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.
Monday, June 16, 2008
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50 comments:
Dear Tom and family,
I just heard about your struggles and I want to send my love your way. Years have passed since our lives have crossed paths.About 15 years ago you and Beth did a concert at Central UMC and some other events in Sacramento.We spent time together at these events. One of my fondest memories is when you came to our house, brought in some new tapes, my boys immediately put on their "walkmans" and listened to them. All the while, you were playing your guitar and singing. I have just purchased all of your cds, your songs will continue in our family for generations. THANK YOU. Love and blessings to you all. Rita Lundin
The moon is bright tonight and will light your way. The winds are fair. "Go as you may go." Godspeed, dear Tom.
Love is streaming around the lake from our house to yours.
All day, all night,
Angels watching over you, my Lord
All day, all night
Angels watching over you.
Now I lay me down to sleep,
Angels watching over you, my Lord
Pray the Lord my soul to keep,
Angels watching over you.
Dearest Tom,
The angels have always watched over you as you have done your beautiful work and they are watching over you now.
godspeed.
kyra bowman
Tom,
When I called you a few weeks ago and attempted to say how much I hate that this has happened to you, you didn't want to hear any of it. Although words were already hard and it was clear you were having trouble expressing what you wanted to say, you spoke with conviction: "I'm using the upward trail and using every upward I can. I understand every upward way. I want to keep every upward step."
I believe you do understand the upward way, Tom. Your grace, dignity, faith, love, and beauty of the heart and soul are lessons to us all. Many of us are paying attention.
I hope you feel the outpouring of love from all over the country. The floodgates have been opened.
Love,
Margie
Dear Gwen, Tom, Irene and Aeden,
We love you very much, and thank you for sharing your feelings, happy and sad. Though your strength for doing this must at times become zapped, I hope that it's making all of you stronger in a way. Sharing always comes back to you, as we see with Tom.
Please know that Jen and I are praying for you and sending you good vibes throughout our day.
Love Always,
Jen and Mike
Good Morning Hunters. Thank you so much for the updates of Tom. Your words are profound and healing to us all. Sending mounds of love your way. I love you Tom. Mary Davidson
Yes, Irene, we are still walking with you, and your brother and your magnificent mom. It's a great and loving gift you are giving us by letting us in to be with you all and this man we love so much.Each day I am comforted, many times, by A Time for Sharing. John and I begin and end each day by drawing close to this weird little lit up screen as if it's a family campfire. And it never fails that we look at the pictures again and marvel that we have had Tom in our lives so long. And now much more than ever we have you, and Aeden, and Gwen. We will always love Tom and be grateful. I just wish I could reach out and hold his hand. But you three are there, and I know that is all he needs.
The first time I heard Angel Band, Tom and Gwen, and I think Bill was there,too,sang it..joined by SF Folk Music Club members at some camp gathering. I was a bystander, and I was transfixed by the melody and words. Almost everytime Tom visited I'd ask him to sing it. After awhile I didn't have to ask. That's what I've been hearing interspersed with Beautiful Nighttime.
love to the four of you, Linda
Every morning I check the blog, I pray for good news, a miracle, something....today I read Irene's words, and I realize, every day for the past weeks has been just that-a daily miracle. Hearing about how you have come together, your support circle, the strength and determination of your community, the power of love...I cry for you all every day, for your loss and your gifts.
Dear Mr. Hunter,
Gratitude and awe are the two words that express just a fraction of the feeling I have for what you have given me over the years. I promise to "keep it going" in your memory, and to be here for your family.
Gwen, Aeden and Irene,
Gratitude and awe are the two words that express just a fraction of the feeling I have for the lessons you have been teaching me throughout this ordeal you have been living.
Sending you all love, light and peace this day.
Marla B.
Dear Gwen, Tom, Irene and Aeden,
I know that your time together in this life is nearly over, and a new door will open, whatever it brings.
I know that I have only communicated 1x here, however, you are often in my thoughts and prayers. Inspite of the saddness of having to say "good-bye", I believe that you are fortunite to have the time to say "good-bye". Thank you all for your openness & sharing of this intimite, special time of transition.
