I went on Friday to see Tom for his birthday. Mary Ellen was there and shortly after I arrived, Ann also came to see him. We wished Tom a Happy Birthday, of course...though this wasn't how any of us thought he'd spend it. Niles came by as we were leaving. Later that evening, Chris and I dropped by Tom's house to visit with his family, and were happy to see Craig and George and Rich there, along with Niles and the rest of Tom's (somewhat ailing) family. There was a bug going around the Curtis clan. We had a nice dinner, and chatted with everyone. Some of us stayed later than others...LOL
On Saturday evening we gathered at Tom's again, with Troy, Ed, Mike and Chip (or Chip n' Dale, as Mary Ellen likes to refer to them), joining the same gang from Friday night. It was a very nice evening, though somewhat more appropriately subdued than the night before.
Yesterday Chris and I stopped by to see Tom, and to just tell him that we love him, and will always cherish the time we've spent in his company. Tom, you've been your own version of an American Treasure to us. You lived life as if it were an adventure, and every minute spent with you was a minute of our lives made richer for having known you. Love you.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Wednesday
I came by to see Tom today. It was once again very quiet, and I sat with him for about an hour. I met Pauline, one of his nurses, whom I adore! She is really lovely! Tom is so lucky to have the people caring for him that he has. There are so many terrific staff members at Davies.
Tom was resting peacefully, and Pauline was very interested to know all about Tom's friends from the photos on the wall. She knows most of us, believe it or not.
After my visit, I stopped by Tom's house to see Mary Ellen, et al. Auntie Jan was out on the stairs making phone calls, and we had a nice chat. Mary Ellen and Richard were both taking a much deserved afternoon nap, so I didn't disturb.
Friday is Tom's birthday, so I know we all think good positive thoughts for him and send him our best wishes.
Love you Tom.
VIN
Tom was resting peacefully, and Pauline was very interested to know all about Tom's friends from the photos on the wall. She knows most of us, believe it or not.
After my visit, I stopped by Tom's house to see Mary Ellen, et al. Auntie Jan was out on the stairs making phone calls, and we had a nice chat. Mary Ellen and Richard were both taking a much deserved afternoon nap, so I didn't disturb.
Friday is Tom's birthday, so I know we all think good positive thoughts for him and send him our best wishes.
Love you Tom.
VIN
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
MIKA and The New York Times
Today I went to see Tom. It was very quiet today, and I was by myself. Our favorite nurse, Corey (hottie!), was on duty, so that was an added treat.
Tom condition doesn't seemed to have changed much, unfortunately. Nevertheless, I sat with him for almost two hours. I read the New York Times to him, and then we listened to some MIKA. I had to leave and get some work done, but I want him to know that I am pulling for him, and hoping and praying that he will get better soon. I am sure God has a plan for him and all of us.
Love you Tom,
Your friend,
VIN
Tom condition doesn't seemed to have changed much, unfortunately. Nevertheless, I sat with him for almost two hours. I read the New York Times to him, and then we listened to some MIKA. I had to leave and get some work done, but I want him to know that I am pulling for him, and hoping and praying that he will get better soon. I am sure God has a plan for him and all of us.
Love you Tom,
Your friend,
VIN
Monday with Tom
Hi everyone, I went by to see Tom yesterday afternoon and a lot of people were there. Tim, Debbie, MaryEllen, his gardener, his Godmother and his Dad and Claudia came later.
He looked very well although I could tell he didn't like the music selection which was koit light. I meant to change it and forgot....although, come to think of it....Celine Dion was belting something out so he might have been happy. I can't remember if Celine is one of his Diva's. At one point we all put our hands on him and sent him our healing energy.
Debbie reported that she is beating George regularly at Shanghai. I'm a little disappointed that our only two-time champ can't hold his own with a newcomer to the game. Hmmmmm. George do you need help over at 18th street?
He looked very well although I could tell he didn't like the music selection which was koit light. I meant to change it and forgot....although, come to think of it....Celine Dion was belting something out so he might have been happy. I can't remember if Celine is one of his Diva's. At one point we all put our hands on him and sent him our healing energy.
