A Time for Sharing: Thursday May 22

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'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/ .

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:

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.

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

For my dad
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

Laugh Lines

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

"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)

Clarification -- How to Comment

To comment, please click on the "comments" button below todays date. On the comment page - please write your comment in the box on the right side of the page and then sign your first and last name. Your posting will go through the postmaster - and will be put on the blog as soon as possible. To read comments from others, click on "comment" and read the left side of the page. Thanks
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.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Thursday May 22

New threads are being posted daily to help Tom and Gwen. Please comment on the most recent day above. Thanks

24 comments:

Stephanie said...: Tom, I am so sorry to hear this news. I had the pleasure of meeting you at the Good Stuff conference last fall and I was touched by so many of your words and by your kindness and outreach to me as a home provider. Many things about our exchange changed my approach and outlook. I thank you profoundly.

I wish you and your family love and joy as you go through this challenge together.

Stephanie Agnew
www.happybabydaycare.com
Berkeley, CA; May 22, 2008 at 10:22 AM
postmaster said...: Dear People,

I've just gotten through cancer surgery, and learned a couple of
things, perhaps things that can be helpful to Tom, who has given
us so much. Thank you, Tom!

CANCER AMONG FRIENDS

1.
There were those who didn’t come
Didn’t call didn’t write a note or send a card.

There were those who came
Brought food, companionship, touch. More touch.
There were those who listened and comforted
There were those who shared my outrage

There were those who sent a card, many cards, called,
checked my CarePage for news.

All were friends.

Yes, even those who didn’t — come call write
Busy nursing their own hurts
Some afraid I’d ask more than they had
Knowing the urgency of my story, they were unable to emerge from their own.

I knew not to ask for what I couldn’t have

My sense of civility was active, my friends, already burdened,
required, I thought, my safekeeping, but

I wondered at some who seemed, seemed, to be richer than they gave.
We never know.

2.
Who will I be in the future, when a friend is in trouble?
What did I learn?

At least send a card, or e-mail, or phone some love.
At most sleep overnight in the hospital, on that unlikely chair.
Go together for a car ride.
Send a gift that will distract with substance.
Bring food, conversation, water the plants, do the dishes, take out the trash.
Touch, if that’s acceptable. Touch more. Touch is sacred.

With love,
Sydney Gurewitz Clemens; May 22, 2008 at 1:47 PM
postmaster said...: Tom

You have made such a difference in the lives of teachers and, therefore, students around the country and around the world. Working with you was an incredible joy for me. It is hard to believe that we first met in Minneapolis 14 years ago. I treasure each and every moment I spent with you as you presented your powerful and touching seminars. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Sandy Anderson; May 22, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Anonymous said...: Tom,
One person can touch so many lives. What an incredible circle of family and friends you created.

Three years ago in July, you married us. One thing we will never forget was during the ceremony when you had us turn around to face the crowd and really look at the people that sat watching our ceremony. You asked us to breathe in the experience and love that we were all sharing on that day. You calmed us, and most importantly - made us laugh when we really needed it.
This past May, our daugther Madeline Cashman was born and the twosome that you united - has now become a family.
We thank you. We thank you. We thank you.
We are thinking of you, with love, with hugs, and with peace.

Chris and Cara Cashman; May 22, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Linda Plant said...: Dear Tom,
It is with a heavy heart that I sit here searching for "the words". Sometimes in life there are no words. Please know that you, Gwen, Aiden, and Irene are and continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Much love,
Linda Plant; May 22, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Anonymous said...: Tom,
I listen to your holiday CD every Christmas. It's my favorite and I know all the words to all the songs. Your music is something so special and you and your songs will always have a place in my heart. Thanks for your friendship with my family, your beautiful songs, and all that you have taught me. My heart is with you and your family.
All my love,
Julia Thornton; May 22, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Lisa said...: Tom,
My name is Lisa, My 5 year old daughter is Sedona (her Dad is Rhys Webb-- friend of Aeden).

