Hi Everyone,

This is Cyndi...Tom was freed from his cancer on July 14^th. Some people would phrase that as “lost his battle with”. In Tom’s case, he won. He won in the lessons he taught us and the fashion in which he did it in. I need everyone to know that Tom fought this thing with every fiber of his being. He fought a good fight - one that we all can be proud of. For all of you that did not get to see him in the last months, please don’t be saddened by that. Tom knew that the line to see him was long, and was constantly reminded how much you all loved him. With the speech difficulties it was just too hard for him. I can honestly say that, for those who did not get to see him; Tom wanted you all to remember him well. So, I need those of you that did not get to see him to free yourselves from the ravages of this disease. It is with certainty, what Tom would want.

As for the many phone calls that I was not able to return…I need you all to know that your calls meant so much to Tom & I. Please know that I could not return them, simply because I was busy holding his hand. I just loved him so much, I could not bear to leave his side. As Tom took his last breaths, we were cheek to cheek and I was quietly whispering comforting words in his ear. Find solace in that. Know that his children were holding his hands in that moment – and that his brother, his best friend, was also there to comfort him.

We are all so blessed to have known Tom. He touched so many lives. Tom was magnetic. He had an uncanny ability to draw people to him. We should all aspire to be so positive and fun loving.

Know that with the limited speech that Tom and I were still able to communicate the things that we needed to. I am not sure how we did it. Love, I think. It is amazing how well we communicated without words. It should be a lesson to all of us. If you are able to say it, do so. If not, find another way. There are hundreds of other ways…and rest assured, Tom & I found them. So always part as if it is your last goodbye. If there is one thing this disease taught me, it is to say what you need to say – and if you can not say it – show it.

If I could open the heavens above I would be with him now. I don’t really know how I will go on without him. I am so grateful for the love that we shared. Some people will not experience that in a lifetime. Although I am not sure how I will go on without him, I do know that the gifts he has given me will help me through this.

Please keep your eyes peeled on the Caring Bridge, because although Tom is gone, I may continue to document the many lessons that Tom has taught me. Although the disease itself was ugly, there is some beauty in what transpired. So as I try to sort this all out myself I plan to share it with others that are diagnosed with GBM. It is a difficult road to travel and Tom & I wanted to help make that an easier journey for others.

Please join us in celebrating Tom’s life this week.

Visitation:

Thursday, July 17^th from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Toynton’s Funeral Home

328 Kenosha St
Walworth, WI 53184

(262) 275-2171

Services:

Friday, July 18^th @ 11:00

St. Benedicts

137 Dewey Ave
Fontana, WI 53125

(262) 275-2480

Burial immediately following at the Cobblestone Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

CHRIS SCHWENN CANCER FOUNDATION
N1073 BONNER DR
WALWORTH, WI
53184-5953

ABTA.org or

Big Foot Lions Club

Thank you all for everything.

Much love,

Cyndi

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