Singing together somewhere in time
Tom & Gwen
Tom Hunter
For information about Tom Hunter, his ideas, and his music, visit www.tomhunter.com.
Tom Hunter left all of us a legacy of celebration, music, compassion and giving to our communities. Throughout his lifetime, Tom worked with people of all ages and backgrounds to teach new ways of learning and living. We all are committed to "keeping it going" by remembering his smile and his music and his voice.
There was a tremendous outpouring of support for the Hunters during this transition, and the family is deeply grateful.
Tom Hunter left all of us a legacy of celebration, music, compassion and giving to our communities. Throughout his lifetime, Tom worked with people of all ages and backgrounds to teach new ways of learning and living. We all are committed to "keeping it going" by remembering his smile and his music and his voice.
There was a tremendous outpouring of support for the Hunters during this transition, and the family is deeply grateful.
TOM'S HEALTH
Tom Hunter was diagnosed on May 20, 2008 with Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease and died on June 20, 2008.
On September 2, 2008, a letter from the National Prion Disease Pathology Research Center confirmed that Tom had what's called 'sporadic CJD' (sCJD). His was an extremely rare type of sCJD that one in 4.5 million people are diagnosed with annually. We're very grateful that he did not have the inherited form, but it's critically important that a cure for all forms of CJD (caused by scrapy proteins in the brain which can take up to 40 years to manifest and kill their victims) are found. All forms of CJD are fatal.
The most accurate and up-to-date site for learning about CJD and supporting efforts to find a cure is http://www.cjdfoundation.org/ .
On September 2, 2008, a letter from the National Prion Disease Pathology Research Center confirmed that Tom had what's called 'sporadic CJD' (sCJD). His was an extremely rare type of sCJD that one in 4.5 million people are diagnosed with annually. We're very grateful that he did not have the inherited form, but it's critically important that a cure for all forms of CJD (caused by scrapy proteins in the brain which can take up to 40 years to manifest and kill their victims) are found. All forms of CJD are fatal.
The most accurate and up-to-date site for learning about CJD and supporting efforts to find a cure is http://www.cjdfoundation.org/ .
Tom and Gwen
2007
Tom and Aeden
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May 8,2008
Tom and Irene
May 24th, 2008
To live on this earth
you must be able
to do three things:
To love what is mortal;
To hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
And when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go.
mary oliver
DONATIONS
Please help provide financial support by sending whatever you can. We are hoping for lots of $25. hugs- or whatever works for you - to help the Hunters with medical and transition expenses. They also want to protect the wetlands, forest and farm* that have seen so much of their love over the years and to help keep Tom's work alive in the world. (*Contributions given specifically for the mortgage have been moved with overwhelming gratitude to the new Tom Hunter Memorial Account described above.) If you wish to make a donation please make checks payable to Tom Hunter Family Donation (or to Tom Hunter Memorial Account) and mail to:
Whatcom Educational Credit Union
PO Box 9750
Bellingham, WA 98227
If you'd prefer to donate safely and securely using your credit/debit card, use this button:
Whatcom Educational Credit Union
PO Box 9750
Bellingham, WA 98227
If you'd prefer to donate safely and securely using your credit/debit card, use this button:
Now the focus narrows to just the steps ahead. You have a chorus of knowing, loving voices all over this planet to sing you home.
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flip
PHOTOS - NOW ON A NEW PAGE
Many of the photos from this page and also new ones have been moved to their own page and can be viewed by clicking on the link below. If you have photos to share please send them to us at tomhunterblog@gmail.com Thanks.
Pictures of Tom, Family and Friends
Singing with friends
Salem Oregon 1990
Laughing at a story
June 7th from Marie
"All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today" Indian Proverb
with love from Gege Manolis
with love from Gege Manolis
Tom and Irene
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June 2008
COMMENTS and HOW TO HELP
To leave a comment for Tom and his family please scroll to the bottom of this page, and then come back up to today's date on the left side. Click on "comments" and leave your message in the box on the right side of the comments page. Your comment will not show up immediately as all comments go through the postmaster. They will be posted as soon as possible. If your comment is not posted within 24 hours please contact the postmaster at tomhunterblog@gmail.com
There are many ways to help. Please click on www.tomhuntersupport.blogspot.com under Music, Meals, Flowers, Yard Work, Farm Work below or look for the How to Help section opposite the daily comments on the right side of the blog towards the bottom.
There are many ways to help. Please click on www.tomhuntersupport.blogspot.com under Music, Meals, Flowers, Yard Work, Farm Work below or look for the How to Help section opposite the daily comments on the right side of the blog towards the bottom.
Music, meals, flowers, yard work & farm work
The Hunter Family
Jeanne Herrick has put many photos from the blog into a beautiful slide show. Click below to watch
Words from Tom's Dad
May 26
Somebody noticed what you did today
Somebody noticed little things along the way
How you watched how you listened to what children do and say;
Somebody noticed what you've done alway
'Tis grace has brought us safe thus far,
And grace will lead us home.
May 29
And the Angels took care of him.
May 31st
The Lord bless and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you, your family, the city of Bellingham, and the world, peace-- both now and forevermore. Amen
Somebody noticed what you did today
Somebody noticed little things along the way
How you watched how you listened to what children do and say;
Somebody noticed what you've done alway
'Tis grace has brought us safe thus far,
And grace will lead us home.
May 29
And the Angels took care of him.
