I was given the obituary page this morning, because a client of my firm had passed away and I was startled and saddened to see Tom. But then looking at him for a moment - I couldn't help but smile. What a great photo! Tom was a man of Great Spirit and joy - and that picture really exudes that. Even in death his smile is still encouraging and comforting others.
I was in college when I was close with the Carey/Herudek family and I am forever grateful to God for bringing them all into my life! At the time, I knew nothing of Jesus and His love for me; and while I gave my life to Him one "Back to Back" Saturday morning on the alter of Notre Dame Church, it would be a long time before I truly understood what being "born again" meant. Many seeds were planted in my life during those years and Tom was not least among the planters!
I thought being "born again" meant you were some sort of fanatical zealot, damning to hell everyone who didn't believe as you did. Tom showed me how backwards I had it. I say "showed" because there was no talking to a 20 year old girl who already knew it all - no, he exemplified what being a true believer is, loving everyone, believing for everyone, encouraging everyone and praying for everyone - even a stupid little girl. Tom never judged me or tried to "correct" me - he was too wise for that - he lived the gospel for all to see. Praise God!
I remember Tom being warm and funny. He was a lot of fun and I always enjoyed visiting with him. I would listen closely to stories "from the farm" and tales of Arabian horses. He and Johanna together were such a great match - they loved the Lord, loved one another, loved their family and loved life together. I remember a road trip we all took to Sights and Sounds in PA to see Noah. All of us piled into the 15 passenger van and off we went. The show was fantastic and the round trip drive, while long, was filled with much laughter.
I was amazed most by Tom's perseverance and inexplicable joy. I vividly remember sitting with him in some food stand in Epcot while he tested his blood sugar. Despite the endless monitoring, pricking and insulin shots - nothing was going to keep Tom down or hold him back from enjoying life. He did what he needed to do and with that infectious smile we were off to the next exhibit. I was so young that it was almost confusing to hear Tom talk so lovingly and gratefully about his first wife and then see the great love that he and Johanna shared! I know now that healing, peace and deep love like that is something that only a strong relationship with Jesus brings. And Tom loved his Savior!
Many of my "Christian firsts" were thanks to Tom. I met my first missionaries at Tom and Johanna's home! I'm certain the woman's name was Midge but I don't remember man's name - God I wish I kept a journal then. Anyway, here was this "old couple" who were traveling around the country in a "Jesus Saves" RV sharing the gospel of Christ. WOW - I had never seen anything like that before! They were such amazing people - I remember being attracted to them at the party, wanting to hear there stories. Long before The Passion of the Christ, Tom invited me out to see a production at his church. Like the Passion this play was about the crucifixion of Jesus - but with a twist - it was told from the perspective of a few "key other people" effected by the crucifixion that day - Pilate, Barabbas, a solder, the thief on the cross. What a powerful show! It still brings tears to my eyes to remembering Barabbas wondering about "this man Jesus" taking his place on the cross . . . Jesus- THANK YOU!!!
Thank You Jesus for Your great love that pursues us. Even when we don't know we should be looking for You - You are coming after us. I am forever grateful that you sent Tom Herudek and all of the Herudek/Carey family into my life to tug me towards You! Thank you Jesus for Your sacrifice that saves us and Your resurrection that gives us abundant life for eternity with You.
1 Cor 15:54-58. . .then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."(Isaiah 25:8) "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"(Hosea 13:14) The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Death has not taken Tom away from us - because of his love for his Lord and his acceptance of Jesus's sacrifice for him only the shadow of death has blocked him from our sight. Tom is very much alive, more so than he has ever been! He is walking in his RICH inheritance given to him by the Father and will live on forever in glory with Jesus.
My own father passed away recently. This is a small excerpt from his Eulogy. . .
"Daddy you are terribly missed - but I thank the Lord for blessing us with you on this side of eternity. And I am confident, because of my Faith in Jesus, that, in the blink of an eye, we will be together again!"
Thanks for everything Tom - I'll be seeing you ;)
