It's been almost 40 years since I knew Tom. We dated for a couple of years, and then went our separate ways. Those were young and crazy times - times when you do things that worry your parents and that you hope your kids never do. There were a lot of fun times that I will always cherish - and we survived! Even in that time of youthful self-involvement and carefree emphasis on having a good time, Tom was a seriously nice guy. He cared about people and wanted to help if he could. On the day of our first date, my sister let me know she was moving. I had promised to help her move. I let Tom know about it hoping we could reschedule. He immediately said he could help and not only graciously changed his plans with very short notice but spent the evening working hard to help some strangers move into their new home with warmth and humor. That was my introduction to Tom. I remember him saying nice things about people, but don't remember him ever saying bad things about anyone. I wish I had had the chance to talk with him again later in life, to hear about where life had taken him; to thank him for being so kind and let him know how much I appreciated knowing him.

I wish you hadn't had to leave so soon, Tom. I'll catch you on the other side.