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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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.
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.
Friday, June 6, 2008
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18 comments:
There are no words. It was my priviledge to be at one of your inspiring workshops for Head Start. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for changing so many lives for the better.
Helen Fern
Woodburn, Oregon
Dear Tom & Family,
Although I don't know you personally, Tom, I presented with you at a conference in Eastern Washington. I was conducting a workshop on Autism and had a group of women who were roommates with friends who were taking your sessions at the workshop. I was so impressed with your material and the wonderful philosophy of your teaching!! It was very evident through these womens excitement and enthusiasm, especially at the end of the school year, the fabulous content of your session!
My regret was not having the opportunity to meet you in person. I thank you for your years of dedication to teachers and children. Our World, Our Children and Our Teachers are in a Much Better Place with People such as YOU!
I wish you and your family days of peace and contentment. May God Bless you and your family.
Sincerely, Debby Hudson Ph.D.
Very early this morning I read yesterday's ExchangeEveryDay (another busy, wonderful day with a group of toddlers kept me away from the computer) and got the news about Tom and the challenge he and his family now face. So from across the miles come prayers and blessings for all of you, from me, a person you don't know but who has benefited from Tom's immense ability to teach and learn with both children and adults. Come on and sing---we've been waiting for you...
June K. Yeatman
Austin, TX
Kind thoughts are the roots
Kind words are the blossoms
Kind deeds are the fruits
Kind hearts are the garden
Everytime i look at this set of words it reminds me of you tom and how inspiring you are to everyone whom has had the opportunity to encounter you. I just wanted to say thank you for leaving your footprint on this earth in striving to empower educators and other whom play an important role in the lives of children. thank you for leaving your footprints on my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tom,
Your site was sent to me by a friend today. It is a privilege and honor to share in your journey. I have passed this blog page on to a friend who is going through a similar journey. I hope she is inspired by your "heart steps." God bless you both!
Sue Volkman
Coos Bay, Oregon
Tom,
You have inspired me as a teacher and a parent. I use your songs daily in my classroom. I am greeted each morning by "We've been waiting for you". It is the most requested CD in my collection. WIih music from you we have become pirates and ridden trains. We have chanted, sang and laughed. We fell in love with your turtle Fred. When my daughters have loose teeth we sing, "Did you wiggle it when it was loose? Did it take a while to lose that tooth? Well, it took a long time for me." Though I have only met you twice, briefly, I feel as though you are a part of what I do as a teacher.
Currently I carry your recording of Red River Valley on my iPod so when I am missing my students or family I can play it.
Thank you for all you have done. And know that many teachers will carry on your good works.
Amanda Nance, McMinnville Playschool
It's with a heavy heart that I wish you Tom and your family lots of God's love and grace at this difficult time. I attended your story time song ULA workshop in Utah last year and was inspired to pick up my guitar and start singing and sharing all those songs I'd "hung up on a shelf". And I learned many great new ones from your cds that my own kids LOVE to listen to in the car. You've made us all smile and feel the spirit simply beautiful music can bring. My aunt had this rare CJD disease so I am sadly familiar with it and how difficult it is to witness. I was shocked to read my email today. I pray that Tom's sad situation sheds some light on the need to understand, research and cure this disease. Please keep singing and know a mom, librarian and spiritual "sister" appreciates who you are and what you've done:)
Much Love,
Susie White
Eagle Mountain, UT
Dear Tom, Gwen, Irene and Aiden,
We are thinking of you with tenderness, warmth and so very much fondness. We've known you through music, teaching, and numerous community connections. The gifts you offer of yourselves are precious indeed. We're inspired by your generosity and presence in our community.And we take your message to heart as we hug those we love one extra squeeze. We send you only thoughts of strength and love as you continue to bask in the love of one another, your family and community.Always, Gerry, Heidi and Alicia
I had the wonderful luck to attend several evening talks that Tom gave for the Davis Parent Nursery School in Davis, CA. Tom was so inspiring and uplifting, each time I came away energized and with new resolve to bring more songs and music into my children's lives. I have such fond memories of my Grandmother singing to me, and I want to make sure to keep singing those songs to my kids. Tom helped me realize that music from CDs cannot replace the experience of singing with family.
My heart goes out to all of you. When I read the e-mail this morning from the Tom Hunter newsletter, I teared up. I know what those few evenings with Tom meant to me; I cannot imagine how it must be for him and for all of you who have had the priviledge of sharing his life. My thoughts are with all of you.
