I’ve never been much of a “Christmas person.” Somewhere along the line, asking myself why that was, I came to the realization that it’s the “family holiday” part of it that pushes me away. The “family” I grew up in was more a random collection of similar DNA than it was an actual family. That continues to be true today.
Tom, walking thru grief is a hard journey, and yet, here you are, at the closing of a difficult year in so many ways, offering your generous spirit to all of us. I want to thank you for the education I've received from you. I'm grateful for your wisdom, your experience and for sharing them with us.
Wishing you a restful holiday season. May the new year bring you fulfillment and happiness.
We are all the richer for being your friends, Tom. You’ve shared far more than your opinions; you’ve shared your hopes, fears, regrets and grief with us. In other words you’ve shared your heart. Thank you.
Awwwww.I am glad I have your phraseology and life’s lessons to help me through these challenging days.I consider you and others who are illuminating our way as treasures and blessings and ,yes,friends. Peace out and thank-you.
You are a gift to all of us Tom. Thank you for sharing the joys and challenges in your life. You have created a safe place for all of us to share ours as well. Your knowledge of history and excellent writing benefit us all, and I learn so much from you and everyone that provides their comments and insight. And a very special thank you for sharing your cat family with us! Wishing you peace and happiness!
What animal person can’t relate. Cats give unconditional love if given the opportunity. My two bed buddies are my comfort more than ever these days. Love Feline Friday, or whatever day.
We always lose some ourselves along with our biggest losses. That seems to be how it works.
So glad you stayed connected here and to your other major work. If nothing else, it shaped your day, which is important, and it certainly added to the shapes of ours. Thank you for your holiday reflections and for leading us in the charge up the hill even on days when you couldn't possibly feel like it.
Well, you have done so much for all of us, so you're still ahead.
As a kid, I thought The Little Drummer Boy was one of the more interesting Christmas shows, and then some groups got upset with how it depicted Arabs. Which I get. But the story DOES matter.
Beautiful, thanks Tom. Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Somewhere along the line, resolve the ear worm by listening to Bing and David Bowie's duet of LDB and Peace on Earth.
I'm glad you see us as being there for you, Tom, because by your efforts, research and clariry, you have been there for us. I certainly had the sense of what you were carrying , when I met you, having been through a similar grief long ago, and told you how sorry I was. I am happy for you that your realization pulled things together for you.
Have a very Merry Chrismas, and we'll catch you in the new year, a happier one, I hope.
Happy holidays, Tom. We’re delighted to be considered part of your SubStack family. We count on you, Joyce,
Heather, Rachel and others for an insight into what is happening beyond the headlines in the Times, the Post and other main stream media sources. Take care of yourself this coming week. We’ll do,the same.
Tom, you are ever a thought that brings a smile to my face (and my heart) ~ thank you for sharing so much of yourself, your energy, and your time with us. We are the richer for it.
Tom, walking thru grief is a hard journey, and yet, here you are, at the closing of a difficult year in so many ways, offering your generous spirit to all of us. I want to thank you for the education I've received from you. I'm grateful for your wisdom, your experience and for sharing them with us.
Wishing you a restful holiday season. May the new year bring you fulfillment and happiness.
Wow .. Tom your sentiments touched the core of my soul…bless you for all you gave
All you received and all you continue to give … my life is enriched by your words
And feelings of love, family and support..
In 1993 my 26 year old son died needing a heart transplant..that’s when I knew for sure God had blessed me with the most
Precious gift of becoming a trained
Hospice Grief Counselor And Pastoral
Care Counselor (Able to pray the prayers of every faith of each of the patients)
For thirty years I’ve given thirty hours a week when I’m in Florida and not traveling!
Giving the the true blessing of a rich life❤️
Tom reassure yourself that you GIVE with each article you write and share… You dearest Tom are a Treasure! Love, Marsha
We are all the richer for being your friends, Tom. You’ve shared far more than your opinions; you’ve shared your hopes, fears, regrets and grief with us. In other words you’ve shared your heart. Thank you.
May your windshield remain sparkly and fresh.
Your felines, we still will adore.
We all know there’ll be yet
another fine mess
in 2024.
And together we’ll stand, sit, roll, or fight
against the breaches we just can’t ignore—
We drive into the future,
with your clear sight (and computer),
to the freedom at everyone’s core.
Merry Chosen Family 🎄
Love,
Donna
Chosen family indeed.
You pierce my heart, but in a good way. Indeed, we all need each other in ways we can't even fully understand.
Awwwww.I am glad I have your phraseology and life’s lessons to help me through these challenging days.I consider you and others who are illuminating our way as treasures and blessings and ,yes,friends. Peace out and thank-you.
You are a gift to all of us Tom. Thank you for sharing the joys and challenges in your life. You have created a safe place for all of us to share ours as well. Your knowledge of history and excellent writing benefit us all, and I learn so much from you and everyone that provides their comments and insight. And a very special thank you for sharing your cat family with us! Wishing you peace and happiness!
What animal person can’t relate. Cats give unconditional love if given the opportunity. My two bed buddies are my comfort more than ever these days. Love Feline Friday, or whatever day.
We always lose some ourselves along with our biggest losses. That seems to be how it works.
So glad you stayed connected here and to your other major work. If nothing else, it shaped your day, which is important, and it certainly added to the shapes of ours. Thank you for your holiday reflections and for leading us in the charge up the hill even on days when you couldn't possibly feel like it.
Your first sentence was a lesson I learned long ago. And that is how it seems to work.
You are our truffle too, Tom. Thank you. May your holidays be restful, and may 2024 bring you contentment and joy.
Well, you have done so much for all of us, so you're still ahead.
As a kid, I thought The Little Drummer Boy was one of the more interesting Christmas shows, and then some groups got upset with how it depicted Arabs. Which I get. But the story DOES matter.
Beautiful, thanks Tom. Have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Somewhere along the line, resolve the ear worm by listening to Bing and David Bowie's duet of LDB and Peace on Earth.
https://youtu.be/lCpXMy5GalI?si=uz12pzLv2-5QljsG
Thanks MaryPat. Merry Christmas.
You are so welcome, Dave.
And a Happy New Year to you!
Thanks for the suggestion of Peace on Earth & Drummer Boy, Dave!
I'm glad you see us as being there for you, Tom, because by your efforts, research and clariry, you have been there for us. I certainly had the sense of what you were carrying , when I met you, having been through a similar grief long ago, and told you how sorry I was. I am happy for you that your realization pulled things together for you.
Have a very Merry Chrismas, and we'll catch you in the new year, a happier one, I hope.
Best Holiday wishes for you, my friend. Your gifts to me are numerous and precious. Knowledge. Glad to hear you’re feeling safely moored. ❤️
Happy holidays, Tom. We’re delighted to be considered part of your SubStack family. We count on you, Joyce,
Heather, Rachel and others for an insight into what is happening beyond the headlines in the Times, the Post and other main stream media sources. Take care of yourself this coming week. We’ll do,the same.
I ironically laugh at myself when I have one of those aha moments. Thanks for sharing yours and the insight you found.
Tom, you are ever a thought that brings a smile to my face (and my heart) ~ thank you for sharing so much of yourself, your energy, and your time with us. We are the richer for it.