We love you Tom! And you too, Peg!For the past week, my mom has been in Puerto Vallarta. Every year, my parents would join their friends, Tom and Peg, for a mid-winter's week on the beach. Not wanting to break tradition, my mom went alone this year. Over margaritas the first night, Tom handed my mom $100. My mom looked questionably at Tom. What was the money for?
My dad's best friend was Tom. The two met almost thirty years ago, while we lived in New Jersey. Tom and his wonderful wife, Peg, were introduced to my parents through friends. As fate would have it, the intermediary friendship fell apart, but Tom and my dad grew closer. It was an unlikely friendship. As liberal and crazy as my father was, Tom is pious and measured. While my dad gave money to Obama's campaign, Tom is an ardent Republican. My dad believed in marriage for everyone. Tom, he is a Southern Baptist. But their common bonds were stronger than political and religious affiliations. They would laugh at the same things, and sought out New Mexican restaurants together. My dad and Tom would talk about the stock market for hours. Tom is fiscally conservative, squirreling away money for the day he won't be around. For the past 15 years Tom has battled lymphoma. He has been in-and-out of the hospital, and had a couple of close calls. But he has persevered, and hung on for more of this fun ride. As Tom and my dad got older, they would talk about dying; if they were scared, what it would be like, and all those weighty questions . The two of them were like little old ladies discussing their feelings, and even had their own "bucket lists".
Last February, Tom and Norm took their last trip together. It was before my dad was diagnosed with cancer. While the ladies took in Copper Canyon's shopping, the boys sat chatting at an outdoor cafe. The discussion turned to their mortality. Tom swore he would go first. After all, he had the more serious health condition. My dad had pulmonary fibrosis, but things had been going well. But still, my dad swore it would be him. And back and forth it went. It started to get heated and finally my dad suggested a wager.
$100 bet. Loser would be winner. :)
4 comments:
Oh that just made me cry.
Me too. And my mom because I had to relay the tale to her as well.
I'm speechless!
Hi Toni,
I'm Paula, Toms sister. I read your blog and cried. They were such great friends. I met your parents several years ago in Denver. We all spent the day together along with mine and Toms parents. It was a fun and happy day. Tom loved Norm so very much and I know the feeling was mutual. Tom told me about the bet and at the time he sure thought he would go first. We never know what is in God's plan do we? When your Dad passed away Tom called me to tell me, he just couldn't believe his best friend was gone. Tom is ten years older than I am and he is my hero. Peg has been in my life since I was 5 years old and I love her more than words can express. It is great being the little sister. Well I have rambled enough but just wanted to comment on the love between our families.
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