Part 9 Tom and Family

We left off arriving at the apartment in N.Y. After settling in and unpacking we bundled up and headed out for a slice of Rays and a few things from Food Emporium and Jefferson's Market. Neither of us make it very long until we fall asleep. Upon awakening the next morning we began our day with checking to see what we would need for the wedding. Ammba was asked to be a flower girl so her dress was at Rickys' house. She did need shoes and I needed an entire new suit. We got ready to go out when the phone rang. It was Meagen our neighbor wondering who was staying in the apartment, since she knew we were in Cozumel until summer. I asked if we could stop over and she said " What do you think?" I thought yes and said as much. So we had a quick bowl of cereal and headed across the street to see our favorite New York family. There's Tom the father and Mayor of the block. Then there are his kids T.J. his son who is a comic book fanatic and very fun to be around. Then there are the 2 sisters Tara and Meagen who are teenagers and all that that entails. So we ring the buzzer and they let us in and the hugging and greeting commence. Tom is a person who is very easy to talk to. He's down to earth which immediately puts people at ease. He is always there with a helping hand and a large dose of hospitality. Ammba is smothered with love and affection as the girls fight over her. Us boys catch up on what's important: sports, movies and scuba diving. I explain that I need to get a suit and am guided to Burlington Coat Factory. We split up, Ammba goes with the girls to buy shoes, while Tom and I go pick out a suit. There are not many people I trust to take care of Ammba. Tom and his family have added a dimension to our lives that is timeless. Regardless of how long we haven't kept in touch we all just pick up again as if we haven't missed a beat. Tom not only offered me the hand of friendship when I needed it most, he kept watch out for me. He never missed an opportunity to let me know there was nothing I couldn't tell him. The intensity and sincerity in his eyes planted a seed that today is a forest of trust and understanding. As it is with many things I can only repay his kindness by passing it on to others. For you see as I write this Tom is no longer with us. Yet I can hear his voice, feel his presence and see the gifts he left this world, both in his children and those who knew him. There is a group of us on 10th st. who have reaped the benefits of his friendship and will never forget him. Speaking for myself I will not waste the efforts he put forth to help me and my family. My purpose in writing this is to honor that part of Tom , which he so generously left in me. From the local merchants to the tenants that inhabit our neighborhood ,Tom acted as a landmark that will be both remembered and missed. This is not a story of his passing, but rather one which is richly remembered and lives on as it is told. So we walked and talked of things which navigate the direction of our lives. Tom is a new grandfather and is stepping up to the plate most admirably. I am entering into a new relationship of a different kind. We swap stories, laugh and drink coffee. We end up in Barnes and Nobles looking for a book on electrical systems in boats. I always knew he loved the water, but this was a surprise. It turns out that he just bought a boat and is refitting it for diving. Tom is one the few brave souls who dives the north Atlantic wreck circuit. Having done it , I can assure it's not for everyone. After moving to Cozumel and experiencing the warm Caribbean waters I shy away from this type of diving. Tom is forging ahead full throttle. We slowly walk home to find Ammba and her new shoes making dinner at Toms house. It's homemade pasta and salad. We hunker down to watch T.V. and enjoy our meal. My suit will be ready tomorrow, and today has been a total success. Tomorrow is Ricky's wedding. Goodnight and thanks for reading. Jody