As you, Tom & Gwen, have shared your love, music & commitment to education, family and children everywhere, with so many of us, know that your impact has made a difference, is making a difference and will continue to make a different because of the way Tom has lived his life, and "closed" his life.
Love,
Mary Lou
I'm holding you all very close in my heart right now, and sending love, prayers, peace and energy across the waves to you.
Godspeed, lovely Tom - I know there's a chorus of angels waiting for you
With love,
Cori Dusmann
Dear Irene,
My heart is breaking and growing bigger at the same time from the generosity and wisdom in your writing.
With much gratitude,
Deb
Dear Tom and family,
It comforts me to hear tell of Irene singing her dad to sleep. Music and love are most certainly passed along "heart to heart."
During my own father's final illness I spent many evenings singing him to sleep. He had his "Tom favorites"....Beautiful Nightime, Angels, Rock Me to Sleep..and he dearly loved an old traditional folk song, I See the Moon. I believe it comforted me as much as it comforted Dad. I've been ketting Tom's voice rock me to sleep most evenings now. My iPod loops Beautiful Nightime....ain't technology grand. I feel so far away from my Bellingham home these days, but my spirit hovers close, whispering prayers for peace and solace on the house of Hunter.
Much love,
Marilee
Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.
-Rabindranath Tagore
Dearest Tom, God speed you on your way. Dearest Gwen, Irene and Aeden, may God's arms wrap you in comfort as they draw Tom to Her. Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with us all.
Tom and Family,
Years ago at the first NWTC you changed my life and my teaching. I was one of the original "lifers" and attended for 7 years. Other things interfered in the years since, but the blessings of those summer experiences have never dimmed or left my memory. Hundreds of children have benefited as a result. All of our 2nd graders meet every Monday morning to begin the week together with singing (many of which are Tom's songs). We have a Family Sing-along every May and each student takes home a book of the year's songs to enjoy forever. Our last song is always "We Will Remember". And yes, Tom, we will remember. And when our time comes down the road, we know that you will be waiting to meet and greet us, singing "We've Been Waiting For You". What a joyous reunion that will be! Thank you for the inspiration you bring to us even now, miles apart. You are still teaching us how to live... and how to die, with love and joy and gratitude. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers daily. You and your influence will be living on in your family, worthy vessels of your legacy. Please know how much all of you are loved and appreciated.
Many years ago - perhaps to many to think about - I met a man named Tom Hunter. I was a young mother trying to figure out what to do with the gifts and talents bestowed upon me by my beloved heavenly Father. I attended a training in Waltham, Massachusetts and I will never forget Tom's summation of his life work. He said - and I loosely quote - "I am a wandering minstral and I have the best job in the world bringing music to the children." After completing that training, I went home and told my husband that I finally knew what my mission in life was. I wanted to be a "wandering minstral" just like Tom Hunter. Needless to say, I am that wandering minstral because of those words I needed to hear and the man who shared them. Please know that you made an incredible difference in my life Tom Hunter and I will always be grateful to you for showing me where my path began. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and know that I feel much sadness for you and your family as you walk through this illness. May the good Lord bless you and keep you always in the palm of His hand. With Prayers, Patricia Lake a.k.a. "Mrs. Patti"
Dear Tom
Your Christmas Eve service was always a highlight of my youth, and grew into a great gift to the community.
Go with love into your next great
From across the country in New York City, I send you comfort and peace.
- Aaron Blank
I think of you all everyday and pray everyday. I met Tom and his music at Camp Caz with Sebastopol Community Church 30 years ago and my children grew up with Tom's music and my 1 yr old grandson will too. I am so deeply moved and so very grateful for your precious sharing and I am more loving and present in my daily intereactions because of your sharing. Tom's and your gifts are affecting folks you've never met, going on and on...Thank you for teaching me. Love, Betty Meyskens
Dear Tom, Gwen, Aeden and Irene...
I think of you all so many times throughout each day, particularly as I greet the dawn on my morning walk, but also here and there throughout the day as one more detail for our Tom Hunter Benefit Concert falls into place. We're having a whole lotta fun putting this event together, and every time we meet or touch base, we feel a strong, beautiful sense of being powerfully connected to all of you, and also to all the folk who've been linked in a forever way by the gift of this blog.