May 31st
The Lord bless and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you, your family, the city of Bellingham, and the world, peace-- both now and forevermore. Amen
Tom with the love quilt
From First Congregational Church of Bellingham
Aeden, Tom & Willard Hunter
Three Generations
Tom and Cindy
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Prayer rocks from Lummi Island
"Sometimes healing is more than getting better. Sometimes it's love revealed....." - Tom Hunter
Aeden and Tom, April '08
May 20, 2008
Here I sit, feeling my feet on the floor
An image of grounding you’ve used lots before
Trying to make sense of this surreal, difficult time
While loving where I came from with infinite pride
It’s been amazing how many lines from your songs
Have been lights in the darkness when it all feels wrong
Have comforted, questioned, been profound and fun
Your capacity for humanity is second to none
This world is a better place because of who you are
And that’s known widely – near and far
In music, education, and matters of the heart
You’ve bettered lives right from the start
I’m so proud of you, of where I’ve come from
You’re a huge part of me and have taught me a ton
About being human, love, laughter, and tears
And how to keep going despite life’s fears
Please don’t worry about the rest of us
We’ll take care of each other and will always feel your touch
Your laughter, music, compassion, and voice
Will always be with us in the midst of life’s noise
So here I sit, feeling my feet on the floor
With love and gratitude deep down in my core
I’m so grateful for the time we have had
You’ll always be my mentor, my best friend, my dad.
-Aeden
Irene and Tom last summer
The very best dad in the world
i’ve always loved your laugh lines,
the way you smile ear to ear
and you always have this easy way
of crushing any fears.
we’ve shared so much so far in life
and i’m so proud and glad
that i can say with confidence
i have the very best dad.
from raspberries to hasty moves
and the cutting edge again?!
to times when you have comforted me
over troubles with my friends.
you know how to relieve the weird feelings
when things don’t feel quite right
you let me put them in your hands
and throw them into the night.
we’ve shared trees against the sky
and books, poems, songs and walks
you taught me respect by looking again
and i’ve always loved our talks.
from dream stories to lake padden eagles
and coloring outside the lines
i can say with ease and confidence
you have the most lovely mind.
i remember all those wakeful nights
and running down the hall
you and mom sang lullabies
and sound asleep i’d fall.
i’m your goofball now—
i’ll always be whether we’re near or far
i’ll hold you close in who i am
no matter where we are.
i know it’s getting harder
to take in this fantastic world
just know i love you—i always will—
as daddy’s little girl.
Irene
May 22, 2008 After baptizing little Maddie
Exchanging blessings
To My Old Brown Earth by Pete Seeger
To my old brown Earth
And to my old blue sky
I'll now give these last few molecules of I
And you who sing
And you who stand near by
I do charge you not to cry
Guard well our human chain
Watch well you keep it strong
As long as sun will shine
And this our home
Keep pure and sweet and green
For now I'm yours
And you are also mine
with thanks to Cori Dusmann
May 22, 2008 At the Shepherd's
"I want my music to be grounded in the realities of what kids and teachers know. I want it to 'ring true; as it helps people laugh, cry, remember, celebrate, and learn."
— Tom Hunter
Tom in his backyard Labor Day 03
"I've been visiting schools to sing songs for almost 30 years. I've been in a lot of classrooms, presented a lot of workshops, talked with a lot of teachers, and sat on a lot of floors with kids. If I bring reminders of what's important in education, they come from finding those moments when the heart shows up, moments that peek around the corner and need to be invited farther into the room so we can see them. Such moments might seem ordinary but they are way too important to be captured in test scores. They fill teachers (and sometimes children) to overflowing."
Quoted from Tom's introduction to his book of essays : "Visits to the Heart of Education: Remembering What's Important" (available from Song Growing Company - see link below)
Quoted from Tom's introduction to his book of essays : "Visits to the Heart of Education: Remembering What's Important" (available from Song Growing Company - see link below)
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"But what if we can't get there?
What if it's too far?
What if we can't find our way from right here where we are?
What if it doesn't matter
that we can't find our star?
What if God comes anyway
right here where we are?"
-Tom Hunter
What if it's too far?
What if we can't find our way from right here where we are?
What if it doesn't matter
that we can't find our star?
What if God comes anyway
right here where we are?"
-Tom Hunter
Northwest Teachers Camp
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from Cori Dusmann
Photos
If you have photos of Tom that we can use on the blog, please email them to us at tomhunterblog@gmail.com
Today, like every other day, we wake up empty
and frightened. Don't open the door to the study
and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.
Rumi, the Sufi Poet
and frightened. Don't open the door to the study
and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.
Rumi, the Sufi Poet
Clarification -- How to Comment
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If you have questions about the blog or if this does not work for you -- send your message to the postmaster at: tomhunterblog@gmail.com and it will be posted for you.
