To Thomas who lived and loved

Thomas died today.No i do not know his second name and I do not think it matters.The fact that i will always love Thomas
makes him special for me.

And why i am writing this post ?

Because i feel the world should know Thomas a little better.

Thomas was 80 .Well you can always say he died of old age but i would rather like to focus on the life he lived,the legacy he left
and the man Thomas was.

I have known him only for a very short time(around 6 months) but there is one thing about him anyone who has ever met Thomas knows,
you start liking him from the for the first time .Yes that was our dear Thomas.

He lived in Bangalore in an old age home called Little Sisters of the Poor and anytime you would walk into that home
you could see that smiling face greeting you with a newspaper in hand .

Thomas was my friend,storyteller and teacher.He taught me lessons on life and love.

There was no one who disliked Tommy (as he was called among his friends) .Thomas had a Sister and a few nieces as far as i know but
in one moment at a funeral i was wondering what ‘magic’ did the man do that so many people turn up to catch his last glimpse .

Then it dawns on the stupid me – “Love always Wins”

You need not knock on every door and express your love.A gentle smile ,a kind gesture,never trying to enforce your rights -Thomas’s
magic worked and had you been at the funeral you would have known what i am talking about .Everyone thought they knew Thomas well
but i think noone knows him completely !

Thomas ,you tricky little genius !

He used to tell me stories from his hunting days,how he went on hunting expedition with his uncle’s gun near White field in Bangalore
which was a jungle once (unbelieveable now !). How he used to cycle for long hours from his work and how he took care of his mother !

His stories had the sheer brilliance and the directness with which he delivered them made them legendary i suppose .He was the most perfect
gentleman who had a great taste in music.

Thomas never married .

He lived and loved and then he died for them who did not know him.

For those who did,the idea of Thomas will live forever in their hearts .

Tommy told me once he had lived his life to the fullest when he was young and he had no regrets.Those are the words i never heard from
any one else .

I know by now you must be wishing you had met him once ,this unsung humble hero who everyday brought joy to some one’s life.But i guess
if you really wanna know him you can .He still lives amongst his friends and all he has left behind are roars of laughter !

I think i will miss Tommy ,his chuckle and how his white moustache jumped in joy everytime he laughed out loud but i am happy for him.

I do not know if there is heaven but i know he is in peace now.

Love you Tommy