I wanted you to know that as Sedona was a baby, first learning to roll over, sit up, crawl, walk, and now-- the unstoppable 5 year old that she is-- your music has been a large part of our sound track. In fact when she was a baby it was just about ALL we listened to. So you can imagine the beautiful memories we have, set to your songs. Now Sedona has a little sister to share your music with.

Thank you Tom. From the bottom of my heart, as a mother, and as a member of this community. What you have shared, directly from your heart, is invaluable-- and will never be forgotten. What you have done here, and who you are, has gifted us all.

You will live on with us.

Thank you Tom Hunter.

Blessings to you and your family.
Lisa Tenney.; May 22, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Anonymous said...: Tom,

I sang with the kids at the Big School today. Many of them know you from your previous visits. Some walked up to me, put their arm around my shoulder and whispered, “Let’s sing Tom Hunter songs today.” So we did. We started with the “Seed Song” then “My Turtle’s Name Was Fred” and “The Shirt Song” and on and on. Then someone realized that we also sing a lot of songs you didn’t write but were responsible for us knowing, like “Amelia Earhart” “Ding Dong Howdy” and the “The Garden Song” plus so many more. This year the sixth graders picked three of those songs as the ones they wanted to sing for their graduation celebration: The Cape Song, If I Were a Gorilla, and Come Home All My Children -- songs that you brought to us. These wonderful children did not miss the message you have been so much a part of -- that songs are there for us whether we are celebrating the good times or coping with the hard times. Myself, along with these incredible kids, are so grateful for how much you have brought to our lives. The belief in the power of music goes deep down in our bones. We are all thinking about you, and Gwen, Aeden, Irene and the rest of your family and we are looking forward to the next time our paths cross.

Much love,
Michael “Mikey” Leeman (you are the only person I ever let call me that).; May 22, 2008 at 3:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Dear Tom,
Though we have spent only a few days together during each of the fifteen years that we have been friends, I feel that we have come to love and know each other well. Now this...
Tom, you live your life caring about and loving others, trying to help them find their own way, sharing the gifts of your wisdom, laughter, honesty and kindness through your life and in your songs. We want you to know that we love you and are so deeply saddened by all that you, Gwen, Aeden and Irene are going through. Our thoughts are with you.
Keep singing, dear friend,
Hugh and Irene; May 22, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Marla Bronstein said...: You are well loved Mr. Hunter, I hope you get that. I am sending love, and peaceful energy to you and your family today. Your light will never dim.