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Friday, May 30, 2008
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39 comments:
Dear Tom, Gwen, Aeden and Irene,
I wanted to share a highlight of my Friday evening. I went to the annual Whatcom Human RIghts Task Force Awards dinner, and just as I sat down to eat, Barbara Rofkar asked if I would open the evening program by inviting the community to celebrate their care and thoughts for you, because really, Barbara said, "everthing Tom's done is related to promoting human rights and building community, and that's why we're here tonight." Well, ain't THAT the truth I thought. So that's what I did! It was quite lovely to stand and invite people to think of you...heads were nodding, eyes bright - I felt a part of another ripple of love that connects back to you and your family. And this room full of lively folks reminded me of the "embarrassment of riches" that grace our everyday lives when we can pause long enough to notice. So, I told them that you might say just that if you coulda been there tonight. Thank you for the many ways you have helped me remember to pause more often to notice, and celebrate, the everyday richness of life. Sleep well tonight Tom and family, and all who love them- love, Julie Mauermann
Dear Tom,
We don't always take or make the time to thank those who have touched our lives, planted a seed, caused a "shift" in our thinking or way of being and doing - tonight I am taking this opportunity. Please forgive the length of my story - there's just so much I want to say. So many of your songs have become staples in my classroom (and my life) over the years, but right now I want to talk about "Memories". The first time I heard these lyrics I actually cried - it was a bit of a cathartic experience for me, especially the line "may what you remember find healing when it hurts..." - I was struck by how deeply music can evoke emotion and how powerful words can be. Thank you for that lesson. I teach in a lab school and work with a new Intern each year. My Interns always amaze me - their growth over our 10 months together is exceptional, and I am honored to be a part of that. At the end of each year, I make them a scrapbook of photos and trinkets and memories of the work they have done and all that they have accomplished, and in every book, I have included the words to "Memories". Thank you for those words. I work with student teachers enrolled in the ECE program - it's an intimate group of adults who move through the year of intense course work and supervised teaching, together. This last January, one of our ECE students went home to Reno for winter break, and never returned. Brianna Denison's disappearance and murder rocked our ECE community to it's core and her college classmates were left feeling very vulnerable. One of the things we did with the students was to create a scrapbook, with each of her classmates taking a page or two to reflect on their time with Brianna and share their memories of her through drawing, collage, and words. On my pages, I included the words to "Memories". We sent that book to her family in Reno. Thank you for helping us all "find healing when it hurts". Thank you for understanding teachers, and for helping us understand ourselves so that we may better serve the children and families we work with. Thank you for reminding us to sit on the floor and just BE with children. Thank you Gwen, Aeden and Irene, for supporting Tom's work and sharing him with us for so many years. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Alyssa Binder
Dearest Hunter Family-Tom, Gwen, Aeden and Irene,
When I first found out about Tom I was deeply saddened. I didn't know what I could share but then I thought of all the fun times and memories that he has been able to share. Tom you have an awesome way to express words and feelings through your songs. I remember one year when I was at Bev Bos - Good Stuff for Kids and you wrote a song about crying/sadness. You would jot down the words. At the end of the conference you had written a NEW song and you sang it for us. Many in the room were crying because you had been able to put into a song what so many had been feeling. I thank you for those times and I want to continue sharing your kindness, caring and compassion with others through the work that is so needed, caring for others.
At a parent dinner night at our school -4/24/08- I turned on the music - I can't hear my parents call. Parents and grandparents could relate and were enthusiastic to hear more. One comment was that you DID understand children. At Christmas time -The Friendly Beasts- was used at our Christmas program. And some of our favorites have been -I have a box- Hobo's Lullaby- Good night Irene and - When I'm sad I cry. Thank you for all your memories and I do plan on continuing to sing and share your music with my own children. My five year old daughter is always asking me to sing with her too especially - You are my sunshine and Red River Valley.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that you are all loved by so many.
Blessings,Rochelle Himmelrick - Barstow, Ca.
Tom,
I don't have a long letter. Many many others knew you longer and better than I. But, I do especially remember times when you brought life to very "heavy and wordy" Conference Annual Meetings. I also remember the trip to the National Youth Event in Beloit. enroute the kids had to deal with being in Chicago, the death of the pastor who was hosting them (Reuben Shears) and about seven trips to the emergency room. Coming back our delegation, with two on crutches, had a flight cancelled. They split the group and put half on a flight that left 6 hours earlier. We sat in the waiting room and finally you took out your guitar and becan to quietly sing.
What a gift you are to so many people. I hope you feel the chorus arund you saying "Well done" and "thank you" and the gaggle of witnesses who are surrounding you and your family with love, tears, laughter and prayers.
Me too!
Lynne Simcox (Fitch)
Sending our love and prayers across the country to Tom, Gwen, Aeden and Irene... "The Monster in the Closet" and that missing ghost have been running through our heads as we recall happier times. Please know the love and affection of the UCC family across the miles.
dear tom, gwen, aeden, and irene~
to appropriate a line from the hymn, how can we keep from singing? simply remembering the climb to tom's second-story apartment 'find' in palo alto--the one he located after asking the neighborhood kids what they knew about places to rent in the neighborhood he wanted to live in, long-sleeve records and songs for enthusiastic friends in night spots around the bay, conversations around church and youth and learning and life,caring for family and friends, children and the joys and challenges they bring. how can we keep from singing? we are so touched by grace in the rich friendships we have enjoyed with you; they have helped to make us who we are. thank you.
may the communities of friends you have created--everywhere you go!!--nurture and sustain you. love, carolyn
Dear ones all,
I've wept bucketsful of tears and mined tender memories galore since I heard the news of this round-you-didn't-ask-for. I sent two messages that went astray, but then yesterday's finally went through, so I'm giving it one more try.
I trust that even in the struggle, you're able to sink back into the arms of the God who was there to hear your borning cry and trust that she'll still be there with "just one more surprise."
Memories keep sneaking up on me, bringing fresh tears and tenderness: hanging out in the back of Merrill Hall hooting and hmmmm-ing our way through Annual Meetings....swapping tales from our separate eras at Union....getting to hear the latest questions kids asked and things they wondered about during your Modesto school gigs....the tender way you called forth my deepmost feelings after Frank died, and the echoes I heard of that in The Goodbye Song....all the times you gifted our church community and peace community with your lively faith, deep wisdom, powerful questions and vibrant, playful songs and stories....your grace in never expressing disappointment when benefit concert audiences were sparse and the take was slim.... our late-night conversations about what was going on in our lives, in the world, in education and theology....the caring way you bore witness to my pondering and offered a unique, open-hearted perspective....the time we descended upon you at the church on Lummi Island and later frolicked in the raspberries....
all those times I tracked you down at CAEYC conferences to get caught up, re-inspired, and learn some lively new songs....your faithful prodding on justice issues and your passion for what children need from us... All such rich, wondrous connections that I will forever cherish and miss.
Ah, Tom, how I've treasured our friendship over these 30 years or more, and the way we've always picked right up where we left off. I'll miss you so much, as will countless children & families & teachers & seekers-after-truth who have been touched by you, your music and your sense of wonder. May you sink back into all the love and support and prayer-energy that's surrounding you now as you make your way toward letting go of this fine ride you've graciously shared with all of us -- and may glorious surprises await you!
