In Honor of Tom Golden - words between a Haiku and a limerick

[jo]

Wise generous psychologist
Mute pages
Billions fingertip tears

I used to spend hours on this board. Could it have been ten, twelve years ago? I don't remember. I do remember that it was among the fist discussion pages on line. I do remember that it was just what I needed: to know others were like me, to help me learn to continue to be my dead son's parent, to know there were people in worse conditions than mine - people who had lost more than one child, or who were facing that grief plus grave illness in their families or lives.

This is a remarkable sanctuary, but in those early years (yes, years) of my deep sorrow, I didn't think about what a tremendous place this was, nor did I think about being grateful to Tom for providing it.  Thank you, Tom.

Here's the limerick:
There once was a girl from Nantucket (oops, ignore that - wrong one!)

Just swallow the snake, said Tom Golden.
So, to help all the pain that's unfoldin',
To the bereft,
A website he left,
For that, we shall all be beholden.     

 (Yeah, that's weak, but the intent is there).

I shall always be grateful for the part you and this place played in what I believe to be a grand compromise with my son's death. Yes, he is gone. But, most importantly, he is always with me.
Again,
Thank you, Tom

Jane

[Tom]

Well bless your heart Jane!  It's great to see you.  Yes, those early years were interesting on the board weren't they? And yes, you are right, this was the first board on the net and was started in 1995.  I still hear from folks every now and then.  So good to see you.

Tom

[Debh]

Jane, I second being grateful to Tom, all those that have helped Tom with the board and all here at this board!

"This is a remarkable sanctuary, but in those early years (yes, years) of my deep sorrow, I didn't think about what a tremendous place this was, nor did I think about being grateful to Tom for providing it.  Thank you, Tom."

Tom "well bless your heart" was what my grandmother would say to me every time she opened the door when I came to visit. She died January of 95 and my father Dec of 95. Both missed and since the loss of my son/sons and nephew I can say forgotten in many ways. Reminders like"bless your heart" is a another thing I am so grateful for that happens at this board. Reminders that bring back the good times and memories that can be lost in our sadness and grief from the death of our child.

Thank you Tom
Deb

[Dena]

Hi Jane!

Thank you Tom - for providing a safe haven!

Hugs,
Dena, Josh's Mom

[laurenE]

Tom, 

What would I have done without you and this board.    You are my mentor and  my role model.

thank you,

lauren E

[Lonnie]

Tom: I also would like to express my appreciation for this board and for you! You are providing a place of safety for so many of us to work through our grief. Aside from the Lord, it has been the single most important gateway to my healing and well being! God bless you! Lonnie

[quint906]

Jane,

You are so right about the safe haven at this board.  It's a place I know I can come to when I need to "get it out".  I look at the parents on this board as my friends who understand and know how I feel and look forward to their words of encouragement and prayers.

Jo

[lainie]

Thank you Tom,
I am so glad that I found this place.  It just helps so much to know that there are other people who understand the same kind of pain.  Thank you for providing this for us.  I am very grateful.
Elaine  (Brynn's Mommy)

[Dottie (Tammie's Mom)]

I couldn't agree more. THANK YOU TOM !!!! It will be 20 months tomorrow and because of this board and the people on it I am still here today. Is my heart still broken, of course, but I have a place to come and feel safe to talk about it. That has helped. I was guided here I know by my daughter.

Thankyou, Tom,
Dottie Tammie's Mom