Debbie reported that she is beating George regularly at Shanghai. I'm a little disappointed that our only two-time champ can't hold his own with a newcomer to the game. Hmmmmm. George do you need help over at 18th street?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesdays with Tom
Well, I am back from my quick trip to Dublin, and yesterday went to visit Tom. When I arrived to my happy surprise, George and Meg were there visiting him. It was nice to see both of them, particularly Meg, who flew out from NY just for the day to see Tom.
Tom was not very responsive, unfortunately, and he had on a sleep mask to protect his eyes. It looked like a United Business class mask, and we are looking for a silk one for him, much more befitting of our friend.
Niles came it briefly, and it was good to see him too. I am away so much, I miss seeing many of my friends. Bill Moore also came by, with two other friends of Toms, whose names I cannot recall right now.
We visited with Tom, and told many funny stories of escapades with our funniest friend...EVAH....
I left to allow his other friends to visit with him more, and plan to return today again.
Tom, stay strong and get better! We love you...you know that.
VIN
Tom was not very responsive, unfortunately, and he had on a sleep mask to protect his eyes. It looked like a United Business class mask, and we are looking for a silk one for him, much more befitting of our friend.
Niles came it briefly, and it was good to see him too. I am away so much, I miss seeing many of my friends. Bill Moore also came by, with two other friends of Toms, whose names I cannot recall right now.
We visited with Tom, and told many funny stories of escapades with our funniest friend...EVAH....
I left to allow his other friends to visit with him more, and plan to return today again.
Tom, stay strong and get better! We love you...you know that.
VIN
Thursday, April 23, 2009
CT. Shanghai Partner
Hey Tom ...I thought Gen should have the chance to tell you how special you are! At 93 Gen is your card partner in CT ....and this pic is of her on her 93rd birthday all dressed up for you Tom.....Tom your love and kindness crosses all age barriers! We cant wait to have you at the card table....smooches, Mom
A Victorian Re-imagined
As promised, Tom, I stopped by to see you today. I'm sorry that it's been a few days, but I wanted to be sure that my strep throat was of no concern to you or to your fellow CCU patients. I got the green light from your doc, which made me very happy. It was nice to see you, hold your hand and think about all the good times we've had and that we will have. Be strong!
I'm sure your recent visitors have told you about San Francisco's hot spell. Well, the weather has certainly changed -- it was a typically brisk San Francisco morning. Just how you like it, if I'm not mistaken. I noticed for the first time that you had a little fan blowing across your bed. I'm not sure who had the clever idea to make that happen, but I hope it reminds you of home!
When you gain some strength, I'm sure you will recognize the headline of my post -- it's the title of the article in the December 2004 issue of Inspired Home magazine that featured your house on the cover! I knew I had to bring a couple of gossip magazines for my visit -- you do seem consistently interested in celebrity updates. But somehow I also remembered the hilarious first line of the story in Inspired Home and read it (and the rest of the article) to you:
"The first time I saw our house, I thought, 'That is the ugliest house I've ever seen.'"
So Tom! You (and Bill) took care of that!
I hope that you were aware of my visit today. I know that your mom believes that one-on-one contact with your friends is very important right now -- count on us to keep the visits going strong!
With love,
Craig (and Troy, who asked me to send you love from Asia)
I'm sure your recent visitors have told you about San Francisco's hot spell. Well, the weather has certainly changed -- it was a typically brisk San Francisco morning. Just how you like it, if I'm not mistaken. I noticed for the first time that you had a little fan blowing across your bed. I'm not sure who had the clever idea to make that happen, but I hope it reminds you of home!
When you gain some strength, I'm sure you will recognize the headline of my post -- it's the title of the article in the December 2004 issue of Inspired Home magazine that featured your house on the cover! I knew I had to bring a couple of gossip magazines for my visit -- you do seem consistently interested in celebrity updates. But somehow I also remembered the hilarious first line of the story in Inspired Home and read it (and the rest of the article) to you:
"The first time I saw our house, I thought, 'That is the ugliest house I've ever seen.'"