Every musician/storyteller who'll be participating in our Concert is so enthusiastic about being part of this tribute, and they're out there playing their hearts out in honor of you, Tom, and the gift you and your music has been to children, teachers, parents, church folk, and folk music lovers -- and to all the people they love as well. It's a glorious worldwide collection of folk, held close by their hearts' connection to you.
In a harsh world, you have been a gentle, compassionate gift; in dark seasons, you have been a merry light and a sign of hope. Your music has gentled and soothed children you have never met, and cradled and rocked their parents and caregivers as well.
Know that a whole lotta people who love you will be singing you home
on June 25 in funky ol' Modesto, and helping each other keep it going.
Blessings on you all as you move through this blessed, glorious, anguishing time....
With love, in hope,
Sandy Sample
P.S.if anyone reading this on the blog wants more details about our Benefit Concert,call(209)523-8445.
Dear Tom and family,
I spoke to Tom about my son who has taken a spiritual, musical journey that both my husband and I have struggled to understand--it was not the journey we expected from our child, and yet it was the journey he was meant to take. He has taught us a lot, and it seemed fitting to share that information with Tom when he visited our school last fall. And now as I read the blogs and updates from your family, I feel that I must quote from one of Travis's songs: last summer he had a friend who drowned, and the song he wrote for him had these words. I hope and pray they will bring comfort to you, as the visual image of the halo and guitar is so right for Tom:
Before the tears start flowing everbody knows he was a good man, a real good man,
And there ain't no way of knowing when the last day is coming so we do the best we can,
And he did all right,
Yea, he did grand,
And now the angels are comin' gonna take him to the promised land.
And he said what about my family, what about my friends,
oh the tears keep coming and there's no time to make amends
He asked the Holy Spirit and he asked the angels too
Aint' there something, ain't there something, ain't there something I can do?
And God say, "Hey, hey, hey, don't cry,
All good things in time,
Boy, here's your halo, here's your guitar,
Anything you want to play I bid you to play it,
Anything you want to play I bid you to rock,
Anything you want to say I bid you to say it,
Ain't it funny how we're still alive...
He's miles away, smiles when I see his face,
See you where the heavens meet the ocean
I'll see you when, I'll see you then,
Ending to begin.
You remain in my prayers,
Ceci
Bloomington, Indiana
Tom,
For both of us you are on the very short list of those persons who have made the greatest impact on our lives. What awesome gifts you have given just by being yourself! These gifts will continue to be shared and shared and shared through very many years to come. In our family a fourth generation is already receiving your gifts through your music. Our daughter Judy told us this weekend that her five-year-old grandson was singing along on your songs from a CD in the car while they were out driving.
Thank you for always paying attention, for celebrating the details of all of our lives, for being one who listens from the heart and leaves no one out.
Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.
Gwen, Irene and Aeden,
What an incredible human being each of you is. Thank you for allowing so many of us into all of your lives during these past weeks, and for your huge generosity in sharing Tom with us during all these past years.
This blog, which has made a loving community out of people, many of whom have never met one another, has created a human-divine bond which expresses what life at its best, even at at its worst times, can be. These weeks have been a profoundly deep spiritual as well as a deep human experience. What a great gift the Hunter family are to us all.
Our love and our gratitude to all of you.
We share with you a mantra shared with us by another beloved Hunter, Allan Hunter, many years ago: “May wave after wave of Love flow through you, bringing peace of heart, guidance, new strength, and the certainty of being deeply valued.” Amen.
John and Gretchen
Dear Tom, Gwen, and family,
My heart goes out to you all. You have been such a gift to this community. Gwen, I miss the women's group and you...too many years have gone by. May God be with you all and may the community continue to support and love you into eternity.
Julie Lockhart
Dear Hunters,
I've been sitting here for ages trying to put into words what Tom's friendship and guidance have meant to me over the years and I don't have the words...My heart is full, my eyes are full, my brain is full...with music and memories and hope that we will be together again someday.
