Time to visit the "T" cafe

[Alaskan Celt]

[Blu (Ontario)]

Kilted Gents and Lasses,
Tom posted a moving message, I think it would be a good idea to check it out and respond if you wish, as some of you have done already.
I raise a glass to Tom, Hang in there guy, I think of you often
Cheers......
Robert

Tom was one of the first... a visionary and a pioneer. He is also a gentlemen and a kindred spirit. The world is a richer place for he hath tread upon it.

blu

[Hamish]

This is the truth of it.
Personally, my passion for tartan and kilts existed long before computers, the internet, or forums. A forum is only an extension of ones interest or passion. A forum may prove to bring ones passion to the surface and nurture it, but that kernel of interest must be there.

blu

Robert and Alaskan Celt,

You are both right, of course. I am immensely proud of my Scottish blood and I have just as proudly worn the kilt since I was fourteen, that's for 54 years. For the first 48 of those 54 years, I knew and wore the kilt only as a 'uniform' or a 'costume' for my dancing activities - it never occurred to me to wear it at any other time. No other living member of my family was wearing the kilt or showing any particular interest in their celtic roots, so I had no encouragement, influence or guidance ........ until, that is, six years ago a kilt-wearing, Scottish Country dancing friend suggested I took a look at "Tom's Café" (I had just retired and had been given my first computer).

From that moment, my life was transformed and I began a rather rapid metamorphosis from a shy person virtually afraid to wear his kilt if he was not dancing, into a confident all-day, every-day kilt wearer.

OK, it was my friend who made the introduction to "Tom's Café", but it was Tom and the 'café' he was providing that brought me "out" and, for the first time in sixty years, enabled me to find my true self.

Without Tom I would still have just one 31 year old kilt hanging in my wardrobe which, under the circumstances, would not be seeing the light of day since I am no longer dancing!

Oh, yes, I agree with you. The "blood" or the genes are of great significance and importance but, for some of us, something else is required to achieve fulfilment.

Tom Manuel provided that for me.

[Graham]

wow, Hamish, I just hope and pray that Tom knows what an impact he has made on not only you, but others also.

I wrote to Tom and recieved a quick reply. We continue in prayer for him.

[GMan]

The impact that Tom has had on kilting has been tremendous!

Whatever happens, I am giving Tom and his family my heart and support any way I can. To his many friends they too get a hug from me even though it may not be physical it still comes from my heart.

Life has been good to Tom