Tom, 61, was quite far along with cancer when he joined us. His wife, Mary, heard about ABODE through friends of Ken (see opposite page ) – and she’s the cousin of another Guest we cared for in 2020 – Ruth. She very much wanted Tom to have the same lovely experience at ABODE. In fact, Tom was in the same room as Ruth was – our beautiful Blue Room.

Mary attended our Pull Up a Chair dinner in February featuring harpist/music thanatologist Deborah Marshall. She asked if Deborah would come play her harp for Tom. Deborah was happy to oblige. Such a beautiful experience.

Tom spent his final days listening to his favorites – Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen – and enjoying visits from his pup, Harley. He died surrounded by Mary, his sister-in-law and his best friend.