With love and gratitude,
Robin
I've been out of town and thought about you all while I was away. Your words are so beautiful to read, your suffering written so eloquently. I hold you in my thoughts and send you all love and support.
My Dearest Tom,
How I love you
and treasure your wisdom,
your humor, your integrity, your humility
- and your songs.
I have ended many seminars with
your gentle wisdom beside me singing:
May the work we do
Make the world we live in
A little more worthy of our children.
And that, Tom, is one of your gifts to all of us.
We hold you and your family
in our thoughts and prayers.
With tears and precious memories,
Nellie Edge
If we should meet like ships a-passin'
Some stormy night out on the blue
We may not speak, but for the askin'
I'd let a sweet song of yesterday wash over you
Thank you, dear angels, Gwen, Aeden & Irene.
singing for you all through the night
Letting someone go, move on is some of life's hardest work. Watching your child grow up is wonderful, poignant, sweet, scary and sometimes even sad. Letting someone you love so much go on to what is there next for them - so hard, so hard. It takes so much faith - faith in them, faith in love, faith in your beliefs. I hear your faith in every word you write - everytime you share your hearts with the community of love that surrounds you. My parents died when I was in my young twenties, my grandparents, two brothers, followed up by my beloved cat. That was almost the straw that broke the camels back! But with each passing, I have gained new connection to the eternal. It took a long time for me to be able to open my heart and hear the voices of those I loved returning to me. But they did, and I will have them forever. Irene and Aeden, I have read with love your comments about not having had this experience of loss before in your lives. But you know what, it wouldn't matter. It never gets easier - but the learning and loving is deep if you are open to it - and it is obvious that you are. I am glad that you have had the love and teaching of your mom and dad to help you as you experience this part of life. Your dad will always be with you. You are carrying his external strength now. He has carried you for so long - and even when his body has left, his spirit will be underneath everything you do, his love will be within you and around you always.
All of us - the sum total of all who have been touched by your father in small, medium or large ways - we are all sending our prayers for peace, our love and our gratitude to him, to Gwen, to you Irene and to you Aeden. Thank you for letting us all love you.
Marty Peterson
Gwen, Tom, Aeden, Irene,
I'm thinking of you all. So many people write eloquently ... it's difficult for me to find words. I wish for you peace, deep peace, in these hours.
Bonnie Drewes
dear gwenn,irene,aeden,tom,
i am singing all night for you.
i see you all wrapped in the light.
anne-louise
dearest Tom, you have been so much to so many, father, friend, confidant, companion, minstrel, inspiration , And countless more. You have rocked so many of us to sleep, you have welcomed us home, and now the angels above are waiting for you to sit at the welcome table. Go I peace dear friend Godspeed and may you the reception be one of
singing praises for all that you have given and will conti I'd to give forevermore. My heart is full, the tears won't stop
coming, my head is full, the memories ads flooding , my heart is full with so much love you have put there. I will be
forever greatful for you and all that you have been and will continue to be! You will live in our house and lives forever!!
thank you dear friend!!
(I tried to send this note yesterday, but I guess it didn't get through, so I'm sending it again tonight.)
Dear Tom, Gwen, and family,
I only heard about Tom's illness very recently, and about this site only a few days ago. I am so sad that it's hard for me to find words, but I want to let you know that Maxine and I are thinking about you all every day, and holding you in our hearts.
The last time we saw Tom was at his niece Laurel's wedding, a joyous occasion made all the more so by Tom's warm presence, humor, and wise words. We're good friends of his brother Bill and see him at least a few times a year, but we've seen Tom all too rarely since you all left the Bay Area years ago. I have many great memories of Tom and Gwen at music parties, SFFMC meetings and camps, all of us standing in a big singing circle with our arms around each other, singing our hearts out! It is still easy for me to see Tom's smiling face and hear his distinctive voice and laugh in my mind.
Memories and thoughts of Tom always bring me warmth, and the feeling that there's still hope for a world that has someone like Tom in it! I am a richer person for having had him in my life.
Reading Irene's update tonight, I learned that Tom's illness is progressing much faster than I realized. I wish that I had found these words while he could still take them in, but I hope you will still convey our love to him in whatever way you can.