Love

Marla B.; May 22, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Margie Singer said...: Dear Tom,
I sent you a long letter a couple of days ago, stamped and mailed. I have no experience with blogs, and at first I had no intention of writing in this one. While I so want to communicate with you and your family, It felt strange and foreign to share my grief and appreciation with so many people, very few of whom I know well.
But I get it now. I get why this medium is so powerful. Every day since this blog has started, I’ve logged on several times a day, and I’ve been astounded. It’s moved me. I’ve cried. When you read all the words pouring out from all over the country, it’s profound.
You, my friend, have touched more people in deep ways than is imaginable. Part of me is jealous that so many others feel so strongly about you in ways that sound so similar to the ways in which I adore you. Somehow I thought I was one of the special ones. But as I read, I’m reminded of something I heard once: “The best teachers make every child feel like he or she is her favorite.” That’s what you’ve done, Tom. You gave of yourself so fully and stayed in many moments... with many, many people... and you made us all feel like we were your favorites.
I think back to all the times I heard you talk about how tiring traveling was, how you wanted to spend more time at home, enjoying your family, gardening, writing songs and prose, sitting on your porch drinking coffee at 6 am and admiring the view. There’s a quiet side to you, too. You weren’t always sure that your life as a wandering minstrel was the life you wanted.
But Tom, I hope you’re “getting it” too. There are hundreds of us, maybe thousands out here who are screaming “No!” into the wind, who love you, and hate that this has happened to you. You’ve created community in so many different places that we are now a huge community of supporters, of mourners, of friends, of helpless witnesses to your illness. I don’t know all the people reading this blog, but I know we’re all connected through you.
Each of us has gifts, but many of us stumble around trying to find them, or have trouble figuring out how to put them to use in the world. The lucky ones are those who spend their lives using their gifts...living their gifts. That’s you, Tom. You’ve spent your life making community, inspiring people, giving words and music and laughter, and opening up spaces in people’s hearts. I hope you’re in a place emotionally and physically where you can bask, even a little, in hearing how much your life has mattered.
Gwen, Aeden, and Irene, I think I can imagine how you’re feeling, and my heart goes out to you, 3000 miles away. I wish there was something I could do. I also know that emotions are always more complicated, surprising, and difficult to stay with than we expect (even for those who are “good at sadness.”) I hope you too feel the power of how Tom has mattered in this world, and continues to matter. You’re lucky to be his family, and we, the Tom community, are lucky that you’ve supported him all these years so that he could become a part of ours as well.
Lots of love to you, Tom, and to you, Gwen, Aeden, and Irene.
Thinking of you many times a day,
Margie Singer; May 22, 2008 at 7:08 PM
Anonymous said...: Tom, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family during this very difficult time. I will always treasure in my heart the love, laughter and joy you would always bring with you on your many visits to Roseville Community Preschool...always a smile on your face and a story that would follow. Parent meetings at RCP with you as our guest were so very special....you, Michael and Bev made the evening truly magical......thank you!!!! Sending you lots of love........Anne DeMar Roseville Community School(The Big School); May 22, 2008 at 7:52 PM
Anonymous said...: dear tom,

i have just heard and have no words of wisdom to say except the words you gave us 'rock me to sleep'. so i am singing to you and will keep singing.

you have sung to us about courage,joy,love, peace ...so much you have shared.

i send you love and prayers and also to gwenn,aiden and irene.

with love and gratitude,
anne-louise sterry
www.anne-louise.com
anne-louise@anne-louise.com; May 22, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Neil Gleason said...: Tom, I can't tell you how many times we've sung your songs (and gotten lots of tips!) out here in Wisconsin. One of the few times I've met you face-to-face was at Mike and Cathy's house and you and I sang John Prine's "Paradise". A favorite Rumi poem speaks of life as a "guest house", and that all of our "guests", whether joys or sorrows, are sent as guides from beyond. I don't pretend to know how to welcome sadness or illness as a guest, but I do know that your music has been a welcome and constant guest in our lives, guiding us in so many ways. God bless you and your family.

Neil Gleason
gleabas@charter.net
Waupun, WI; May 22, 2008 at 8:22 PM
Anonymous said...: Tom,
You taught me everything I need to know about making music with children. Your music has inspired me.
Love,
Bob Mills; May 22, 2008 at 8:57 PM
Sally said...: Hey Tom Hunter,

Carrie called me today. I have no place in my head to put the news she shared with me. I thought she was calling to ask me to sign a concert for you and Bev and Michael. What a joy that has been for me. Those are memories I will carry forever. Standing with you on the stage, being just a tiny part of your music and message (not to mention my 5 minutes of fame by association) my heart was full. Even though we spent so few days together over all these years, your knowledge, passion and spirit have sweetened my life. Every child I have touched (my own and those I teach) now carry a bit of you in their hearts, as do I. What a great gift you have given to us all. You done good!

Love and prayers to you and your family,
Sally Evey
evcasual@yahoo.com
Sacramento, CA; May 22, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Polly Pattison said...: Dear Tom...all the Beals remember you and your brothers as part of our family, when you lived with our parents many years ago. You were so lively and loving, and what a man you have become! You music graces one of our family videos. Thank you for all you have given. We grieve with you all and send you much love and prayers.
Bob & Polly Beal Pattison; May 23, 2008 at 9:45 AM
Anonymous said...: Tom,
I feel like there are little fragments of experiences of you embedded in different parts of my life.

