accurate attempts on the site, such as, “Distance means nothing when someone means
everything.” Debbie Edwards discovered this quote to be true when reuniting with her soul-mate, Phil.
While they were physically 3,000 miles away from each other, distance couldn’t stop these two lovebirds
from their destiny.
Recalling the days when Phil came into her life, Debbie admits that he was a blessing sent from above.
“I have had tragedies in my lifetime, too many for most, and I know without a doubt God sent this man to
me.” Coming from an abusive marriage, she ruled out the possibility of happily ever after. “Before Phil, I was
a broken woman with a hard heart. I was non-trusting and determined that no one would ever break my
heart again, both mentally and physically. I vowed to remain single and thought I could live happily with
just me and my sweet little pup, Molly.” She learned, however, to never say never.
In 1990, Debbie was working as an independent sales contractor in the Collegiate Market for the Southeast. At a trade show in Orlando, Florida, she stumbled upon Phil. “I was his new sales rep. Phil was very
nice but strictly business, which was why I never had a clue that he was ever interested in me.” Phil recalls,
“When I first saw Debbie, I thought she was beautiful and had a great personality. Curious of her situation,
I wondered if she was married and where she lived.” She and Phil worked together for six years, on and off
at shows and appointments. Little did she know at the time, Phil was falling in love with her. “Her personality was the draw, as I would watch her and see how sweet she was while talking with other people.” While
working at another trade show alongside Debbie, Phil decided to pursue her if the opportunity should ever
present itself. Although he eventually moved to Calabasas, California, they remained friends and talked
at least once a year. At the time, Debbie’s marriage was failing. One day, she realized enough was enough.
“I finally decided I could not change a person and I was so tired of living in fear, so I did the right thing for
me and packed the essentials. I left everything I had and knew and headed to Murrells Inlet to start my new
life.” Living in an apartment above her best friend’s house, Debbie was traveling four to five nights a week.
She received a rather pleasant surprise one day in 1996 amidst her busy schedule. The telephone rang…
It was Phil. “That’s when my life changed forever!” Phil couldn’t wait to ask, “Is it true that you are now
available to date?” Debbie confirmed, but was curious as to why he was asking. Phil replied that he had
always wanted to date her and now that she was available, he hoped to fulfill his heart’s desire. Shy and
puzzled at how he planned on taking her out while living 3,000 miles away, Debbie was told to name a date
and Phil would be there. “I was taken back that he would fly that far for just a date. I thought he might be
pulling my leg!” Debbie experienced butterflies in her stomach for the first time in 17 years. “My previous
relationship was horrible and I was brainwashed to think that no one would ever love me. I was told I was
not good enough and not pretty enough. I couldn’t believe all of this with Phil was happening to me.” She
knew he wasn’t joking the very next day, when 24 red roses arrived for her. “I was blown away.”
CONTINUED...
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FEBUARY 2016
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