TOMMY

A while back, I asked you all to help me pray for my brother-in-law Tom who was seriously ill.

You came through wonderfully for me and I am so grateful. Perhaps your prayers and healing thoughts are what gave him just a little more time to be with his family. They were able to have that long goodbye. We lost Tom last week. He just had too many battles going on in his body.

He was Tom to everyone but me. I insisted on calling him Tommy. If he resented it, he never let on. He was like a younger brother which is why I think I stayed attached to the child-like form of his name.

The above picture was from last Christmas and he was in his favorite shirt. No one was a more devout Dolphin football fan. I am a serious fan but he was intense. That picture was as close to smiling as Tommy got for a camera. In person, he was the life of the party and full of fun--- for the camera, he either made funny faces or scowled. This picture was taken by his daughter and was take 10. He was sick then, we just didn't realize how sick he was.

When I first met Tommy, he was a senior in high school and dating one of my sisters. He dated both so I am not sure which one he was dating then. We used to laugh that I was the only sister he didn't go out with. I was 8 years older so there was good reason to not even think about it.

He eventually married my sister Jan and they were together for over 30 years, raising two daughters. He adored his girls and would do anything for them but I think being a grandpa was his finest role. Gosh he loved those babies.

He passed his love for football on to his 3 year old granddaughter Kaleigh, who thanks to him, could almost officiate a game. She is well versed in all the official signals for touchdown, off sides, delay of game and holding, Not sure if it was learned from her love of football as much as her love for grandpa.

Tommy was liked by all who met him. He was just comfortable to be around. He often tried to hide his enormous heart with Marine toughness but inside that man, his heart was a marshmallow. He was generous almost to a fault. If you wanted something and Tommy had it, it was yours. He was everyone's rock. If he didn't have it, he would get it even if it meant doing with out on his behalf. I once saw him take the shirt literally off his back and give it to someone who had admired it.

Tommy had a wicked sense of humor. Sometimes it was slightly caustic and he used it to poke fun at others but only to their face. We all knew however that he only teased if he liked you. If he didn't like you, indifference accompanying a cool stare was his persona. Trust me, if he didn't like someone, there was good reason. I can't remember anyone taking offense at his teasing however. He really was funny with a quick wit.

Tommy was always interesting to talk to. He was well read with a sharply focused mind. He quickly saw through the phonies of the world and could size up most situations very succinctly. I always enjoyed his take on serious matters. Tommy was always a favorite of mine to find a quiet spot at a family gathering and have some serious talks. Of course his fun loving nature could only be serious for so long. Still I enjoyed those moments.

So was he perfect? Gosh no--- who is? Was he one of the nicest, most generous men I have ever known? No doubt. Will he be missed? Very,very much. Was my life better for having him in it? Absolutely, as it was for everyone who knew him.

You left us way too soon Tommy. Rest easy my friend. You were so loved by so many. I will miss you so.