One of the aspects of my business which I truly enjoy is the blurring of the lines between clients and friends. Some of my clients have become best of friends and other times friends become great clients. One of those people is my friend Thomas J. Clarke, Jr.
I met Tom through an attorney while networking. When our introducer learned about my practice, he thought I should meet Tom who had a solo law practice. I will never forget the first lunch I had with Tom. We met at Mondo's for sandwiches and sat down to talk about our businesses, but we never got off the small talk about football. Turns out both Tom and I were avid football fans. Enough so that I was asked to join the fantasy league Tom was in. Our friendship grew as we played fantasy football together for years and we eventually co-founded a league together.
As Tom fought his cancer I tried to be there for him and his family whenever I could. We even brought him from hospice to a nearby bar for the fantasy draft this season. I think Tom enjoyed being there as much as everyone enjoyed his company.
As I watched Tom and his wife tackle his illness head on, I learned so much from them even if they never intended to be teachers. From them I learned how to deal with adversity while maintaining dignity and fortitude. I learned to treasure each day as we never know what lies ahead in our future.
Tom's fight ended this weekend. Tom, I'm glad I had the opportunity to tell you how much your friendship meant to me. My life is richer from knowing you. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, especially as they have to adjust to life without you. Know that I will continue to be here for them however I am able. I'm going to miss you councilor, rest in peace.
Thomas J. Clarke, Jr.
May 22, 1968 – November 10, 2007
Tom's blog: My Cancer Story
Art, Thanks for sharing your thoughts and Tom's story. His blog is very powerful. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and all Tom's family and friends. ~ Janet
Posted by: Janet | November 13, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Thank you Janet. I passed your comment along to Tom's family.
Posted by: Art Dinkin | November 13, 2007 at 12:49 PM
What a wonderful tribute, Art. Thanks, too, for the link to Tom's blog that reveals a man who had the strength, grace and wit to face death on his own terms. I'll think of him every time I listen to Warren Zevon, another kind soul we lost much too soon.
Posted by: Larry Lehmer | November 13, 2007 at 04:32 PM
Wow, what a heartbreaking read! The worst is that he ended up dying right about when they thought he would at the beginning.
Maybe he didn't think he was brave, but I'm very impressed after reading his story. You were lucky to have known him.
Posted by: dimes | November 13, 2007 at 09:59 PM
Larry & Dimes, thank you for giving Tom a moment of thought and prayer. I will pass your comments along to his wife. Last night she specifically told me how much she appreciated all the support.
I learned last night that Tom's initial cancer diagnosis was 5 years ago next week. It was a long fight, but as someone said there were a lot of good times in those years.
Posted by: Art Dinkin | November 14, 2007 at 08:37 AM