"I may not be perfect..."

Many of you already know that last week Chris lost his little brother, Tommy in a tragic farm accident.  It is devestating and the family is still deep in mourning.  Life changed in a blink of an eye and things will never be just like they were before.  There will always be a void in our lives.  Tommy was an amazing son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.  Looking back on all of the memories, nobody could come up with even one bad thing to say about Tommy.  The stories shared by his closest friends are some of the funniest.  We look forward to hearing even more. 

I've tried to think of the right words to share, but so far I've come up empty handed.  So, I want to share part of Tommy's obituary written by close family members:  People listened when Tommy spoke. When he did speak, it was "right on," ... sometimes teasing, sometimes just the thing to say to make you smile. Thus that gorgeous smile spread to those around him. Family was first for Tommy. He enjoyed going out with his friends; but if there was a family gathering, he was there. Tommy the son made his parents proud. As an uncle, cousin and nephew, he spread big love. Tommy the brother, Tommy the friend, was reliable and protective; he showed up just when you needed him, with that grin, or if necessary, a tough look. Tommy the grandson shoveled driveways, mowed lawns and played cards. He was their Mr. FixIt. Friends and family describe him as "the type of person to drop everything to help out in times of need." A beautiful smile entered heaven Thursday. We speculate that Grandpa O. greeted him and introduced him to a few pinochle players. They are probably already on their second game. While we wish we could have played one last game with him too, we thank you for your smile Tommy. We will remember how you spread it and will continue spreading that special love.


The family will be eternally grateful for the amount of community support during and after the rescue efforts.  Friends and family from across the nation came together to celebrate Tommy's life this last week... a life that we will always feel ended too soon, but also a life that was filled with love and happiness.  The family definitely feels all of the prayers you have been saying.  Thank-you.   

A friend of the family shared a quote from Tommy that really made us smile: 

"I may not be perfect
but I am Tommy O."