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.
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As I only within the last 2 weeks learned of Tom's illness, I am so grateful to read these pages. He has an extraordinary gift for friendship and joy as is manifested in the pictures and all the postings. I've also been able to spend peaceful time with him and have marveled at his hands. I don't think they were ever still; they are really magnificent. When I wasn't at the hospital I spent time looking at pictures from college and our early days out here in SF and just laughed and laughed (Bill B, I'll have to bring my Shasta 1988/89 pictures over, oy). In the pictures from last Christmas it's clear that only one of us really aged and it wasn't him. I will cherish those long evenings and extensive conversations. Tom, you are a bright, shining star. Love, Joanna (using the anonymous link as I don't remember any of my gmail information)
ReplyDeleteVinny,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your posts. My visit with Tom yesterday was incredibly peaceful. I chatted with my old friend about fashion, politics, music, and female hippos, though my "Monique" imitation was nowhere near the sublime humor of his.
I feel so lucky to be among his loving friends.
Love,
Rosie
Thank you to all of you for being such a huge support system for Tom and his family. I really don't know what else to say... My heart aches not only for Tom but for all of us who have been fortunate enough to have him touch our lives. I will always choose to remember the larger than life, vibrant soul I knew. Tom is so loved and his absence will forever be palpable.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Kate Bryan