(My view of the afterlife doesn't include bodily reunions with those we've loved on earth -- but in case I've got it wrong and you bump into Frank along the way, give him a big ol' hug for me!)
Know that I feel honored and blessed to join so many others in singing you home....
I must share an image from my Spiritual Direction session this week. I took my sadness to Mother God (who's very good at sadness), and felt bathed in her love and peace. Then I 'saw' our planet hanging there in space, with sparkling shooting-star-like arcs coming from many different places and converging in one spot, which I knew was your home and your heart. Then the shining arcs swirled back outward, curving and flowing and intertwining in a glorious, shimmering swirl of loving energy that bathed the whole world in glory-light. Then I heard a playful voice: "Bet you never thought an Internet blog would be an instrument I would use to spread my grace and love to those who need to receive and trust and wonder about it." I hooted and wept, and knew I wanted to share the image with you and with those near and far who are holding you close now.
With much love to you all as you navigate this path of loving and releasing,
Sandy Sample
Tom, You don't know me, though maybe you remember me from Stuart's Coffee House; I used to do the booking there. I'm also Dana Lyons' assistant. I was so saddened when Flip shared the news about you. From what I know about you, you are truly an angel here on earth. I wanted to let you know that the best part of Christmas was your Christmas Eve show. No one made me feel the true meaning of Christmas and brotherhood like you did. For that I will always be grateful. We missed it so much this last year. I will make a special point to take a moment each Christmas Eve and remember Bellingham's own special angel. You are a treasure and we'll never forget you. With appreciation, Katey Roemmele
Hello Tom; Not being a "digital native," I am not sure that my comments are anywhere near where you and your family are! Just know that I am praying for you at all times and thinking of Union Seminary and the whole bunch of characters that resided there for a time together. Linda Clark
Dear Tom,
When I was 3, my favorite song was “Come and Set the Children Three” (known to others as “Come and Set the Children Free”). I still love that song… but I don’t think it’s all about me anymore! I still recognize its importance in my life, along with your other songs. Twenty seven years later, I’m a preschool teacher and “freeing” young children has been a huge part of my life for a long time now.
Long before I learned about Madonna and Michael Jackson, you had already become my childhood idol. When I was 6 or 7 my best friend asked who my favorite singer was. She liked the Beatles, but my answer was a clear, “Tom Hunter!” It made me a bit of an odd ball, but I wouldn’t change it for anything!
When I was 20 or 21 I went to my first event with Bev Bos. I was blown away. I was absolutely floored when I found out that the two of you work together. My new hero and my childhood hero were a team?! I felt like my heart had found its way home.
It was so exciting to get a chance to meet you at Good Stuff For Kids workshops. Just being in your presence is inspiring. Your enthusiasm, compassion, kindness, humor, integrity, clarity, and human intelligence are like no other! You, along with Free To Be You and Me, have been my social and emotional compass throughout my life. But Free To Be doesn’t touch my heart and soul the way your work does. I have to admit that I’ve even thought that you would have been my ideal father. I suppose in a way you are a father figure to me, in that you are such a guide and mentor to my heart and soul. I am lucky to have grown up with your messages in my life. I still feel great joy when I hear, and sing along to, your Comin’ Home album (which my little sister found on vinyl awhile back!).
As a young teenager, I got a pet turtle. Fred was the obvious choice for his name. Today, I saw a picture of a turtle on a child’s shirt. I started to tell him about my turtle named Fred, but instead I just automatically started singing the song, “My turtle’s name is Fred. His shell was grey and blue…” Of course it quickly brought me to tears as I realized I was singing one of your songs. All day I thought of you, with tears and sadness but also with so much joy and a great motivation to act with kindness and to do what’s best for the children in my life.
Thank you so much for doing what you do and being who you are. You touch the hearts of everyone who knows you.
With love,
Melissa Schaefer
Dear Tom and family,
I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for all the wonderful heart felt songs. For all the years of Christmas programs at Mt. Baker theatre. Thank you for taking on the role of pastor when you heard the calling. You are a very special person and have brightend the lives of many.
God Bless,
Joan Marsh
Dear Gwen, Tom, Aeden and Irene,
When I first learned of Tom's diagnosis, I was shocked, and in denial. I didn't want to respond. What can I say that would in anyway be helpful? I don't even know you very well.
So, here I sit, wondering what to write. The sun is shining. It's a beautiful spring week-end day in Whatcom County. I don't want to think about dying, friends dying, or any "good" dying when our world is in "such a mess". Knowing that "The Light of Tom Hunter" is flickering, and unfortunately, soon to by extinguished, if things happen as "the experts" in these matters are correct.
Perhaps we can reflect on Tom's life, and the difference, for "good" he has made in this world, touching so many people's lives. Perhaps we can learn about dying from his example as well.
I want to remember to appreciate those I love with each and every interaction. We never know how much time we will still have to share.
I must say that I have always appreciated:
"Coloring Outside the Lines" for living, loving and taking action, to leave the world "a better place". Perhaps we, especially us aging "Baby Boomers" who still think of ourselves as young, with much of life ahead of us, would benefit from considering "Dying Outside the Lines".
I pray that among the tears and anger and feelings of "It's not Fair", that the end of Tom's life can also be filled with love, laughter and song. Let Tom close this door with confidence that some of what he has offered "us" will live in our lives, laughter and song. Tom, you will be remembered.
Mary Lou
Dear, dear Hunters -
We continue to pray for you each night, as a family. Reading the words of all the people you have touched has been like hanging around in a living room with all of you -- so much happiness and sadness and memories and laughter and love. And comfort.
We met you as a family and that's how we think of you -- as a unit that can never be split up or separated. The fact that you are all together, as that strong unit, brings us peace. We pray that you continue to find joy and love and grace in every moment you have, now and forever.
