Life Has Character

My husband and I are planning on attending the funeral of one of our neighbors today. Tom was a large character in our neighborhood. We met him when we first moved in. He was that neighbor who was always out and about. He knew who was getting work done in their house, who was going away on vacation, who was dealing with a sick family member. You never needed to worry about your home when you weren’t around, Tom was there.

Tom, a Vietnam War Vet, flew the American flag and the Marine Corp flag in front of his immaculately tended home. He hosted a clan of bicycle riding friends and in his younger days spent his weekends taking 100 mile rides. This feat that totally impressed our family and made him god-like in my kids eyes. He drove a really cool convertible. One day he helped me out when I needed someone to watch my younger son. Shaun’s eyes were wide afterwards when he announced, “Tom took me out in his car and he took the lid off!” Tom always greeted the kids with, “Hey guy,” which had a way of making them feel special. He was, in short, the knight of our neighborhood.

So it is with sadness that I prepare to bid adieu to this man. His passing will leave a big hole in the lives of many people for varied reasons. Some because they loved this husband, brother, uncle, cousin. Some because he touched their lives every day and made a difference. Some because he carries within him a piece of their story, because he is a character in the story of their life.

More than anything, Tom’s passing has made me ponder the story of my life. Because a life, just like any story, is rife with characters, how can it not be? Primary characters, secondary characters, supporting characters, antagonists. Each of these characters drives us forward. Each of these characters affects the decisions we make. Each of these characters, therefore, creates us. Tom was one of the rich characters, his part was small but he played it big.

Farewell Tom. Thanks for the memories, guy!