Today my family and I face a heartbreaking anniversary
and we ask for your help. On this day last year, May 6th, 2015, at
1:55 pm, after a horrendous battle with cancer, my husband Tom left this world.
Tom was an amazing husband, father, and friend to many. Having served in the Army, he witnessed the
violence and suffering of hatred and war, and lived every day of his life as a
peacemaker with an unwavering belief in the Lord. Tom was as strong as an ox
yet gentle and kind. He was patient and forgiving. Most of all, he was a realist;
throughout our lives he was our hero in so many ways, especially in the manner
in which he fought an aggressive, excruciating sarcoma, accepting his fate
without ever questioning why or complaining. In a letter he left for me to open
after his death, Tom asked me to remember the good times, not the bad. Remember
him healthy and don't dwell on his illness or final months and days. It's a
hell of a daily fight, but we're all trying.
I have two regrets; because
of our responsibilities and life in general, Tom and I didn't hug enough, and
as many married couples, we often locked horns. But we stood side by side for
thirty-nine of the best years of my life. In a letter, Tom's final goodbye to
me was: "I'll see you on the other side." This was my Tom. This is
and will always be my Tom. There could never be another.
So friends, during the short time we have on this earth,
please take advantage of every single beautiful moment you share with loved
ones, even if things don’t seem so beautiful. Hug and kiss them like there's no
tomorrow. Don't argue over silly things,
and be quick to forgive. With compassion and love, you'll never have regrets.
Please join me in remembering Tom Valentine with thoughts
and prayers that my sweetest husband is at peace in the arms of Jesus, Amen.
Thank you.