All our love,
The McGarity's
I've tried this before, and it didn't go through -- maybe I can get it right this time. I was sharing the time we were rehearsing for Christmas Eve in my living room and my oldest daughter and family arrived. My then four or five year old grandson, James, walked in on us and then ran back to his mother saying, "Mom, guess what! The REAL Tom Hunter is here!"
And, it was the REAL Tom Hunter as Tom has always been real, and dear, and oh so loved by young and old alike. You are all in my heart.
Hi Tom,
It was good to see you today and to sing for you, as you have done for so many. Of course I have been thinking about you and your family and how long I have known you all. I remember when first David Steinberg, the Santa Cruz poet, played me a tape of your music, over thirty years ago now, and said, “you’ve gotta listen to my friend Tom’s songs.” I listened and felt I had found a brother. I remember being in your living room in San Francisco and we were joking and you were putting on a tape and I had this urge to pants you. So I did. So quickly I felt a bond and a silliness that has remained regardless of distance. I have always thought of Aeden’s band, Men Without Pants, and wondered. You and Gwen have been role models for the honest, hard, and loving way that partners come to stay together. I remember the honor I had to spend a week with you and your family and your music, working on an album when you were still in San Francisco and I still in Nashville
Over the years, I have sought you out as a friend, a colleague, a mentor, a minister, and a co-community builder. You have always remembered what were exactly the right things, the heart of why we are here, the heart of the moment we stand in. I have counted on you to talk about all of this and to laugh at what is beautiful and what is hard. I love your explosion of laughter after a pause of thought, sideways glance, and a twinkle in your eye. I have listened to you talk of the deeper connections, to talk of simple ideas and of powerful purpose and I have always learned from you. You married Jan and me with such thoughtful and hopeful words during a fearful time in our country four days after 9/11. I have told many the story that you reflected on how marriage at that time was a conscious decision to live, to love in the shadow of death. I felt more deeply connected to that moment because of what else you saw there. You have always offered such a gift of delighting in and passing on others stories and conversations and what is inspiring about them. I quote you often.
You have modeled the search for big yet simple thoughts and the capacity for commitment. You and your family have hosted so many musical gatherings and created sanctuaries that have built and sustained our community. I have often used your songs in my life to remember the delightful hodgepodge of who we are as human beings. I love how you have woven the human experience into hopeful and positive messages that highlight the hugeness of the human heart and our ability to reach for what is right.
The seeds you have sown have been noticed, nourished many, including me, and will keep on growing.
Good bless you, brother Tom.
Geof Morgan
good nite, tom and family. i think of you often. i will take you with me in my dreams.
rachel gates
The Lord bless you and keep you.The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you, your family, the city of Bellingham, and the world peace---both now and forevermore. Amen. Willard Hunter
Dear Tom and family:
My wife, Yasuko, and I are friends and great admirers of your father and mother here at Pilgrim Place. Willard and I are past presidents of the historic Andiron Club, but he is quite "senior" to me (and much more intelligent, I'm sure) so for years I have been calling him "Kingfish," reminiscent of the old Amos 'n Andy radio program.
We remember hearing you here with your wonderful music, and I have given your CD's to my children, who have enjoyed them so much.
Again, please know that we, as well as scores of friends of your parents and our friends here are remembering you in thought and prayer and are forever grateful to you for the joy and inspiration you have brought to so many through your ministry, particularly of music.
With deep sincerity,
Hallam and Yasuko Shorrock
Dear Tom and Family,
Tom I told you this story once and thought it worth sharing again. I keep a quote board outside my office door at work. A few years ago around Christmas time I quoted, "Angel's might be anywhere at all. Whispering, gossiping, anywhere at all. On a cloud or a rooftop, climbing up the wall, angels might be anywhere at all." The next day pasted to the wall was a paper cutout angel. The day after there were a few more. Each day more and more angels graced that wall, all different shapes, sizes, colors and textures. It was beautiful. Sweet angels are everywhere.....surrounding all of you.
Love, Melanie Hartley
good afternoon. i am quiet today. with you all in my thoughts. i actually picked flowers from my sparse garden... have a purple and blue bouquet in my kitchen. made that a priority in my otherwise chaotic life. thank you for "making" me do that today.
love,
rachel gates
Dear Tom and family,
May your music be a blessing for all of you, and be a source of strength.
"You are welcome in this place" and in all places who cherish love, goodness, and kindness. Thank you for your inspiration.
Dear Tom, Gwen, Aiden and Irene,
I read the blog entries daily and wanted Tom to know that he is still influencing us. The comments and memories touch us and continue to move us. I think it was the last Sunday that Tom was at church. He and I stood off to the side together, not really saying much, just looking over the many generations there. I was thinking of the years to come with Tom as our pastor. Maybe Tom already knew that things were not quite right. We didn't talk much and we barely touched shoulders. How I wish now that I could have given him one last hug (actually, get a hug from him) or said something meaningful. Now, I read the blogs and get peace from being reminded of the songs he wrote and joy he has brought to others. Tack my prayers up there with all the others that are being sent your way. Joan Roley
Dear Tom,
Scott was with us today and he played and sang "Comin' Home"...we tried our best to turn our tears to "laughing tears of joy" and sometimes we succeeded, because we have the joyous memories of you gathering us to worship with Comin' Home year after year after year. I had a feeling Scott would do that and I found again that sometimes going to those moments that are the hardest to bear, does manage to add some joy in with the sorrow. And if I had my wits about me, I know I could think of a lyric of yours that says just that.
Your CCC family held you up again this morning and we'll continue to carry you in our hearts. Love, Linda
Dear Tom and Gwen,
We are so incredibly sad to hear what's going on. You both have always been such a joy to be around.
