Friday, November 24, 2006

remembering a friend...

TOMMY

Yesterday was a day that all of us had something to be thankful for. Yesterday, was also a day for the last two years that I pause and remember my dear ole high school buddy, Tommy Mauldin. Tommy and I had many good times together in high school and I was honored to be his friend. It was his mom and dad that took me out of town when I made the East - West Allstar Basketball Team and his parents were the only folks to be there for the game and I also remember the return trip home as his parents were the ones that I rode home with. Through the years I always ran into his Dad, as his mom passed away many years later. Tommy left us two years ago at the age of 60 and he also died on my 60th birthday, April 17, 2004. I can never let November 23 go by again without thinking of his wife Linda, his two daughters and his son, as well as his grandchildren.

So Tommy to me was also the most valuable player in life and in death. He so much loved his family, especially his grandchildren he so hated to leave. The top picture was made just before cancer wrecked his body. I am too familiar with cancer, as not just my mama, but my uncle that was also my guardian at my mama's death, but a sister in law as well just 3 years ago. I am thankful I have such fond memories of Tommy. The last times I saw Tommy, since he lived out of town, was at the hospital when his Dad and my Uncle were both patients and we ran into each other and made a point to go to the coffee shop, chat of old times and did so each time we were both there visiting. He later retired from the US Postal Service and his wife Linda is still teaching school. He left behind a wonderful family and so many friends. I have had him on my mind and wanted to share him with you briefly.

Here is a picture of Tommy and his grandson made a few weeks prior to his death. A picture does say a thousand words!
God Bless!

5 comments:

Jae Arronson said...

Claudia, I'm so sorry to read that you've been going through some really tough times, physically. I hope you're feeling a bit better by now. And my heart goes out to you in missing your friend, Tommy...he sounds like a wonderful person. You're in my thoughts and prayers...

Clara....in TN said...

What a touching story. Makes me want to call all my friends!
Glad to see your post today and hope you are feeling "perky".

Gattina said...

That's a rrather sad story ! Cancer is something terrible so many people around me died of this decease.

But I am happy that you are back ! Are you feeling better ? What did the doctor say ?

Moobear said...

Hi Sandy, Clara and Ingrid, thanks for your comments. Sandy I know you are having a time yourself with your back and I do hope you can get by without any surgery. I do appreciate so much your kind comment and visit.
Clara and Ingrid, as you know I am around but not doing much. I will try to check in from time to time. About all I am doing is reclining and doing just the necessary things around the house. I have not been back to no doctor, hope to make it two more weeks, but if I feel I must I certainly will go earlier.

Hope you all have a great evening!


God Bless!

Anonymous said...

That's a wonderful photo of him with his grandson. I'm sure he's missed by many.