So Tom! You (and Bill) took care of that!
I hope that you were aware of my visit today. I know that your mom believes that one-on-one contact with your friends is very important right now -- count on us to keep the visits going strong!
With love,
Craig (and Troy, who asked me to send you love from Asia)
Hi Tom
Hey Tom... just wanted to say hi from the Big Apple. Arrived Tuesday, here for work until tomorrow. Went to Babbo last night and thought about how you would love this place... and you may have already eaten here a few times during all your travels. Really, one of the best meals I have ever had. You need to get well so we can come back here and share the amazing food together. What a treat that would be!
I will be home tomorrow evening and will stop by after 8:00 to say hi and chat with you a bit. Chip and I love you and want you to stay strong, keep fighting, and keep thinking good thoughts about your recovery. We certainly will. You are going to get better.
Mikey
I will be home tomorrow evening and will stop by after 8:00 to say hi and chat with you a bit. Chip and I love you and want you to stay strong, keep fighting, and keep thinking good thoughts about your recovery. We certainly will. You are going to get better.
Mikey
Wednesday with Tom
Hi Everyone, I went by after work and found Tom's sister and Irish John from New York. We decided to treat Tom to a spa day. John massaged both of Tom's legs (we took off his moon boots) and Debbie and I massaged each of his arms. He liked it!!! His eyes were open almost the entire time we were there. Of course we had a few chuckles too. Since Tom is sooooo into music we quizzed Debbie on Tom's music as he was growing up. Well as it happens, our dear Tommy was a big Peter Frampton fan! He also, big surprise, was a huge fan of Queen and that was his very first concert. He went with his dad. xxoo to all.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Missing you!
Hi, Tom...
Craig here, on behalf of both me and Troy -- Troy's traveling in Asia. I'm sure he'll be checking the blog whenever he has a chance!
It's Tuesday, April 21, and I had hoped to see you early this week. However, I somehow managed to come down with strep throat. Hello!?! My doc told me that I won't be contagious any more on Thursday, so count on a visit then!
If you are able to read this before I see you -- and I sure hope you are -- know how much we've been thinking about you... The random (almost always too tight!) glittered up bebe t-shirt we pass on the street. The gorgeous spring weather and happy, happy flowers. Pink wine in the sun. We can't wait for you to enjoy these with us again!
See you on Thursday...
Craig
Craig here, on behalf of both me and Troy -- Troy's traveling in Asia. I'm sure he'll be checking the blog whenever he has a chance!
It's Tuesday, April 21, and I had hoped to see you early this week. However, I somehow managed to come down with strep throat. Hello!?! My doc told me that I won't be contagious any more on Thursday, so count on a visit then!
If you are able to read this before I see you -- and I sure hope you are -- know how much we've been thinking about you... The random (almost always too tight!) glittered up bebe t-shirt we pass on the street. The gorgeous spring weather and happy, happy flowers. Pink wine in the sun. We can't wait for you to enjoy these with us again!
See you on Thursday...
Craig
Visited Tom Yesterday
I was with Tom for around an hour yesterday with Rich and Mary Ellen. He was a bit weaker and had a slight fever. It was hot in the room ! Today he has some more procedures and hurdles to jump. He is one tough fighter to get through all of this as he is going on two weeks in ICU. Hope fully we will all get some good news in the next few days and Tom can begin his recovery. I miss his controlling the talking stick.
Bill
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday visit with Tom
I went to see Tom this afternoon. I was alone, as his family had taken a much needed lunch break, I'm sure. Mary Ellen said Rich had taken them to lunch today, and gave her Barrel Fever to read to Tom. The Santaland Diaries alone should lift his spirits...!
I played some Cher and MIKA for Tom, of course. We hadn't played MIKA yet, so it was a treat for both of us. (Shut it, I like MIKA too!) I read him some of the more important news stories of the day off the internet, those being that Miss California was dissed by Perez Hilton and lost her shot at the Miss USA title, and Madonna falling of a horse in the Hamptons on the weekend.
Tom seemed a little responsive to this, but was also very tired, it seemed, and he was overheated with a slight fever and from it just being so damn hot today.
