Sue, so happy to hear that you all got some precious time together today for just a few more memories. He will be sorely missed. Looking forward to celebrating his life's rich tapestry with you and family. Hoping you feel surrounded by the warmth in the hearts of all those held Tom dear. Love you so much, peace to you all.

Wish I was there to give you a gigantic hug but I am certain many hugs are being given to you Sue. We love you all.

Very few people become a part of your life for a very short time and leave you feeling as though they were a close friend forever. Tom was that person for Charlotta and me. We will miss him immensely. All the very best for you and family

Peace be with you.

I have nothing profound to say, just this feeling of loss and wondering what kind of answer this is to all the prayers of the last several weeks. All I can think of is the image from Siddhartha of the river as life's flow and hope that there's some truth in it. Sue and family, we love you and want to be supportive in any way you ask. Do ask.

Tonight I went to Temple and prayed for Tom to heal not knowing until I got out that he had died. Jeff and I are so saddened and will miss him and his wonderful stories and his hugs. Sue you are in our thoughts. We love you and will be there for you. Hugs to you and the family. Love fran and jeff

You know how we feel. No words.
Some people special to Tom send messages of love to you thru me - David Perry, former Editor in Chief, UNC Press, Bland Simpson, acclaimed author and playwright, GeeGee Rosell, independent bookseller n Buxton, Susan West, author and oral historian, Charles Mosely, pastor of Hatteras United Methodist Church during and after Isabel.
We will honor Tom at some point by fishing on the Albatross and cooking the catch at our home. ... Celebrating him with laughter and fond memories of his time here and what it meant to so many.
You may not realize the importance of his book, "Hatteras Blues," but be assured it was much, much more tham a good read. It gave value to our lives in our community and honored the resilience of generous, hardworking people. At the same time, it showed we are part of the world beyond this narrow island. We share suffering, loss, strength, and a desire to pick ourselves back up and lift others with us.
Tom showcased our greatest challenge of the time and our response as he struggled through his as well.
AND he was good company! We miss him!
Well, I guess there were words after all.
So you know, we did, along with David and Bland, share silence this morning but then listened to Woody Guthrie sing, " So long, it's been good to know ya."
We shed some tears and then decided Tom would appreciate the tribute so it was good.

When you were all seeing Tom off I found my (super vague) understanding of quantum mechanics coming to mind. How the closer one inspects that there is no edge, no separation between objects. It was a little convoluted but I did feel a little closer to you all and found myself imagining that he was becoming a part of even what was near me. Most certainly into something more than a body. Something rich and strange.

Sue, I am just so heartbroken to hear this. Please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts and many hugs to you during this very sad time. I hope to give you a hug in person soon and be at his service. Much love to you.

Dearest Sue. Tom was a wonderful man and i’m A better person for having known him. Please know that you & the rest of your family are in my thoughts & prayers as you enter this period of grief and reconciliation. Xxxooo