Heather Bock
Davis, CA
Dear Tom,
My week-end, in 1996, at the Roseville Community Preschool was a turning point in how I looked at the model we used for children in Special Education. You put into words how important belonging is to all of us.
I have changed jobs but continue to work with young children. For all the children and myself, I thank you. I thank you for your classes, workshops, Teacher's Camp, and your music. Thank you for giving so much of yourself.
Gina Lynch
One of my favorite memories of Tom and Gwen is when I had what we call in Ireland euphemistically call a crisis pregnancy twenty two years ago. I was heart broken and very scared. Tom and Gwen sat with me at my mother's dinning room table in San Francisco and told me the story of the beginning of their marriage and we laughed and laughed and they helped me realize that happy endings are something you make yourself from who you are. I think that is what Tom is having now. A difficult, painful, probably frightening time but a happy ending nonetheless because he has been making it all his life. ....Carole Craig, Faith Petric's daughter.
I don't know Tom personally but I attended 2 of his workshops and left inspired each time. He has been a very positive influence on my music teaching.
I send him my best wishes.
Phyllis
Boston Ma.
Tom, Gwen, Aeden, and Irene,
It's Saturday in Bellingham and the sky is filled with tears from heaven. Tears of love watering the flowers, plants and grass. Tears of sorrow for the news and pain of your journey. Tears of love coming from memories of my times with you- Christmas concerts and services with my family, concerts in the sun at the library (Aeden on bass, Tom on guitar and Gwen joining in on vocals and Irene supporting from the audience), and visting your home to talk about business issues and life. Tears of love and appreciation for you helping me through my journey with Jennifer's Hep C treatments and always greeting me with a hug and huge smile. Tears from heaven are falling today and I am filled with your love. Thank you for sharing.
Love to all of you,
Tom Dorr
Bellingham, WA
PS I'm still expecting Tom and Aeden to get their homework done for the Song Growing Company. We have many more people to introduce to music and Angels. :)
Hi Tom and Family,
Jessica is in listening to one of your old cassette tapes that I bought when you sang in my classroom, probably 12 years or so ago. She's been listening to it every night on her tape player, singing along to Rock Me to Sleep and The World is Always Turning Toward the Morning.
She's trying to understand what's happening to you, as we all are. Tonight she asked who would sing your songs when you can't. I said, "We will." And we will, Tom. All of us. Always.
Ann Yurovchak
Kingston, Wa
Please send my thoughts to Tom and his family. Two years ago I had gotten a grant to come from Rochester NY to NWTC. I had been to many of Tom's workshops sponsored by BER and they always helped to motivate me. I have been a pre-K teacher of 25 years. I still love it and Tome helped to keep that going in me. I was thrilled to be able to attend NWTC, registered, flights all set and then a few weeks before the conference, my father got very ill, and past away. A week later my husband was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, an auto immune disease, now it has gone into neuro - sarcoid, no known cure etc.... I can feel the pain that Tom's family and close friends feel. It is so hard to watch a loved one suffer and very tiring and emotional for the care givers.
Please extend my sympathy to all and know that Tom's touch has reached many of us who teach the young ones.
Sincerely,
Nancy Lindquist
Dear Tom and Gwen,
A quote from Karen Gallas:
"What I needed as a child in school was a teacher who wanted to hear my voice, my ideas, the words that were always present but never spoken: a teacher who would have given me the support and safety and a space in which to project that voice...a teacher who would have valued my voice just because it was mine, not because it provided the right answer."
I read this yesterday and was struck with the connection I feel. Tom, you have taught so many of us to be this kind of teacher. Not just through your songs, but through your kind, generous, listening self. Gwen, you too, have this amazing ability to listen and let others feel important through your work and friendship. We all need to be "heard" and valued--children and grown-ups alike.
Thank you. Thank you for your living examples.
I am beginning to accept this turn of events. My heart is so full and so sad. I am in awe at your continuing generosity and care for others.
I love you all,
Sherry Baugh
A memory from Faith Petric
In the 1970s I had a small Saab in which I built a bed by taking out the passenger seat and making a frame on which I put single bed size ply and foam. I was showing this proudly to Tom and he innocently asked "Who made this for you?" I screeched out, with some profanity I fear, that I had made it myself. I would have been heard all over the neighborhood had there been anyone there to listen.
I know Tom was shocked but it didn't faze him - his ability to accept others as they ARE included me. By my book, we were very close friends; did some concerts together. After the family moved to the Northwest we kept in touch. His birthday is the day after mine and called for a long phone talk every year, discussing and solving the world's problems.
Without Tom we will all have to work that much harder but he has left us with good guidelines.
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