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Thomas Herbkersman Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Herbkersman
1 Entry
Charles J. Brooks
December 10, 2011
What can be said to honor the life of Tom Herbkersman? We were not blood relatives of Tom's, but I considered myself to have been more of a father/uncle figure. Let's call it "uncle by choice." Tom and I chose each other. To take it all a bit further.......The Herbkersman Family chose the Brooks Family, and we chose them. It was mutual. We loved Tom and all of his brothers, and Don and Katie. With that being said, one would have to realize that when Tom died (and Bernie), it was like losing one of our own.
Tom was our hero; he "lifted us up." He, along with all of the Herbs, kept us in stitches. Sure, we tried lifting Tom uptoo, but the net result was that he lifted us up. He was better at it then we were....of course. Tom was profound. He was deep; he was humble. He loved (as no one else could) and he was loved by all, in return. Tom was on fire! He was a big thinker; no project, or endeavor was too small or to large....he thought in the broad sense, and he thought out the details, in the minute sense. Tom didn't recognize obstacles like the normal guy; He viewed obstacles as just another opportunity. That was the samemanner in which he viewed his illness. He considered his illness to be a blessing in disguise. Tom was not afraid, because he replaced fear and anger with love and thanksgiving. My gosh, how brave is that? He actually lived it out, right up until the end, that which we all hope and pray that we, too, will be able to do as we approach the end of our life on earth.
Mary Frances and I had expressed to Tom early on in his “journey,” that God, we believed, had chosen him for a specific purpose that had not yet been fulfilled. Most of us will go through life, feeling a bit unfulfilled, but Tom did not. By the Grace of God; Tom was to be an exception. I believe, too, that Tom felt that Our Lord chose him…….specifically. Maybe Tom did not have that sense initially, but soon, I am sure, he developed a unique closeness to his Lord, whereby the Lord revealed to Tom that He had chosen Tom to live out His mission in life. God was not through with Tom. Tom was destined to be a “messenger” directly from Our Lord God. Tom lived out that message; and he spoke of it on occasion. Just go back and read his CaringBridge messages…..they're very powerful, and full of God's love, not just for Tom, but for all of us, as well. You see, God chose Tom to walk a path that only Tom could walk; using Tom as an instrument of His peace, whereby God could express His love for us. We've all heard the saying…….many are called, but few are chosen. Tom was chosen!
It is said that you can't judge a book by its cover. We cannot judge Tom by his physical attributes, or his mental capacity (while both were exceptional); we can, however, judge him by his courage, his bravery, his love, his gentleness, his sense of fair play, and his charitableness. You see, courage comes from the heart. And, all can agree, Tom had a big heart, so big, so giving, that one cannot just measure the impact that he had on all of us. Time, only, will reveal the impact that Tom left for us. Tom was the ultimate servant; both to his fellowman, his family, and more so, to his Lord. Tom gave life definition. He gave of himself unselfishly. God saw all of these wonderful attributes in Tom…….and simply said…….”I want Tom for Myself.” So there you have it.
I pray that each of us……. Tom's family and friends…….. can carry on for Tom; by being examples of the type of life he lived. Remember….God loves Tom, and each and every one of us. The Brooks Family is very blessed to have had Tom (and all of the Herbs) as part of Our Family. We love you all………… God Bless you, one and all.
The Brooks Family:
Charles, Mary Frances, Chuck, Anne, Chaz, Baker and Anna; Bryan and Betty; and Susan, Sarah Grace and Lily; and the extended Brooks Family who also loved Tom.
12/07/2011
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