When I see Tom's family and Tom's place I ask... why? We know there's no real answer but we still ask. Did Tom ask why? For a while I'm sure yes, because he certainly was not ready to leave. A little later, knowing the pickle he was in, and with some (respectful) grudge, he may have responded, "Well, okey-dokey.... if I really have to". And now? Sure, he's free, and knows some things we don't know, sees some things we'll have to wait a while for. But I think he'd be on the first flight back if he could. There was too much to leave behind, because he had such a good life going. Scratch that "first flight" stuff. Tom would rather drive. Then again, where Tom is now is really good. But he'll be leaning out over the edge, checking on Esden, and the roads and traffic when the girls or Dylan are on them. Their tears and sadness call to him like gentle little bells, and he would wish to tell them "I'm okay. And it's okay to grieve as I miss you too. But soon, use your energy to love each other and the great, beautiful earth you are privileged with... I could not do enough." Oh, tell us Gracie, do you notice something help you get on your feet sometimes? Tom and I grooved together for a while in Oxnard, California, some 33 or 34 years ago, while he and I lived with his brother Paul. Our jaunts were out to nature, the earth he loved even then: the nearby San Gabriel mountains were frequent. Sometimes further: we knew well both sides of the Sierra Nevadas. We liked the flight of the Frisbee, and we liked to hike. Often we packed worn frisbees and an orange each, marched up a mountain peak, let fly the frisbees - retired them, so to speak, then sat a long time just looking out. The oranges, warm by then, were grand beyond description. I'll never forget just how so. Tom lives on that way in my mind (plus, I married his twin sister!). And in other ways in other's minds; let us know how. Life is like a dream. Sometimes so real, sometimes you shake your head, looking for answers. Until that last sleep though, we know where will wake up: right here, with our family and friends, our world we must all continue to make better, our memories and our respects. Our love goes out again to Tom's family. We will be there if you need us.

My heart was broken when I heard the news. My heart continues to ache knowing how much Uncle Tom will be missed by his family, friends, and everyone else who knew his smile and laughter. I know we all wish that Uncle Tom was never diagnosed with cancer and that we could change what happened. It doesn't take away the sadness, but it is comforting to know that through cancer, we were all given the gift of spending a bit more time with Uncle Tom and appreciating these last few months. My heart goes to my dear Aunt Rhonda whose love and sweet kindness created a beautiful family, and whose strength I'll always admire. To Meghan, Dylan and Sarah, who I am so proud to call my cousins. Your dad loved you more than anything. To my mom, dad, Uncle Paul, and Aunt Kathie who lost a funny and sweet brother. It is heartbreaking, but I'm so thankful for the stories that you've passed along to me and my cousins... we'll treasure these stories and carry them with us always. I am so grateful that we were able to share such a wonderful time together at Dylan and Michelle's wedding. Not only were we able to celebrate the beautiful love between Dylan and Michelle, but now we can always treasure that time knowing we were all together. It still seems too sudden and too sad to make any sense of it. All I can do is send all my love to my family, my aunts and uncles, and cousins. Much love, hope, and peace. Love, Theresa

Thank you everyone who attended the funeral or sent warm wishes. This is the hardest thing my family and I have ever gone through. My dad was such a kind and wonderful person and while life doesnt seem fair right now someday we will get a sense of peace from this tragic event. I am very thankful to have spent the last few months getting closer to my father and appreciate all the special memories that I will take with me on my journey through my life. I love you dad more than I ever was able to express. I know that you are in a wonderful place full of God's love. Please know that I loved you very much! I will be looking forward to feeling your love from heavan for a long time to come. Meg