Love and comfort to you all,
Brendan Doyle
Dearest Gwen, Irene and Aeden,
Woke up at 5A this morning thinking of you all. As the time draws near for Tom to leave us, I'm imagining a band of angels singing "We've Been Waiting for You". They will be so glad that Tom has come. If I could imagine further, I'd magnify the love being expressed here to the fullest degree for what Tom will experience next - simply beyond our human understanding! I believe in eternal life with all my heart and I know that Tom's light will never stop shining. Blessings to all of you as you walk this walk. My heart is so full of love for you at this time. Squeeze Tom's hand for me and tell him we're cheering him on here in Houston. He's going to meet God and what a extraordinary experience that will be! May God's love continue to pour out on you and bless you in the way you have blessed so many others at this tender time. In faith and love, your friend, Debbie
Holding you all in my heart and in my prayers. I know that God's hands are upon you and that you all are covered by His blessing.
Sending my love from Arizona,
Deb Smith
I was heading to bed when I went looking to see when the conference Tom usually gives in the summer months was taking place. How shocked and surprised I was to find out that he is not doing well!
My thoughts and best wishes are with you at this time.
I just wanted to take a few minutes to say how much of an impact Tom Hunter has on me as an educator and a person. I believe I was first introduced to the "Tom, Bev and Michael Trio" in Nov 2002 when I attended the NAEYC conference in NYC. I was fortunate to be able to attend the following year in Chicago as well.
I definitely consider Tom one of my mentors and play the cds in my classroom frequently. I also enjoy listening to the songs on my own. There are so many ideas that I incorporate into my life and classroom, so many ideals and passions that enrich who I am. Tom - Thank you for inspiring and enriching the lives of so many people and for making this world a better place..
best wishes,
Jacqueline Newman
Brave, tender, heartbreaking, fragile, amazing, unfathomable, broken, strong, limitless, limited, illuminating, enraging, inspiring, distressing, bruising, hopeful, delicate, loving, loving, loving...
I have so much respect for each of you.
Blessings,
Mary Perona (from FCC)
I just heard of Tom's illness and his imminent homeward journey. My heart is with all of you.
Remember the days when you lived on Victor Street, when the kids were young, when we would gather for lively talk, music and fun? Tom, your big, bright smile, your huge, warm hugs, and your willingness to show love, warmed me then as that memory does now. Today I am holding you in the cradle of my soul and giving thanks for knowing you.
As the angels come to get you, we will all be singing you home, praising the way you lived, so generously and vitally. Please know that it has not been lost on us, dear friend. The trail of love and light that you've blazed is the best a person can do with a life.
It will live on.
To my dear Gwen, and Aeden and Irene, thank you for your willingness to share this difficult time with all of us, allowing us to walk by your side as you release Tom to God. I like to think that Tom isn't really leaving, but rather, he's changing form. We will still find him in the morning breeze, the smile of a child, the starlit night. I've heard it said that nothing is ever lost in God's world. We will just look for him with different eyes.
From our family to yours, we send love, and a heartfelt wish for peace.
Elizabeth, Jason and Adam Harris
Dear Tom and Family,
I just found out about your challenges. I want you to know that you, Tom, have been an inspiration to me and helped point me in a life direction that I might not have chosen had I not heard your gentle, teaching children's songs. You modeled for me how I could present life skill concepts to young people in a way that was funny and charming enough for them to hear.
Seeing your generosity of spirit nurtured a similar place within me, and that sustains me as I write and perform. I will carry you in my heart as I face a room full of people waiting to hear what a singer of songs for children has to offer.
Much love, Gary Lapow
I don't know what to say. I just know that my heart is focused on you and I am overwhelmed with love and admiration. I am in awe of all the courage and strength and beauty. Peace in your heart. Kristin Yorke
To Gwen or Aeden or Irene or whoever else is manning the post:
We Shaughnessys all spent time together (minus Ira, who is in Ghana in the Peace Corps) sitting around remembering our families' time together at 1374/6 La Playa...so long ago, but still such a large weave in that house. Images of recording studios and falling down stairs, and twin pregnancies and a rough climbing structure and adventures on the beach and park meandered among the more adult relationships that oversaw the communal raising of we five. Miracle.