Tom your inspiration and wisdom have made all our lives richer. At Whatcom there has been a wave of sadness and disbelief. Your talks to us have addressed such important issues. Your talk after 9/11 made us cry and feel better at the same time.
Your wonderful parties have been so much fun. Your faces shine.
Both of you have made us feel so welcome. Extending your music and warmth and joy and humor and laughter to so many people is a great gift.
We love you both and send love to your beautiful children. You are deep in our hearts.
Gene and Ené Lewis
Dear Tom and Family,
As I have read the incredible responses to your blog, I can’t help but think about the ripple effect you have had on so many people.
When we shared the stage in Elizabeth Park during the Bellingham teachers’ strike, I remember thinking how passionate and selfless you were in the cause of education. And as I have listened to the songs you have written over the years, I have always been struck by their honesty and absolute lack of pretense.
You are a model for so many songwriters, and I will always be a bit in awe of how simple you make it look. The ripples you and your music have created are unique, for the farther they move from the center, the more they grow.
You are in my thoughts and songs,
Scrub Hubner
Dear Tom and Family,
You don't know me but Tom has been a part of my family my whole life - literally. I grew up at First Presbyterian Church in Palo Alto, and the story in my family is that my parents missed a concert you gave at our church in March 1977 because it was the week that I was born! Your music has been in my home and my heart my whole life. And, I continue to share the joy of your music with my 18 month old son.
I had the pleasure of meeting you when you came back to First Pres Palo Alto a few years ago as part of a lecture series. You had lunch with a few of us from church and my dad arranged for me to join you. I was so honored to meet you and only wish I was able to have more interactions with you and to hear more concerts. I was then working on my masters in Early Childhood Education and used your song "Lots of Little Squiggles" as part of a project on learning to read. I now work with hospitalized children. You are an inspiration to those of us who work with children and have children, so thank you.
I can't imagine my life without "My Turtle Fred", "Monster in the Closet", "Seeing with my Ears", "The Shirt Song", "Come into my house", "Pockets", I could go on and on.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers - Tom's CD's have been playing constantly in my house since I heard the news. Thank you for the gift of music in my life.
Christine (Fidler) Freitag
I just heard an Inuit Legend (in song) and, while I don't hold with Heaven being somewhere up in the sky, I just loved this image:
"Perhaps they are not stars,
but rather openings to Heaven
Where the love of our lost ones
Pours through and shines down on us
To let us know that they are happy.
They are not stars, but Love."
Meril
Dearest Tom, Gwen, Aeden and Irene,
Xander has been struggling with what to write to you. We sung many songs and shed many tears together, while he has tried to put his deep feelings into words. As so many of us do, he finally found his answer in music, and asked that I give you this song. He began singing it yesterday, and then asked me to send it to you today - it's been percolating in that busy mind of his.
The Beauty of the Dancer
Beauty all above you,
Beauty all below you,
Beauty all around you,
Beauty all within you
You see the beauty of the dancer,
You hear the beauty of the song
You feel the beauty all around you,
You wonder where do you belong
You are the beauty of the dancer,
You are the beauty of the song
You are the beauty all around you,
You're standing right where you belong
All above you,
All below you,
All around you,
All within you.
Beauty all above you,
Beauty all below you,
Beauty all around you,
Beauty all within you
You are beauty
You are beauty
So I don't think it is one you know - he learned it in his choir, and it came to his choir via my choir, through a fabulous singer and songwriter named Sara Thomsen. I don't know if links work on Blogger, but I'll give it a shot, so you can hear the tune as well:
http://www.sarathomsen.com/TheBeautyoftheDancer.html
And in closing, Xander's other message to you:
Tom, I love you and will miss you.
And since this is Xander's message, I'll leave it at that.
love Xander Wiersema and Cori Dusmann, Victoria, BC
Young, Josie
Tom and family, You are giving us all a pattern of deep love that helps us deal with what is. Here is one of my favorite poems.
The Sycamore
In the place that is my own place, whose earth
I am shaped in and must bear, there is an old tree growing, a great sycamore that is a wondrous healer of itself.
Fences have been tied to it, nails driven into it,
hacks and whittles cut in it, the lightning has burned it.
There is no year it has flourished in
that has not harmed it. There is a hollow in it
that is its death, though its living brims whitely
at the lip of the darkness and flows outward.
Over all its scars has come the seamless white
of the bark. It bears the gnarls of its history
healed over. It has risen to a strange perfection
in the warp and bending of its long growth.
It has gathered all accidents into its purpose.
It has become the intention and radiance of its dark fate.
It is a fact, sublime, mystical and unassailable.
In all the country there is no other like it.
I recognize in it a principle, an indwelling
the same as itself, and greater, that I would be ruled by.
I see that it stands in its place, and feeds upon it,
and is fed upon, and is native, and maker.
Wendell Berry
My love and thoughts are with you. Josie
Dear Tom,
Not many musicians can say that they have accomplished what you have in a lifetime. So many musicians never get to know how they have touched people in such a deep way. This is such a great gift that you have been given to see your music touch so many people.
For myself your music is what I hear when I think of Christmas Eve, and I remember all the years that we sang your songs in the Mount Baker Theater. Your music has a special place in my heart. Thank you for sharing your music with all of us.
Joanna, Gavin, and myself send our love and prayers to you and your family.
God Bless,
David Zagelow
Dear Tom,
When I first heard about your health I was shocked, but not worried. I thought, "If there is ANYONE in this world that I know of who can face death, as demonstrated by their extraordinary life, it's Tom Hunter."
Tom, I'll always remember when I first learned about you. I was at the local swimming pool on a hot summer afternoon, during my daughter's swim lesson. I struck up a conversation with another one of the parents, Sharon Salvagio, and she told me of your music, and how your songs had been staples for her family for 20 years. Then I saw you at a conference in Hillsboro and I was hooked. I wanted to be you!
