Farewell, Mr. Sunshine

This morning, I attended the funeral of Tom Foster, the father of one of my oldest friends.  It never ceases to amaze me how events like these reflect the person whom the event honors.  It has been some time since I last spoke with Tom, but I have many fond memories of him from my high school years.

I remember Tom as one of the rare adults who always had a smile on his face, a kind word for everyone (even us kids) and a laugh on his breath… always.   Tom could walk into any room and lighten the mood of the whole space.  I can remember spending many nights at the foster home with Tom’s daughter, Kim, and our group of silly, fun-loving girls.  We never seemed to wear him out or wear him down – even if we stayed up all night long, filling the house with the aroma of
browning cookies and pizza rolls under sounds of teenage whispering giggles.  I know Tom worked hard and life wasn’t easy, but he never seemed to take the stress of his job home with him, and he never seemed to let the stresses of life interfere with the joy he possessed and freely shared with his friends and family. 

While listening to his pastor talk about Tom’s final few days, months and years, it
was clear that Tom never lost his sunny disposition.   I could also tell by the packed church, that he shared his gift of joy with more people than we will ever know. 

Although it was hard to say good-bye, it was clear today that the layers upon layers of joy that Tom shared with others throughout his life eased the pain of this difficult good-bye. 

Tom, we will miss your smile, we will miss your laugh, but your joy…. it lives on within us all. 

Thank you for showing us a life well-lived. Thank you for sharing your joy. 

May God bless your family and ease their loss.