Last night I dreamt I was there. Mingling with everyone doing various show of strength walks around the world. It wasn’t clear in my dream whether I was walking or in my wheelchair but that didn’t really seem to be the point. What really mattered was the sense of belonging that I felt.
It is very difficult for me to remotely express my gratitude to all those involved in these events. This made me feel so helpless on Saturday that I’ve shaved my head. (Pic coming!)
I feel it is important that I let you know that this support from family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers, is what keeps me going sometimes. I’m proud to be associated with all of you and look forward to mingling together for real. I am particularly proud to be a Zimbabwean and can’t wait to be home.
Here at Muelmed my progress continues. I can sit for longer periods of time without passing out and have taken a demo wheelchair for a spin using no more than a chin control. The staff think I’m a bit of a cowboy and will not turn up the speed to maximum. I have only had one accident and cannot understand the attitude!
I have to go to the gym so I will sign off now. I look forward to seeing all the rest of the photos from the various events.
Thanks again. Lots of love. Tom.
















#1 by Craig Spong at September 16th, 2009
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Fantastic to see you up and about in rehab buddy!
And looking forward to catching up in person…
#2 by Brett at September 16th, 2009
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Tom , that is so funny
!!Good to see another post from you again !
Take care
Brett
ps :I will shave my head for you at the end of the day =)
#3 by Michelle Amyot at September 16th, 2009
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Tom, great to hear from you! Hmm trying to think of a female equivalent to the shaven head look that wont result in being mistaken for Sigourney Weaver in Alien – suggest all ladies go for feather cut forthwith! Can just see you tearing around the gym in your wheelchair – go for it!! Thinking of you heaps. Breaths, hugs and happiness today – have a brill session and keep taking special care. Michelle xxxx
#4 by Alison at September 16th, 2009
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Hi Tom
So wonderful to hear your own words. I can just see you racing around in that wheelchair.
The walk was amazing and so wonderful to see so much love and support for you and Sal.
Can’t wait for you to be home and have some toots on yr verandah.
Love you lots my friend
#5 by Jay and Gary at September 16th, 2009
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Hey Tom – so good to hear from you and fantastic to see the pics of you,with Sal by your side, in the gym. You are looking so much better since your move. Only you would think of some way to “thank” people for their love and support and be able to execute this so brilliantly.I am going to dig around and find the photo of you on your 1st trip? to Aus, when you and Gary shaved your heads in support of Chris Moon. So many of us have been lucky enough to be loved and supported by you and Sal in the past. – for others, your turn will come. I am feeling particularly homesick at the moment. The turnout in your honour on Saturday was incredible. What a privilege to have been born in such a unique and special place – this is the Zimbabwe we will never forget. Please behave yourself in that wheelchair! Keep smiling,get stronger. We all look forward to cheering you on to your homecoming!!! All our love as always
#6 by Freya Thomson at September 16th, 2009
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Good to hear from you, Tom! I’m proud to know you, and the more times I sign on I see just how inspirational you have been and still are to many, many people – clearly a very special person. It’s great to see you in re-hab, nice to see the pics with so many smiles and so much laughter. ‘Pole-pole’ will get things done. Much love to you and Sal and the girls. xx
#7 by Wendy Greenway at September 16th, 2009
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A cowboy? you? NEVER!! How wonderful to hear news from you dear friend, we miss you so much here and are all starting to allow ourselves to look forward to having you back soon. I can just see how this shaving business could get very out of hand, I bet there will be bald people all over the place soon! See you soon in Pretoria xxx
#8 by Lyn at September 16th, 2009
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Each person taking part in the Show of Strength event worldwide carried a piece of you Tom – a thought pertaining to an event, an experience, a memory, a saying … the combination of these memories, experiences, thoughts … together they form an element of who you are to all of us out here. You were there with us – in England, Aussie, Zim! An exceptional, extraordinary man – and although we don’t walk together ever single day, we are united for you Tom – we are here for you and we are supporting you and encouraging you and hoping that we can lift you through the tough patches. Coming together, you could physically see our support – I hope you feel our support too … always. Keep up the steady progress. With love Lyn x
#9 by Kate and Andrew Logan at September 16th, 2009
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Tom! How fantastic to see you up and looking so well in the gym pics! Being apart of one of the “Show of Strengths” was an amazing experience and they are most definitely a tribute to you and what an amazing person you are. Look forward to hearing about your wheel chair adventures in rehab! Much love, the Logans xxx
#10 by Ursh and Paul Gorringe at September 16th, 2009
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Howzit Cowboy! Good on you for scaring those nurses – keep them on their toes! Ursh and Paul
#11 by Sarah Elderkin at September 16th, 2009
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What wonderful pictures, Tom. Fantastic. Keep up the good work and determination, and wishing you all the very best. Sarah x
#12 by Spike at September 16th, 2009
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good to hear from you Tom… We had an excellent walk around the Borrowdale race course, much shorter than i had anticipated it would be
. we miss you very much
#13 by Mac at September 16th, 2009
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Hi Tom
Good to hear from you bud,i can almost see you giving that wheelchair a good spin!we had a lovely walk on saturday like Spike said,i even did a sprint for you the last 200metres (couldve given Usain Bolt some serious competion)..We miss u very much bud and will keep breathing slow and steady!
