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.

God looked around his Garden and found an empty place,

He then looked down upon his earth and saw your loving
face.

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest,

His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the
best.

He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in
pain,

And knew that you would never get well on earth again.

He saw your path was difficult, he closed your tired
eyes,

He whispered to you "Peace be Thine" and gave you
wings to fly.

When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,

We would not wish you back to earth to suffer once
again.

You've left us precious memories, your love will be
our guide,

You live on through you children, you're always be our
side.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go
alone,

For part of us went with you on the day God called you
home. ❤

Mom-and-Dad