In the globalized world where a person can buy KFC in the shadow of the Great Pyramid and Scandinavian furniture is always close at hand, it's easy to forget that there are still special places. Tom's passing is a reminder of how fragile such places are. They do not appear by accident, nor do they persist without care. They are capitalist in the best of Adam Smith’s sense when he said, “By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.” They’re never corporate. They’re not created by committee. They are always one person’s vision. But the dreams we have alone are just that. The dreams we have together are what the future is made from. They require someone like Tom and Marla coming together as one, as a family, a foundation stone. They require the kind of love that is willing to work without asking for applause.
Lovely to hear your words about my grandpa and the store. I got to spend time in the HFC during the summers (when I wasn’t in some kid’s summer camp) and it was truly a wonder to sit there watching Tom work his magic.
Oh man! I always wonder if kids who grow up in really unique and special places recognize it in the moment - that their experience is very different than other kids - or if they just think about it later in life when they see a broader view. Like when people say fish probably don't have a concept of water. It's just there always.
My business has been about shipwrecks and ocean adventure so my kids were diving with sharks and exploring the world from an early age. It was normal to them. I think it's only now, in their 20's that they really see how... unusual... it was.
I'm so happy to hear about the place those special memories have in your heart.
I definitely recognized that there was some magic to it. But not in the adult way we perceive things.
I was actually sent alone on the airplane (there’s a system where they put a tag on you and have a hostess or person to accompany you to your gate and from your gate) and I definitely knew I was getting a unique experience because of that.
Sounds like your kids got to have a wonderful childhood!!!
I am considering maybe writing a little something talking about what it was like to be around the store as a kid, just so I can remember all those details and commemorate it.
Thanks John Wesley , I could identify with everyting you said sbout Tom. I loved dropping in saying hi. If he was open to chatv he would stop working and we would chat. I fekt like I was his friend by then sespecially as he allowed me right into his workshop. Thanks Tom . Jim
Thank you, John, for this heartfelt tribute to my father. It lovingly and accurately depicts the person that he was - including his quiet, humble nature, and ability to share his immense love of music and lutherie with community. Rest in peace, Dad. Love always, Meghan xoxo
I should have written this before. It's been on my mind for a long time. I am roughly reminded, that it's only in the darkest of night that the brightness of the stars is most apparent.
To you, and through you to your family, I'm sending sincere condolences on the loss of your father. I hope you are surrounded with all the help and comfort you need to deal with the vexing details of death in this difficult time.
Lovely to hear your words about my grandpa and the store. I got to spend time in the HFC during the summers (when I wasn’t in some kid’s summer camp) and it was truly a wonder to sit there watching Tom work his magic.
Oh man! I always wonder if kids who grow up in really unique and special places recognize it in the moment - that their experience is very different than other kids - or if they just think about it later in life when they see a broader view. Like when people say fish probably don't have a concept of water. It's just there always.
My business has been about shipwrecks and ocean adventure so my kids were diving with sharks and exploring the world from an early age. It was normal to them. I think it's only now, in their 20's that they really see how... unusual... it was.
I'm so happy to hear about the place those special memories have in your heart.
I definitely recognized that there was some magic to it. But not in the adult way we perceive things.
I was actually sent alone on the airplane (there’s a system where they put a tag on you and have a hostess or person to accompany you to your gate and from your gate) and I definitely knew I was getting a unique experience because of that.
Sounds like your kids got to have a wonderful childhood!!!
I am considering maybe writing a little something talking about what it was like to be around the store as a kid, just so I can remember all those details and commemorate it.
Older you will maybe laugh a little but never regret younger you taking the time to write them some notes.
Thanks John Wesley , I could identify with everyting you said sbout Tom. I loved dropping in saying hi. If he was open to chatv he would stop working and we would chat. I fekt like I was his friend by then sespecially as he allowed me right into his workshop. Thanks Tom . Jim
Thanks for the note, Jim.
Thank you, John, for this heartfelt tribute to my father. It lovingly and accurately depicts the person that he was - including his quiet, humble nature, and ability to share his immense love of music and lutherie with community. Rest in peace, Dad. Love always, Meghan xoxo
I should have written this before. It's been on my mind for a long time. I am roughly reminded, that it's only in the darkest of night that the brightness of the stars is most apparent.
To you, and through you to your family, I'm sending sincere condolences on the loss of your father. I hope you are surrounded with all the help and comfort you need to deal with the vexing details of death in this difficult time.