When I first bought and moved into my new house on Williams St over 10years ago, I was working in the yard one day. Suddenly a car pulled over to the curb, and a friendly looking guy jumped out to introduce himself and welcome me to the neighborhood. You.

My partner Scott and I were seeking someone to marry us, someone with deep, yet every-day spirituality and who would embrace the extra challenge of honoring and incorporate my Quaker roots into our wedding ceremony. On a sunny September day eight years ago we were married surrounded by family, friends, nature and God, with a minister weaving it all together with his words. You.

Our 3 year old daughter and I went to a kids' concert at the public library a couple of months ago and sang and danced. You.

I don't know you well enough to consider us friends, but I do want you to know that I have been touched by my interactions with you, and feel lucky to know you in these little ways.

Best,
Lara Welker
Scott and Erin, too.
Williams St. Bellingham; May 23, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Jerome said...: Tom, If there were a dictionary in which the meanings of words were given in pictures, your face would be there denoting "joy", "happiness", "fun", "friend", "caring", "sincerity ", "generosity" and "love." Thank you for letting me be a small part of your life. I hope in the turmoil of feelings you are having there is a little bit of excitement about the wonders of things to come. Know that you are going with my love and admiration.

Jerome Chandler; May 23, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Anonymous said...: Dear Tom and family, I heard the news as I was leaving town Monday to meet my boys. We spent the last three days in shock, yes lots of tears but also lots of smiles at all the rich memories of the times your family has been there intertwined with mine. 25 years of memories. Today I keep trying to pick up the phone and call and ask what I can do to help but I can't control the tears and I don't want to burden you with my tears- so I am sending this note instead so you know I love you all and that you are in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers.
I knew your music before I knew you. "Rock Me To Sleep" got me through my divorce. I was blessed with the gift of caring for Rena, before she becaome Irene, sharing in the joy of watching a "child go forth every day". When I was diagnosed with MS and sick in bed you were there again, you brought me Sweet Honey in the Rock, music to move my soul-even if my body wasn't doing too hot. On a more joyous note, you were there to marry my son and Clara. You have always been there at all the big transitions of my life.
Yesterday I was at Karen Lazzar-Atwood's daycare. Kids were building forts and your voice was singing in the backgroud "We're a family". Karen and I just hugged and held on. I remember all the picnics, all the food, all the singing, all the great conversations, the jokes, but above all the love flowing. Feel all that love flowing back now. "we'r a family". Linda; May 23, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Cassani Family said...: Hi Tom
I sent you a letter to your growing company email address..My kids saw me crying today and asked what was wrong. I told them about you and they asked to hear your songs. I realized I have not played them for my youngest three of my eight children. Need to do that! Sending you lots of love and a great big hug! Adriana; May 29, 2008 at 7:44 AM
Unknown said...: Tom,
Ah the memories I have of you, especially at teacher conferences which were so often not worth attending, but then there would be the Tom Hunter workshop, leaving all who attended inspired and joyous and full of new songs to bring back to their classes. I treasured your albums and always told the children about you.
We shared a few family times, as well, at our house and with Joe Williamson long, long ago.
Every day at preschool, I called the children into the classroom, singing "We are waiting for you to come to this place", always remembering you and eagerly awaiting the children's comments for the new day.
Thank you Tom!
Nancy Nugent; May 29, 2008 at 3:24 PM
Anonymous said...: Tom:
Our thoughts are with you and your wonderful family. How I wish i could tell you in person how your music, your ingenuity, your thoughts and honesty have touched my life as both a teacher and as a mother. Thank you for reminding each of us to remember the 'little things' and to count our blessings daily.
Much love,
The Fisher-Tachouet Family
Sebastopol, CA; May 31, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Anonymous said...: Tom-

You are amazing and inspiring. You have touched my life and my childrens' lives over and over, through song and word. Whether it be at the Christmas Services, library children concerts, Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship or at Whatcom Community College. You are the type of person I strive to emulate. You will live forever and ever in Bellingham. We love you.

Sarah C. Pearson and kids Molly and Luke.; June 5, 2008 at 8:29 PM