Thomas Patrick Kelly II

Thank you for this lovely reminiscence of your father. It sparked many, many memories for me. In particular, the playful, music-loving, drawing-focused Tom was the man I knew. As teens, we spent long hours immersed in worlds of our own making. This was, I think, Tom´s only real escape from the pain his kidney problems caused.

Unfortunately, I was far away when many of the later things you describe took place. The last real conversations I had with Tom were shortly after your birth, when your parents had a small apartment in the Phoenix area (I can´t remember whether they were in Mesa, Tempe, or elsewhere...) I was working in Tucson and would ride my motorcycle up to see you all on long weekends.

Those Saturday and Sunday afternoons were filled with joy. As a new, young father, your dad was apprehensive about making ends meet but also filled with hope and pride. We would sit for hours near the pond in the apartment courtyard and talk about the future. Your future.

You were an anchor for him. A source of stability and promise. That sense came though very clearly when I returned from Thailand in 1995 and you, Suzette, and Tom honored me by participating in my wedding ceremony. You were a bright young lady at that point - perfectly poised (along with Ondine Winkless) as a jubilant flower girl. Again, there was hope and profound optimism among the adults about you all.

My prayer for you, Marissa, is that the hope from those times - the early times - is still there. Please do not let any of the difficulties that have come since overshadow your father´s huge heart , enduring love, and aspirations. Please carry those amazing parts of him into your future.

I know in my soul that Tom would want that for you. I do, too.

He left a stream across the sky. I feel fortunate to have known him, if only a little bit.

I have fond childhood memories of Tom and am so sad that he's gone. His memories and influence will live on in you and those who knew him. I hope you are able to find comfort in the good memories, and in the fostering of your own creativity and humor. My deepest condolences, and many strong hugs