Hi, My name is Mayling. Several years ago, I had the honour of spending a night at Tom's home while traveling from British Columbia to Ontario. Tom's name had been given to me by mutual friend Elessar Tetramariner who now lives in England. Elessar said that I would probably enjoy meeting him, and how right he was! As I recently finished my first sun dance and received a pipe, Tom and I had lots to talk about. We spent hours talking late into the night, sharing stories and interests - law, music, archery & Lord knows what else. Next day, we went for brunch, joined by a friend whose name eludes me, then spent a wonderful couple of hours touring Ann Arbor, ending it with a hike along the Pontiac Trail. It was a glorious fall day, sunny and warm, and there was a glow of camaraderie. Tom gifted me with a copy of all but the newest Cowcatchers cd. Many hours after my intended time of departure, we finally said good bye, and I made my way to the Windsor border. Despite all of my intentions, the turbulence of my life from then until now has kept me from reaching out to this fine man I have kept in my thoughts and in my heart, and referred to as a friend. I find that I always think of him at sun dance, at the Tree. And no wonder. I was at the Tree on 3 Aug of 2007 and 2008. Tonight 6Nov08, in a rare period of internet access, I tried to find his radio show which I believe began the week following my visit. I found this memorial instead. Truth is, I would have preferred to tell Tom in person how much his kindness and hospitality to a transient stranger meant to me, and in many ways sustained me over the past 2 years, than to be typing this reminiscence now. But I guess he already knows. See you at the tree next year, Tom!