I have always enjoyed Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings”, and one of the trilogy–The Fellowship of the Rings ” rang a chord……..
Sally gave Tom a ring many years back that he had never removed…..but since his accident his fingers have swelled. luckily the ring was able to be removed without being cut, and Sally is the custodian again…for a while at least…………………………………..BUT there was something else………… Remember when the two friends Frodo and Sam (SallyAnneMccomb) engaged the help of the ancient forest and all the trees entwined their branches and marched forward to help?????
So many battles involving so many people from different places…for a single cause.
I am back in Zim now ,having returned with Sally Friday evening., It’s been a battle, but a fellowship too. Nick’s website is awesome (as is his cooking!) and all the dear people that rally to Tom’s cause with inspirational and caring words and practical help is such a tribute to him……………….BUT………..there is ANOTHER ,even greater “army”……..that forest with the branches outstretched…….those people that haven’t put comments on the web page but hold him (and the family) in their hearts and prayers.. people that don’t even know Tom,have never met, spoken with, or have any idea what he looks like. THANK YOU, even though you might never read this, because all this positive energy can only benefit and uplift Tom and Sal, Ciara and Erin (and everyone else in the family, ) Friends have told friends, who have told friends, and Tom’s army grows by the day.
It was hard to leave Tom,but special to be back home, hug Kiki and Roo, and catch up with David and friends. We’ll go back soon, but right now there is an enormous contingent of Tom’s family, and together with Dr Moeng, I know he is in safe hands. Keep smiling for us Tom…
Lastly, as a Mum, I want to give special thanks to my Sal’s girlfriends, who have gone that extra mile to reach out and comfort her, both in RSA and Zim. Al….how can I thank you….? it’s long overdue that you make the journey to see and comfort Tom…..give him my love and tell him he can wipe me out at bridge anytime he chooses!! Go Frodo, go Sam. xx
#1 by Gay & Peter Bourhill at May 26th, 2009
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Linda and Dave. Our hearts go out to you in this time of such hurt and fear of the unknown.
Not a minute of each waking hour goes by without a thought for Tom and all those so dear to him.
With our love
Gay & Peter
#2 by Anon at May 26th, 2009
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As a colleague of a good friend of Tom’s, I have had the privelege of keeping track of Tom’s progress and communicating updates to my colleague when he has been unable to go onto this website himself.
Please know that I, and many of my friends, pray for Tom and his family and friends daily. He sounds like a truly wonderful man and you are priveleged and blessed to have him in your lives.
God be with you all. And God bless you, Tom.
#3 by Helen & Pete (Bots) at May 26th, 2009
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What beautifull words Linda – know that you are all in my heart, my thoughts and prays everyday.
#4 by Barbara Hendrie at May 27th, 2009
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Hello Linda. John and I are still here in Perth waiting for our visa decision. I do not know Tom, but am amazed at the huge number of friends he has around the world. He must be a very special person. Love to you and Dave and all the family. I think of you often. Barbara
#5 by sian and simon ellis at May 27th, 2009
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hi there
OH YES – this is the ellis clan and we are part of Tom’s army!!!
lots of love
sian,simon, yvette, guy and andre
#6 by Errol and Tina at May 27th, 2009
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Dear Linda said so beautifully. You are all in our thoughts and prayers daily. Al and Sal have a very special friendship going back to their Rhodes days. Sal would have done the same for Al. Lots of love Errol and Tina
#7 by Dale Aiken at May 28th, 2009
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Mrs. Mccomb
What beautiful words!
Sending all our thoughts and prayers
Thain and Dale Aiken
#8 by Jane at May 28th, 2009
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Hi Linda. It’s Jane here from Durban, and now in Cape Town. Your post really touched me tonight, as I have been touched and troubled by this whole ghastly time. What you say is so true – that there are those who have never met Tom or Sal, but are nevertheless sending hope, strength and prayers through the ether to everyone, especially Tom.
I have been following Tom’s progress every day (and sometimes every hour) since the accident. I have on the way enlisted the sympathy and support of many many of my friends across the world who have never heard of Tom and will never meet him – but nonetheless, their hopes and prayers are with him and all of you.
I think it is very true that we can all create this huge tsunami of positive energy that will help Tom to overcome the present – in whatever way he /Sal/the girls/you / Robs et al, have to do that.
As a mother of grown children and now a grandmother, I can only guess at how you are feeling. I just wanted to let you know that it doesn’t matter whether we know Tom and Sal personally, we , the army of supporters, are out there for you all.
#9 by Lulu Perkins at June 4th, 2009
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Thinking of you and all the family very frequently Linda as you maintain your vigil in Zim and at Milpark and pray for a miracle. I wish you strength and determination to cement the family’s love and support for each other during difficult days ahead ensuring that Tom’s gentle serenity never truly alters while he deals with the biggest challenge of his life. With special love from Lulu and your Ballito friends x
#10 by Mattie at December 23rd, 2011
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I told my gnradmohetr how you helped. She said, “bake them a cake!”