Tommy D

Two Friday's ago, I had the honor of going to Dr. Tom's office to watch the filming of the video for the Tommy D foundation. The main filming was done in Dr. Andrew's (Jenn's grandpa) office which I honestly hadn't been in since um, I think I was 17. It was amazing. Nothing had changed. It felt safe(sounds strange even typing that a doc's private office was safe). Anyway, I sat and listened intently to the loving way that Dr. Tom explained Tommy's diagnosis and treatment from age six until last August. It was hard to listen to him talk and give the timeline of Tommy's treatment over the years. I felt badly that I forgot a surgery that he had back in 2002. It was hard to think of how I felt the first time I met Tommy when I was just moved here. I never knew anyone who actually had cancer and brain cancer was just so foriegn to me. I remember being worried about how to treat Tommy. Then after I got to know Jenn and family. I knew to treat Tommy as just one of the gang. He was always so pleasant. I really can't think of a time when he was 'in a bad mood' I have said it before but Tommy really taught me to live for the moment. Enjoy every breakfast, every lunch, a cup of coffee, a television show.



I sat in the chair in Dr. Andrew's office and saw Jennifer's dad as a father who had love in his eyes for his son. I saw a man who did everything possible to seek out 'the best' possible treatment for Tommy. When that treatment plan wasn't working as well, then he sought out another plan. There was never a 'this is the end' there was always another option on the horizon. I saw a man who loves his four children. I saw a man who loves Lucille (Jennifer's mom). Tommy relied on Lucille for strength. I saw a man who did everything he could to find a cure for Tommy and s now tryng to make the path easier for others who are diagnosed with this horrible disease. I was honored and proud to be there to witness this moment. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. The whole family teaches me about the person that I strive to be.

April is birthday month for Jennifer's family and I know that Tommy with his grandparents are rejoicing and celebrating each of the April birthday's from Heaven.

Submitted by Michelle