Riding The Ball

One unusually clear night in Bajamar, as I was standing on a cliff above the ocean, watching the sliver of a moon, planets and stars disappear toward the western horizon, Tommy came up behind me and said "Whatcha doin?"

I told him I was just "riding the ball." He remembered that we started that little exercise about 30 years ago on a similar cliff in Northern California. We talked a little personal history, some amateur philosophy, a little astronomy and a little nonsense and we rode the ball together for a while longer.

Reflecting on Mexico we remembered that Tommy once tried to talk me into giving money to support the education and lunch of poor kids in Mexico. I was skeptical. But since I was going to live there for 6 months he gave me a name an address and an envelope and said check it out. At that time there were about 20 million people in Mexico City and looking for a kid named Jose seemed a little daunting but... I found the school. I found the Sister Superior and I eventually found the student. He and his family were living in the sprawling city dump with maybe 2 or 3 thousand other folks. His family made their living as scavengers. The family lived in humble quarters. They were so grateful for what Tom was doing for their son.

By the time I gave him the envelope there were at least 20 other children gathered around. He opened it and found a picture of Tom, a letter wishing him good luck and a silver dollar that Tom's dad Andy had offered. When he held up the coin the children all screamed and jumped up and down and crowded around to glean a peak and to brush against his good fortune.

For 25 years Robin and I have supported dozens of children through this organization Children, Incorporated. Like us, their good fortune was Tommy.

What an incredible ride Tommy had on this little speck in space. I feel grateful that I got to spend so much time cruising with him and that I was open to his influence.

Riding the ball seems a little lonelier now. I'll trust that time and a rededication to my family and friends will temper the sense of loss. And I'll trust that my memories of the great times with Tommy will keep him in my heart.

--Paul McKernan