Anyway, Tom's family returned shortly, so I let them visit with him (5's a crowd), and I dropped Mary Ellen off back at the house on my way home.
Love all the photos on the wall, and more photos coming in tomorrow.
VIN
I played some Cher and MIKA for Tom, of course. We hadn't played MIKA yet, so it was a treat for both of us. (Shut it, I like MIKA too!) I read him some of the more important news stories of the day off the internet, those being that Miss California was dissed by Perez Hilton and lost her shot at the Miss USA title, and Madonna falling of a horse in the Hamptons on the weekend.
Tom seemed a little responsive to this, but was also very tired, it seemed, and he was overheated with a slight fever and from it just being so damn hot today.
Anyway, Tom's family returned shortly, so I let them visit with him (5's a crowd), and I dropped Mary Ellen off back at the house on my way home.
Love all the photos on the wall, and more photos coming in tomorrow.
VIN
Dearest Tom
Hi everyone,
I stopped by Tom's house and the hospital yesterday. MaryEllen was taking a much needed break. Tom's backyard looked beautiful. He has lillac in bloom as well as wisteria.
Tom was definitely sleeping harder than I'd seen on other visits. His fever was a bit high at 38.4 but by the time I left it was down to 37.5. Now, I like to think I had something to do with this ;) I did place cold wash cloths on this hands, head and knees and it did seem to make him more comfortable so if you see his fever up when you're there I think you should try it. (38.4 is about 101 and 37.5 is about 99) By the end his eyes were opening more at times and he seemed to know I was there. xxoo to all.
I stopped by Tom's house and the hospital yesterday. MaryEllen was taking a much needed break. Tom's backyard looked beautiful. He has lillac in bloom as well as wisteria.
Tom was definitely sleeping harder than I'd seen on other visits. His fever was a bit high at 38.4 but by the time I left it was down to 37.5. Now, I like to think I had something to do with this ;) I did place cold wash cloths on this hands, head and knees and it did seem to make him more comfortable so if you see his fever up when you're there I think you should try it. (38.4 is about 101 and 37.5 is about 99) By the end his eyes were opening more at times and he seemed to know I was there. xxoo to all.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
AMAZING MAN
My Darling Son...what a beautiful tribute to the marvelous man you are! The care and love you show to all is so reflected by the love and concern of so many too numerous to mention. My grateful thanks to all. My beautiful boy receive our prayers and our strength to carry you forward to full recovery so we can all dance together soon.....love of my life...Mom
We're thinking of You
Hey Tom, just wanted you to know that Rod and I are sending all our love to you!!! You know Rod just got a computer and is all over YouTube so you were on our mind and we got talking about how much you enjoy listing to Linda Eder. Guess what--- I got Rod to stop listing to Patti Labelle and Ree Ree and we spent the next hour listing and watching Linda belt it out!!! I seem to remember more than a few that you belted with her!!!! Again all our love!!! Rod and Jeff
Friday, April 17, 2009
Hi Tom,I came to visit you today. You seem to recognize my voice while I was there. I think it may have been seeing photos from the Shanghai tournament with your Mom as champion. Please get better soon so I can throw a big dinner party for you. I promise you can have the middle seat and the "talking stick" all night. By the way that is Cher performing a special song just for you.
We love you!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tom and Cher
I went to see Tom again this afternoon. He was resting comfortably, and the hospital was pretty quiet. No one else was there.
He looked better today than yesterday, I thought. I didn't get any photos together to bring in for today's visit, but I did bring my iPhone with me, loaded with Tom's favorite divas, of course.
I decided to play some Cher for him. Didn't the son-of-a-bitch's eyes pop open when I started with If I Could Turn Back Time...!!! As God is my waitress, they did! It was only for a brief moment, but I knew it had done the trick. I laughed so loud the girl in the nurse's station came in to see what was so funny. I decided that I would NOT play the same song over and over and over for him, as I knew that's what he wanted, and I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction. Payback's a bitch, as they say, for all those times he made us endure them.