Below, please find a letter from my Mom -- touching on many of these points.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,
Martha
415.987.0285
une 15, 2008
Dear Tom and Gwen,
“It has been a long time or a short time, I know not which” is one of my favorite lines from Russian fairy tales.
Captured in these words is the aura of spirit and heart connection that was present at the graduation of Sunset Cooperative Nursery School 2008; the place the Hunters and the Shaughnessys met, the tower stairway that was Tom’s first album, the school that is still of song and story and gracious community building that I know, as an elder now, will last a life time. My brain cannot find the year. 1979 or 1980? Our first born children romped in the sand there, dug into play dough or heard the guitar strings with Tom and Gwen lifting us up just high enough to recognize the blessed ground on which we stood together; making as they do, the ordinary gestures of friendship with others and with this earth, extraordinary blessings to be noted, harmonized and shared so that we remember, day to day, that what we do and what we say can be an unbroken circle of life.
I live in the very same house that we shared; bought before Irene and Ira were, as the Irish would say “even a glimmer in the eye.”
So when I walk by the kitchen counter I can remember Megan on a Sunday morning as a wee one standing at the radio and waving while she repeated “Hi Tom. Hi Tom! Hi Tom?” only to turn around bewildered at why the voice on the radio that was her friend and familiar, was not saying hello back to her.
A few more feet and I come to the window that looks out onto the back stairs where Tom would come with a cup of coffee for a little bit of morning conversation or, where I would hear a tap tap tapping, then his head poking in with the question, “ I have a new song, can Gwen and I come down and sing it?”
There we would be in a ramshackle, moldy, fixer- upper kitchen, with a new song filling the room. Gwen’s voice in harmony taking me beyond this world, Tom’s lyrics and curved shoulder over the guitar nothing less then magic making poetry of this life, with humor and heart, like a conversation with a good friend.
“Riding along singing a cowboy song” was Gwen's magic wand that would soothe baby Ira under the most chaotic circumstances. So important was this song, that it actually made me sing; something I was always shy to do. Had to learn it, so that Ira would stop crying on a car ride. We changed the lyrics to “riding along singing an Ira song.”
“Go to sleep my weary hobo” connected me back in time to Woody Guthrie, and was the most requested lullaby in this house. If Tom would sing my children to sleep, it was a blessing to all of us. The odd truth is that I have never heard that song, all these 25 years since, without a prayer of gratitude to the parental love that Tom and Gwen extended to my children, nor the continuity of the value in compassion and justice that is held in that song.
“Tonight I want you to Rock me to Sleep” has been a revolutionary song for me. In both words and tone, I had to face my own need for comfort and support. Those lines are now a prayer in a Rumi sense of the holy “You.”
Precious Tom. Thomas, Man with a twist of a smile, and twinkle in the eye to take this “you’ll Know She’s There” Ollie down a peg or two, or ten, all those years ago, you are one of my teachers for the very hard journey from living in my head to living from the heart.
Sparring, laughing, tweaking, teasing, and serious ethical and theological conversations both abraded and began to melt some of the “stiff upper lip East Coast” ego that was my armor, while, at the same time, showing the way toward an artist’s life.
Nearly twenty years ago, after my first storytelling performance to an all adult audience at St. John of God in San Francisco, I came home shaking with post performance adrenaline and asked you, Tom, one question. “What am I supposed to say when some one comes up to me and says that was a great performance?” Your answer, “Say thank you. Only you will know, from within, how true your effort was.” A profound teaching from you to me.
I carry it with me always. I pass it on to storytelling students. In your words is a humility that I know you feel in song as I do in story. The chance to do this at all, to make beauty, at all, is enough in itself. It can seem so ego centered, but is not, at its best.
