I think I'm still in shock. It can't possibly be true. He was a pain in the ass and a little bit of a drunk, but he can't possibly be gone. But he is. I spoke to his mother. She confirmed it. Tom Newman, of my best friends, a groomsman in my wedding and someone who was there in the beginning of mine and Keds' relationship passed away on Friday.
I knew that Tom wasn't doing well. His last e-mail 10 weeks ago indicated as much. He had double hip replacement about a year and a half ago, but then told me he had both of his shoulders replaced and was looking at knee replacement as well. I knew the Bionic Woman was coming back, but not the Six Million Dollar Man. I've made attempts since then to get in touch with him. Pings through Google Talk, e-mails, phone calls and text messages. Hell - Keds and I were just talking about him this afternoon. I missed him so much, but it hurt that he wasn't responding.
It started off as rumor. An e-mail from someone to someone who called Keyser who called me. Since I was in Costco at the time, I couldn't really check but then I decided to call his cell phone and his Mom answered. How horrible is that? To ask a mother if it's true her baby boy is no longer with us. I can't imagine how besides themselves his parents must be. To lose a son at 32 is inconsolable. No word on funeral arrangements yet and they still aren't really sure what happened. But she did mention that he didn't communicate much - he was still in that much pain.
I know that Tom would not want us to grieve for him (OK, maybe a little grieving). He'd rather we all drink a shot of Crown Royal at the Skyline Casino and celebrate life.
Tommy...I miss you and love you. You were like a brother to me. I still can't believe he's gone...
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6 comments:
I know I'm still shocked. To get the news like that. I don't understand. I keep staring off into nothing and losing myself. How did this happen? There are so many questions and I don't even know which ones are okay to ask.
I'm glad Michael was the one to tell you.
Ken, I'm so sad. :(
I am so sorry to hear about your best friend. I know that people can't really understand what it is like to lose a best friend. I went through the same thing almost 6 years ago this month. My best friend Patty died of cancer when she was only 31. I still think of her often and miss her terribly.
Tommy, you will always be a "cake eater", only some know what that is all about but he would be laughing about it right now.
You will be deeply missed.
:-(
OMG Ken, I am so sorry. I remember meeting him at your wedding. How horrible to lose someone so close. Losing a best friend is like losing a member of your family. How could someone so young pass away? Were the surgeries just too much for him? I can not even imagine what his parents are going through.
Sad... just sad. No other words.
Tom, gone too soon, but loved so much.
Just sad.
Ken, whatever you need - I am here.
There is not much that can be said at a time like this. I can only hope that you know that your friends are there for you. I'd even consider trying to down one of those shots if it'd help.
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