I dediced on the American Treasure next, although it didn't play very loud on my iPhone. That didn't stop me from putting it up to his ear so he could hear it. His eyes once again fluttered, and I knew I was on to something.
Next came O Holy Night, and his reaction was again the same. I think he enjoyed hearing the music, so I might bring some more the next visit. I will also try to gather some photos and bring them in and put them up on the wall. There is a photo of Tom, Mary Ellen and Debbie there and it's a nice touch.
Unfortunately I had to go to work and cut my visit short. Chris and Craig and Troy and Paul are all visiting right now.
Hopefully they will have something to add tonight.
He looked better today than yesterday, I thought. I didn't get any photos together to bring in for today's visit, but I did bring my iPhone with me, loaded with Tom's favorite divas, of course.
I decided to play some Cher for him. Didn't the son-of-a-bitch's eyes pop open when I started with If I Could Turn Back Time...!!! As God is my waitress, they did! It was only for a brief moment, but I knew it had done the trick. I laughed so loud the girl in the nurse's station came in to see what was so funny. I decided that I would NOT play the same song over and over and over for him, as I knew that's what he wanted, and I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction. Payback's a bitch, as they say, for all those times he made us endure them.
I dediced on the American Treasure next, although it didn't play very loud on my iPhone. That didn't stop me from putting it up to his ear so he could hear it. His eyes once again fluttered, and I knew I was on to something.
Next came O Holy Night, and his reaction was again the same. I think he enjoyed hearing the music, so I might bring some more the next visit. I will also try to gather some photos and bring them in and put them up on the wall. There is a photo of Tom, Mary Ellen and Debbie there and it's a nice touch.
Unfortunately I had to go to work and cut my visit short. Chris and Craig and Troy and Paul are all visiting right now.
Hopefully they will have something to add tonight.
Wow!
Thanks so much you guys for setting this up! It is really great to hear close to first hand updates on how Tom is doing! I will watch this daily, twice daily, maybe 10 times, maybe even as many times as Tom could play a current favorite song over and over and over..........
God doesn't he make you laugh just thinking about him? I know there are many, many thousands of laughs still to come!
We are all rooting and thinking of him constantly and are eager to visit him when he gets home. Just waiting to have the honor to wait on him hand and foot. (somethings will never, ever change!)
Tim
God doesn't he make you laugh just thinking about him? I know there are many, many thousands of laughs still to come!
We are all rooting and thinking of him constantly and are eager to visit him when he gets home. Just waiting to have the honor to wait on him hand and foot. (somethings will never, ever change!)
Tim
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
So sorry we missed you!
Hello again, Tom...
Troy and I (and Paul, too) are so sorry we missed seeing you this evening. This is silly minutia, but the only time we could have been with you this evening turned out to be right at the beginning of your nurses' shift change. That doesn't mean that we haven't been thinking about you all day...as well as since the last time we visited on Tuesday.
But we did connect with others who checked in on you today. We were so glad to hear about your response to Vin's Cher-and-Whitney music "therapy" -- that's surely a good sign! And we're sending you our best wishes for your tests tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, it will be Friday, April 16, and all of your pals all looking forward to what promises to be a beautiful spring weekend. The only bummer is that you won't be able to enjoy it with us. You can count on me -- and others, to be sure -- to soak up lots of sun and vino on your behalf. We can't wait until you're back in action.
Signing out for now...
Craig
Troy and I (and Paul, too) are so sorry we missed seeing you this evening. This is silly minutia, but the only time we could have been with you this evening turned out to be right at the beginning of your nurses' shift change. That doesn't mean that we haven't been thinking about you all day...as well as since the last time we visited on Tuesday.
But we did connect with others who checked in on you today. We were so glad to hear about your response to Vin's Cher-and-Whitney music "therapy" -- that's surely a good sign! And we're sending you our best wishes for your tests tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, it will be Friday, April 16, and all of your pals all looking forward to what promises to be a beautiful spring weekend. The only bummer is that you won't be able to enjoy it with us. You can count on me -- and others, to be sure -- to soak up lots of sun and vino on your behalf. We can't wait until you're back in action.
Signing out for now...
Craig
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