Happy Birthday Uncle Tom. You loved to celebrate birthdays because it meant a party with food. Lots of food. LOL--you were the original foodie. And also with people. Not to mention if there was a game on TV you just had to watch :) I shed a tear today as I still feel the loss of your presence. But I also remember so many happy times and years spent. You are definitely in Heaven and they are lucky to have you up there :)
Uncle Tom was a larger than life figure in my life for all of my years. Always chuckling at a joke that perhaps only he got as well as well as happily patting his belly after a large meal only to proudly proclaim "bought and paid for". He attended my graduation at Arroyo High School while proudly wearing his own AHS class ring. When I first moved out on my own, I got hit by a car on my bicycle. He came to my apartment and stayed with me until my father came home from work to then take me to the hospital. I have always looked up to him as a father figure and as a good man. He continued his jovial attitude until his final day, cracking jokes with me just a few short hours before he left us. I always felt a connection with Uncle Tom and I will forever be the richer for him having been a part of my life. I am sure that he felt comfort with so much family and friends being able to be a strong part of Aunt Lorraine's life even after he had to say goodbye.