#14 by Hails Allardice at September 16th, 2009
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Hi Tom,
Great to hear from you! Have had a good laugh picturing you racing around in your wheelchair! Go for it! Loved seeing pics of you working hard in the gym and am so proud of all that you have achieved….You rock!!
Deep sure breaths, lots of love and thoughts coming your way
Hails and Colinxx
#15 by Cayto & Ross Owen at September 16th, 2009
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Hiya Tom
Great to hear from you and a privilege to know you and all your wonderful girls. Always in our thoughts and with loads of love xoxo
#16 by Ross McAdam at September 17th, 2009
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I am glad to see the staff there are sharp, as they have you sussed. Cowboy!!!! YOU!!!! Never!!! Great hear from you and to see you in the gym and hear you taking wheelchairs for a spin, not so good hearing you have already crashed it.
Always thinking of you and you girls.
Deep breaths and loads of love
#17 by John Mess at September 17th, 2009
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Hi Tom….. now, by the sounds of it, Erin will have to have ANOTHER cowgirl party next year, complete with cowboy dad! (connor will be thrilled, he really was the lone ranger this year!!) keep well dear friend, you are with us always…. Tess
#18 by Chris & Lizzie Moon at September 17th, 2009
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I’ll always remember that head shave party at our house in Harare, only 6 years ago (almost to the day!), to support me during my own time of need! I show you the pics some time – what lovely looking heads we all had!
I’ll be going to the Disability Expo in Midrand tomorrow where hopefully, I’ll be able to meet and chat with suppliers of chairs, vans and various other support equipment for you Tom.
I’m sure I’ll come out with a sack full of brochures, leaflets and fliers – a bit like the old days as a kid at the Trade Fair in Bulawayo!
I’ll see you soon bud.
Chris
#19 by Lizzie Moon at September 17th, 2009
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Remember Tom, cowboys don’t cry, they just wipe their eyes and ride into the sunset! Nice to hear from you. LOL. Lizzie Moon xxx
#20 by Peta-Jane and Craig Spong at September 17th, 2009
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Hiya CowBoy Tom – great post, keep on riding. Ah, memories of shaven heads…..
Chris Moon – not too much candy floss at the Trade Show now!
#21 by Andrew and Sharon Merritt at September 17th, 2009
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Well done Tom, you are doing so well… it was great to be able to be a part of one of the Shows of Strength, you really do have a formidable army behind you. Andrew has just shaved his head in support of you, and it looks silly – but he has a very worthwhile excuse! Keep up the good work and great spirit…
#22 by Lauren Reitz (Bersin) at September 18th, 2009
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you? cowboy? Never!!
Well done Tom – so good to hear the entthusiasm in your ‘voice’ so good to know how well you are doing. Thinking of you all often and …. no not shaving our heads but taking deep breaths!
Lots of love,
Lol
#23 by Charlie and Ellen Lock at September 21st, 2009
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Dearest Tom,As always you continue to teach us many valuable lessons and it is us who should be thanking you. Candace just popped in to check up on you…. we all send you so much love and strength, especially for your joyrides!
Love Charlie, Ellen, Richie, Becks, Livs and Jems.xxxxxxxxxxxx
#24 by Fi and Pete Loverdos at September 21st, 2009
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Tom,
How lovely to see your latest photos of you sitting upright, and that you are able to start taking joyrides. We think of you often.
Love Fi and Pete x
#25 by mark at September 23rd, 2009
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Nice Dome dude!! Iam really chuft to see the fantastic progress you making. Keep it going.
A suggestion – maybe get Bren to send you a flag on stick and flashing light from the mine, so passing traffic in the corridors of health can see you coming.
Ever the speed merchant.
Never far from our thoughts
Mark and fam
#26 by Tom & Ashleigh Abram at September 23rd, 2009
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Tom
Can so see you as a cowboy!! Can’t seem to get the pictures here in the sand – they are restricted which is worrying!! Sure your shaved head looks very cool! Keep going Tom, you are incredible in every way.
Love to you and your girls.
Ash
x
#27 by Jules and Mike at September 24th, 2009
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Hey Tom
So fantastic to see you moving around, you would be the best cowboy in rehab! You are such an inspiration, your words are incredibly moving.
Sending lots of love from here,
love Jules, Mike and Samuel xxx