Tom in town… off to Hong Kong

My friend Tom is here for a few days packing up his stuff and closing down his house. Things are not going well for his wife, Cathy. She is at her parents’ home in Portland and is very sick.

I spent a good chunk of time last night and all of today and tonight with him. It was really nice to see him and made me realize how much I miss him. Of course, it was also difficult to see him. He is in a bad way but doing very well all things considered.

I mostly tried to keep him company and keep his spirits up. When we were alone we spoke about everything and it is really wrenching. But he seemed really happy to spend some time in a group, just having fun. The Aussies across the street have commenced Friday night happy hours now that the weather is warming and an Aussie bloke named Christian who is a teacher at Dulwich has been coming over with his guitar and we have been jamming. (This was the second straight Friday.) Tom really enjoyed that. I think it’s been a long time since he was able to have a beer with friends and relax a little. Temporary diversions are necessary sometimes.

I wish we could spend more time together, but we are all leaving tomorrow for a trip to Hong Kong and Shanghai, for the kids’ spring break. We will be gone for a week. Posting here will slow down big time, though I will try to throw something up here or there.

See you in a week.