Recently, maybe in the last five years or so, another teaching changed my direction. Words written by Tom about how we once sang together as a community of people for fun, but now people think of song as performance, forgetting the simple pleasure and community that singing together is. From those words, I opened my mouth to sing as part of my storytelling performances. Every time I am with the littlest ones, I sing. If I forget, they remind me. Tom, you the talented singer and writer, broke away another self consciousness for me, which then extends to many others. And I know, as do you, that the very vibration of joined voices is healing. “I like to eat eat eat Apples and Bananas” goes all the way back, and now forward into the future making little ones laugh in the play of sound, turning the familiar into the ridiculous and, for literacy education, teaching vowel sounds while we are at it in giggles. When I sing it, you and Gwen are in the song. Every time.
“Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”
Just in the last months I have come to recognize and to believe that we have this heaven now. Our gift and our task is to be this. That is the essence of this prayer. For love, the great source, the very great mystery, to have a voice, a touch, a song, a story, a hand at our back, a friend, a lullaby, a pot luck dinner, a tap at the window, a smile, a teaching toward freedom to love out loud.
The dark times, when Gwen was in jail and we had among us, five little children eating macaroni and cheese together, and fear threatened to fling me into pieces, we ate and sang together. We could not protect Gwen those nights, but could and did care for the children and one another.
“Mama’s in jail tonight”. Some days, art is where the hope resides.
Far away as I am, years gone by, as they have, the joining of Hunters and Shaughnessys for one chapter of our lives is not in the past at all.
The circle is unbroken.
Love, Ollie
Olive Hackett-Shaughnessy
Storyteller/ San Fancisco
Tom
While you don't know me, I have heard you sing with Bev and Michael numerous times, heard your stories and laughter and felt your passion for the work that we all do with children.
I just wanted to let you know that you have shined a light on me as an educator of young children.
"Most of us end up with no more than five or six people who remember us. Teachers (like you) have thousands of people who remember them for the rest of their lives."
~Andrew Rooney
Perhaps you will never know the impact you have had on the thousands of people you have come in contact with, but please know the impact has been great.
Sincerely
Lisa Ranfos, NH
June 18, 2008 7:50 AM
Tom, Gwen, Irene and Aiden,
I have started to write a number of times and given up the outward attempt for an inner prayer instead. The best I can manage for now is a Tom story.
Throughout the past decade or so, if I were to run into Tom, it would usually be at the airport. Airports can be such frantic, anonymous places, with everyone so very intent on getting to where they need to be next, outgoing or incoming, headed afar, headed home. A familiar face, especially Tom’s, is a very welcome sight.
Chilly Bellingham autumn nights often generate enough fog to shut down the last commuter flight from Seattle, and on one such night, I found myself at Seatac, grumbling beneath the “flight cancelled” sign at the Bellingham Gate.
It was too late to catch the redeye ground shuttle. Several of us were in the same predicament and none of us were looking forward spending what was left of the night at Seatac terminal or (with a nod to Irene) a room at the Holiday Inn.
Turning around, a welcome sight indeed, there was Tom. Tom’s idea and a perfect alternative to the rest of the night in Seattle, he and I and two other stranded travelers joined fortunes and fates in a one-way rental car to Bellingham.
Tom was at the wheel discussing civic matters with Bellingham city councilwoman Louise Bjornson riding shotgun. I kept awake in the back seat listening to the two of them in very animated discussion. The drive home passed quickly, speeded along by the conversation, good humor and excellent company. Tom proceeded to drop each of us off at our wee hour doorsteps and presumably returned the vehicle the following day.
Like so many others who have weighed in on this site, I too am grateful for sharing a brief but delightful and very memorable piece of the journey with you, amidst all the comings and goings, expected and unexpected events.
You are a truly beautiful being, Tom, and we have been so blessed to be on the receiving end of your liveliness, your good humor, your grace, your open heartedness and all the other lessons you have taught and lived.
Be at peace, my friend, surrounded by those you love and who love you. We will remember how you loved.
Tracy
Dear Tom,
In the last couple of weeks, my prayer for you has been this song:
"Lay down my dear brother,
lay down and take your rest.
I wanna lay your head upon the savior's breast.
I love you, but Jesus loves you the best,
So I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight..."
Goodnight and God bless,
Scout
Dear Hunter Family,
I am in awe at the grace and generosity you are displaying during Tom's illness. To allow all of us a window into this very private time is a gift. I ache for all of you and I marvel at your capacity for sharing.
