Friday, February 14, 2020
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Rest In Peace and love Tom. Thank you for everything. We will miss you for the rest of our lives. See you on the other side.
My last message to you in this life...
Hi Tom,
I was thinking about the first time we met. I'm not sure how old I was, I think around 9 or 10, but I remember the night very clearly. I remember shaking your hand and looking at your large bony hand next to my little one. I remember that we went to Pizza Hut. I even remember which booth we sat at, you and mom on one side and me on the other. I remember that you all split a pitcher of beer and how you said, "we drink the beer and Melissa gets drunk." I remember laughing a lot. I remember how I felt very comfortable with you. It would be something I realized over and over throughout the years, how you had that ability to make those around you feel comfortable and at ease. I always appreciated that.
I remember after dinner, we went back to our apartment and walked in the door to a violent and gruesome tragedy happening in real time. I can clearly see Pete the cat with half of my hamster still sticking out of his mouth. I remember screaming, beyond terrified and distraught, and running off to my room. I remember mom being very upset too. I remember how you handled it all, with gentle strength and compassion. I remember feeling protected by you and somehow I think I realized that you would always be there to protect us and care for us with your gentle strength and kindness. And you always have been.
I know it never mattered to you that Yona and I were not your biological children. We both knew that you would do anything for us, sacrifice anything for us, and that you would always be there for us, no matter what we needed. I hope you know how much we appreciated that and how much we've always loved you. We've never doubted your love for us.
I know this is such a difficult time. Please know that we are with you in our hearts every step of the way. Remember what Eckhart Tolle tells us: Life is eternal. And so is love.
Love you always,
Melissa
