TOMMY WOODS LAID TO REST
This morning and into the afternoon people gathered to say a final “see ya” to Tommy Woods. The majestic church of St. Nicholas was filled with relatives, townspeople, media folk and everyone whose lives Tom touched.
Tom’s faith and love of country was on full display as well as his love of family. But there was something stronger at work.
Allow me a personal observation. I got there at 9am and gave my condolences and memories to his family. I realized that I had another place to be after that and left the church. I had planned to stay for the Mass but there was a place I was needed.
I made short work of the situation and rushed back to stay for the funeral Mass. In my head as I drove to the church for the second Upon my arrival, a woman stopped me in the parking lot and asked if I was David Yonki. I said yes and she said she saw my license plate. It turns out she was Joan Doniger the daughter of the late Jack Doniger. When we got inside the church, there was Judy Shaver the widow of Joey standing there.
Coincidence? Maybe.
The Mass was beautiful and at the end Tom’s daughter Bobbie observed “My dad could really work a room”. And this room was one he’d approve of.
Then his son Tom Junior got up and spoke about his father’s belief that one should just “:be there”.
Be there!
I can’t help but think that as I drove back, Tom was nudging me spiritually saying, “be there, you don’t want to miss this one!”
I sat with Judy and Joan and reflected on why so many people loved Tom. Turning around after the military service final blessing, I saw the many faces who knowingly or not, followed the two simple words that summed up Tom’s 86 ½ years on this earth.
BE THERE!
And we were!
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