I came to NWTC last year and had a total blast! One moment that I'll always proudly remember was the first day at lunch, when I, a virgin camper, spewed food out of my mouth while eating and laughing at the same time, and you, sitting next to me, announced, "Camp has now officially begun!"
On the second to last day of camp I approached you and asked, "When are you going to do a session on songwriting with children?" Your reply? "When are you going to ask me?" (I clearly had a lot to learn about how camp worked!)
I'm so glad to have had that brief yet illuminating conversation with you. You gave me multiple tips about gathering kids' ideas ("You people have too many good ideas!"), content and form, not changing the kids' words (This is huge! So many teacher's don't get this!), and classroom management and inappropriate content ("We could write about that, but what would be more HELPFUL?"). I use all these in my current songwriting residency work with Community of Writers here in Portland.
One of my favorite and most successful chant activities comes from you; "Five Little Hot Dogs." I'd like to share with you some of the awesome ideas from the kids in Ms. Dversdal’s 1st grade class in Orchards, Washington. (I sent an MP3 of the chants to your songgrow email account for you to listen to. I know, recording taints the process, but she was insistent!). The recording goes like this:
1. Five Little Hot Dogs (They did "Zero" hot dogs instead of "no more hot dogs." Funny! This is a trend that continued throughout the rest of the chants.)
2. Five Chicken Nuggets, burnt in the sun, one collapsed, that's no fun!…..Zero chicken nuggets, burnt in the sun, the Sun collapsed, that's no fun! (Hold one hand out as nuggets, hold one up high as the sun. Then clap 'em on "collapsed!")
3. Five Chocolate Hearts, in my tummy, dragon swooped and got one, yummy, yummy, yummy!….Zero chocolate hearts, in my tummy, the dragon swooped and ate you, yummy, yummy, yummy! (Tickle belly with the # of Chocolate Hearts, then "swoop" other hand to grab one!)
4. Five Little Teeth, in my mouth, cooked on my tongue, ouch, ouch, ouch!… Zero little teeth, in my mouth, the tongue cooked itself, ouch, ouch, ouch! (Put your fingers in your mouth!)
One more that I really like comes from Ms. Shawn's kindergarten class at Findley Elementary in Beaverton (there is no recording for this one):
1. Five Little Worms, Digging in a hole, The rain came down and one drowned……. No more worms, digging in a hole, the rain came down and the hole got soggy.
Thank you, Tom, for encouraging music and teaching in my life (particularly through group harmony singing at camp!), for helping me accept myself as a teacher and folk musician instead of a "rock star," for your wonderful CDs that I can listen to and remember ("Rubber Bands" off of "Still Growing" is my daughter's favorite song; I've even re-instituted the doorknob full of rubber bands here in my kitchen. Yes, I had one in my youth, but I had forgotten!), and for giving of yourself, generously and courageously, to all of us. We are truly blessed to know you!
I'm thinking about you and your family in prayer and spirit.
Much Love
David Hall
I was first introduced to Tom's work through Bev Bos, and quickly came to recognize a kindred spirit. Tom Hunter inspired me and provoked my thinking.
A session with he and Bev Bos and Micheal Leeman was always such a gift - I saw them at the annual NAEYC conference in Toronto in 1996 or 1997, and I saw him do a session with Deb Curtis & Margie Carter in Toronto, too. I remember singing "Guide My Feet" with him there. Then at NAEYC conference again in New Orleans in 1999, then finally a dream come true - I went to a "Good Stuff for Kids" workshop in Roseville in fall 2006, and got to spend 2 extremely- full days with Tom and the whole Bos-Leeman family. It was like coming home for me.
While we were there, I had a brief chance to chat with Bev and Tom, and gave Tom a copy of my then-newly-written thesis, which is entitled "That Reminds Me of a Song": Building Community, Making Memories (you can see why I had such a sense of homecoming in his presence.)
I teach in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada at Keyano (rhymes with piano) College in the Childhood Studies department, and "We've Been Waiting for You" has almost become a theme song (and it's the name of my thesis chapter for my work at Keyano College). At different times over the years, we've sung "The Times That We have Been Together", or "If You Miss Me", "Sittin' 'Round the Table" or "So Long" or "Build It Up", but *always* we've sung, "We've Been Waiting for You" and "The Pirate Song".
Our department bulletin board has been entitled "We've Been Waiting For You..." for the past 2 or 3 years in the fall when we posted our staff and faculty bios welcoming students, and our Preschool Staff just entitled their multicultural bulletin board "Wherever You're From, We're Glad That You've Come..." with photos of all the children and a map of the world with their birthplaces indicated. Tom's work has filled our lives.
Oh, I am so sad, at the same time as I feel so privileged to have encountered his spirit, music, teaching, and light in my life. I also feel inspired to pick up the torch to follow Tom's vision of teaching and ministering and connecting through music. Maybe there'll be a new "Hope With Song" tour featuring "Hope with Song"; or "Hope, the Music Lady"; or "the Drum Mother".
Right now, I am focussing on sending light and love and music to Tom and the whole family.
"All things on earth shall pass Under the sky
Music alone shall last,
Music alone shall last,
Music alone shall last
And never die"
With love and deep gratitude,
Hope Moffatt
Fort McMuray, Alberta
Hi Tom,
This is your cousin Stanton. Sue and Chris and I are all just so shocked and saddened to hear of your illness. It is hard to believe something like that can strike so quickly out of the blue.
I'm very happy Chris (and Sue and I) got to spend time with you and your lovely family and your beautiful farm a few summers ago (well, Elvis the llama is quite ugly, but also quite a hoot).
I'd like you to know that every time I've heard you sing, I've cried - you remind me of the most important things, which for some reason are way too easy to forget. The forgetting is painful (don't even know what I'm missing), and the remembering is grace, just so you know what it is that you spread.
