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

A Cheap Sax Menory

One late evening (2001) at "Taps" restaurant in Brea, my hubby and I met after a long day at work to catch up on stuff including our daughter's upcoming wedding. The place was crowded and busy as we were seated at the oyster bar in the last two available stools. Unbeknownst to us, behind us (facing the lounge crowd), TWO FEET away, a band began to set up to play.
Oh no!! (we thought). We were about to have our chit chat cut short! No way we would be able to talk now! Little did we know that Tommy D and his band "Cheap Sax" was about to become our perfect find for our daughter's wedding reception. Greg and I were so impressed by the command they had of the crowd and how much fun the guys were having AND how GREAT they sounded!!! We met Jeff Cool and Tommy cuz they stood right next to us at the bar during their break. We introduced ourselves and asked if they played at weddings and Jeff gave us a card. Then we settled in to enjoy the rest of the show!

The clincher, as if we weren't already sold, was when Tommy stepped up to BE JOE COCKER! That was it! Long story short, "Cheap Sax" not only played at our daughter Shalyn's wedding reception (2002), but we brought them down to San Diego Bay and enjoyed them all over again at our other daughter Danee's wedding reception in 2006! (a promise fulfilled to Danee) In between those years we got our fix and caught up with "Cheap Sax" at numerous venues around So. Cal. This band has such charisma, they make your day, and Tommy D will be missed like "not having Peter Cetera in Chicago or Michael McDonald in The Doobie Brothers"!!

Greg and I, Adam and Shalyn and Joshua and Danee all send our prayers to Amy, Lindsey, Ronnie and the family! We were touched by Tommy and the Band. They are not only talented musicians but they exuded the union of a true brotherhood in each and every performance. Sweet memories and blessings to all!

--Greg and Shellie Wolfe

PS: The service at St John's was so touching and brought to life the many gifts that Tommy brought to so many! Well told Ronnie!