slockwooclimbs's Cancer Blog
November 22, 2006
| Tom Beckett | Views: 155 |
My friend and teacher died on Monday from Lung Cancer.
My tear ducts are all used up.
After my first treatment I had realized I might feel good enough to take up pottery again. I took a class. I met Tom. I explained to him that I was sick and might not finish out the semeister. He said “I’m in the club too!”
Tom got more done while he was on chemo than most people accomplish in a lifetime.
He taught me how to be strong. He is my hero.
I think I might be too upset to even describe in any sort of meaningful way how much he meant to me right now. I’m so upset. I hope I was a good enough friend. Sometimes I wasn’t strong enough to visit him. Sometimes I felt too guilty for surviving while he was still sick.
I did visit him in the end. I told him how much he meant to me. I told him how he inspired everyone.
His artwork was absolutely amazing.
I received word that he died and I was totally and completely shocked. -which makes no sense. He was in hospice. He knew he was going to die. I didn’t think I was in denial- -until I got the call. Noises came out of me that I never heard before. Sobs and screams.
I have been asked by his wife to finish an art project for him. I’ve been asked to help immortalize his legacy at our art school. I hope I can do him justice.
This has been one of the most difficult weeks for me. I have never had a friend die. I have not known many people who’ve had cancer before. Sometimes I forget that this is a deadly disease. But besides all of that surviver guilt bullshit… I just miss my friend. I don’t know how I’ll learn without him as my teacher.
Tom- you’ve inspired and enlightened so many of us. Please rest in peace. You will be missed and you will be remembered. Your art is immortal. We all love you.
06.22.08 - 
Thanks for your support -
Samantha – I am sorry to hear about your friend Tom, he sounds like an amazing man. glad you are working on finishing his art project. What a wonderful way to remember him. Rest in peace Tom, I will be thinking of you both.