Chris has been playing the guitar for a few years now and is getting good. He is studying with a a guy out in Claremont. I hope the warmth and love you radiate through your songs rubs off on him. He's singing a Jackson Brown song ("Barricades of Heaven") for talent night at his school, and he brought tears to my eyes the way he sang and played it the other night, so I think some of the rubbing off has happened.
I will be following the blog and writing more - I'm assuming this is the best way to stay in touch.
I hope you are finding some physical comfort, and that you know what a full and special life yours is to me.
Much love to you and your family from all of us.
---Stanton
Tom,
You and Gwen did two masterpieces (that I know of!), named Aeden and Irene. What gifts you have given them over the years - love, music, laughter, a nest, then wings and so much more.
Now, my dear friend, you are giving them a new gift to take forward and share with friends and family. The gift of everlasting life...through Aeden and Irene you will always be with us, Tom.
Albert Camus wrote, "Some men see things as they are, and ask why? I dream things that never were, and ask why not?" You taught all of us to always seek answers to the questions and not to merely ask, WHY? You, Tom, lived what Camus only wrote about...you always asked, WHY NOT?
You will be in my life forever, dear friend.
Peace and Love,
Bill
Tom, Gwen, Aeden & Irene,
Want you to know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this tender time!
Fond memories include singing back up on Tom's CDs with the FCC Folk Choir - I was pregnant with the girls during each of the recordings so the girls both have their special Tom Hunter album that they "took part in"!
Christmas season doesn't officially start in our family until Monday morning when we all have breakfast to "When the Silent Night Starts to Sing". I start to sing and the girls in chorus whine "Maaaa-om"!
Proud to have the kids in our church running around during advent singing "Angels might be anywhere at all".
Tom, you are such a blessing to so many of us and you have left a legacy of music and message that will continue to inspire us for years to come!
Thank you for your music, laughter and friendship to my whole family over the years!
You are loved and appreciated!
Jeni (McClellan) Craswell
You have sent so much love and truth into the world, and I know it is flooding back to you and your family now. I will keep you in my heart always.
By the way, you mean an awful lot to my whole family. I went to the Good Things for Kids conference 3 or 4 years ago. You sang "Always Trust Your Cape" to us during the day. I told you how much it made me think of my son - just really summed him up for me. By golly, when my husband and son arrived to pick me up and take me back to the hotel that night, if you didn't take my boy aside and sing it to him. You burned a deep impression in our hearts that night and gave my son a gift he will never forget.
Keep on trusting your cape Tom. Hard to know where you will be flying off to and who you will be singing to next, but I know I will hear your voice when I hear the angels singing.
Love to all,
Marty Peterson
Multnomah Cooperative Playschool
Portland, Oregon
I wanted to write something clever for you today, but I have felt so empty, so sucked out from sadness. I sat here, in front of my computer, closed my eyes and breathed and thought of your face, your voice, your words and your heart. I want to give you something today, but I don't know what...
I like to take songs and write new words for them, but I cannot sing for you....well, I could, but that just wouldn't be good for anyone. I once sang a song I re-wrote to Ken, and he said "it would be really good to hear that song sung by a real singer, like Tom Hunter."
You will always be real in my heart Tom. I will always keep you real.
Tonight, I am sending you my love.
Love
Marla B.
Any words that I can think of seem inadequate at this moment. So please know that my thoughts are constantly with you and your family. You have been my friend and my mentor and I am a better person for having known you. Your songs, your wisdom, and your laughter will live in my heart forever- as well as our unforgetable trip to the Florabama. Keep singing- Susan Prince- formerly one of the Alambama Girls
Dearest Tom,
A few years ago I came to your workshop in Rochester NY, tired and worn out from 24 years in the administration of my childcare center . You "FILLED ME UP TO OVER FLOWING" with your inspiring words and songs! You gave me back the "wonder and the joy" of being with the children. I vowed that I would always go to be with the children when I was feeling overwhelmed with all the lonely at the top stuff. Thank you for giving me the push to be where it really counts - with the children.To sing and chant with them even though I can not carry a tune in a duffel bag!
And now I am "FILLED UP" again with emotion for you and your family! May the Lord watch over you all and give you peace during this journey knowing that you are much loved. Always, Anne Clements
Tom I've been waiting for the musings from Tom to hit my inbox for awhile and today they did and I heard the news about you. I've been thinking about you all day. The first time I met you I was a student teacher at Westview Elementary I loved the songs you sang with the students and teachers...songs that I still play and sing with my students...and sometimes on a good day I even try to sing without the actual CD in the player. I took the Singing Way to Read offered through ESD 189 and loved the heart you brought to your teaching. For ten years I was an ECEAP teacher and went to WAEYC conferences and the early childhood classes offered at Skagit Community College I eagerly awaited the times when you Bev, and Michael were there. Now I teach kindergarten and still play your cd's and this year since I had a Jesse(and Jesse is one of my busiest students...if you know what I mean...and one that you just want to fill up with love because he doesn't get much at home) in my class we sang Here come's Uncle Jesse...and today at the end of the day when we were singing our favorite nursery rhymes Jesse said how about the Jesse song and it brought tears to my eyes how that one song was asked to be sung on today of all days.
It breaks my heart that my three daughters, won't ever get to meet you in person and hear what comes out of your heart for children I want songs to be part of their lives so we listen to old favorites(our favorite is We've been waiting for you, Red River Valley and You are my sunshine and the long version of twinkle twinkle little star...and we sometimes sing one we've heard on an old Pete Seeger CD like Henry my Son or Little Birdie) and sing at bedtime along with book time.
Every time I think of someone passing now I think of the time Bev Bos told the story of sitting with her sister and singing her on...I hope with all my heart that happens to you too...Sending all my love and prayers to you and your family.
Erin Sorbo(Maroney)
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