Tom is so beautiful and special, I know I will carry him with me always.
Thank you and I wish you all peace.
Dina Miller
I almost lost my husband last year to a strange and horrific infection, just like the one that took Jim Henson, the famous Muppet guy, if you remember. And now, I feel very close to what it means to lose someone because I was sure he was dying, everyone was sure. Miraculously, my husband turned the corner several hours after prayers were said over him by two very young Mormon elders (we are not Mormon). When my husband awoke and the tubes were removed, he spoke eloquently and clearly: "I was certain I was dead. I have traveled to another place, a wondrous place filled with the simplicity of good." He had much more to tell, and it is all very very good. He looks forward to the day he can go there and stay. There is no fear of death for him now that he's seen what he has seen. And because I know him and know that what he says is true, I also am sure of this other place. I would be happy to share more with you should you wish to know about his "travels". The best part of the message that was shared with him is that we absolutely will see our loved ones again. Absolutely.
MaryAnn Kohl
www.brightring.com
I was lucky enough to dance with you at a Bev Boz conference in Roseville. I had just lost my best friend, and with every song you sang, I cried all the tears I needed to. And here I am now, your family and all of the people who love you, helping me cry all the tears I need to.
You are a wise and amazing presence. Heaven will be lucky to have you.
Sending you love and light. Judy
Glick
I am surprised, yet not so, at the tears and emotions flowing today. It is testament to the impact even so brief a knowing can mean. You will be missed, your contributions will be cherished, and your life will be remembered as a great one. Thank you for the words, the kindness, and the music.
Dear Tom,
Over the years I have had the privelege to be at inservices and conferences with you. You have been a big influence in the way that I teach and also the way that I parent as a new mommy. The gift that you have shared with so many will live on. My heart is streaming down my cheeks as I think of the loss it is for all of us, but you are going to see Jesus ! I can't wait to swap stories with you one day. You are one in a million and will be greatly missed. All my love and blessings to your family !
Elizabeth Hedwall
Even in your dying you are sharing.........amazing......I hardly know you but remember so well the day you took the time at a beautiful stuff conference to teach me, someone you didn't know, how to harmonize.....I had so much fun that day......now, I am starting and ending every day by reading the posts about your life. I am in awe and have been copying and pasting the best comments into a word document so that I can keep reading them over and over. I'm afraid this site might go away someday, and I don't want to lose these words. I HOPE that these words which are so powerful right now, will be useful again to me sometime in the future when I need them. I told a friend, someone who has never met you and isn't even remotely in the same field, "You have simply GOT to start reading these posts". And they are- my friends who DON'T even know you are "hooked" on this site too! You have got to know how many many thousands of people you are enriching right now. Your ending is as powerful as your life as been. Hmm....that doesn't sound quite right.....I wish I was able to write as poetically as so many others have done. I can only hope that when my time comes I can have someone sing me away as you are having people do for you. What imagery!
Godspeed Tom Hunter!
Jody Samanich
Tonight I sat outside under the beautiful full moon and sang and cried till my eyes burned and my throat closed and I could neither sing nor cry any longer. But I feel ever so much better for, strangely enough. My heart is brimming with love for you all, and I thought myself speechless, but then I remembered this lovely poem and had something to say after all.
Love
Cori Dusmann
Late Fragment
And did you get what
you wanted from this life, even so?
I did.
And what did you want?
To call myself beloved, to feel myself
beloved on the Earth.
Raymond Carver
Hunters,
Yesterday I spent the day quietly cleaning up my classroom to "give it on" to two new teachers. I had found my collection of Tom's CDs the day before and blasted them while I cleaned. Please know that through this all I've been sending you much love across the 3.000 miles that separate us.
The song Little Piece of Air came on and these lines swept me away...
I'm holding on to a little piece of air,
It's not such an easy thing to do.
And when I'm through holding and rolling it around,
I think I'll pass it on to you.
Tom, Thank you for the air that you have passed on to me. I will be ever grateful.
Love and Sunshine,
Lindsay Nyberg
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