May 20, 1921 ~ March 9, 1998

 Today I am taking a much needed change in my world

a much needed time to remember my Mom, Tommy

nicknamed by her father at birth because well her "real name" Eleanore

hadn't been chosen as quick as they wanted.

These photos were taken by my brother Michael

back in the 1970's and 1980's

when my Mom and I visited everyone in Edmonton, Alberta.

 Mom was game for anything!

I truly mean it!

She loved life and took advantage of every moment

visiting friends

helping others in need

and

loving her family.

Yes we are looking into a monkey cage!

(a brief moment of levity is always needed)

 With Canada being so big and with my brother's family

living many miles away from Nova Scotia

when the opportunity to visit was broached

well, we were on it like 'white on milk'.

(Corny, I know but really we were!)

Tommy's father, my grandfather Arthur was a tailor 

so the gene was passed on down.

"Looking her best" always her mantra.

Tommy was blessed with two baby boomer boys, however in 1952

her beloved Gordon, her husband died in an airplane crash

while readying for the Korean War.

So pulling up her boot straps and providing 

a safe, healthy and loving family situation

with help from her mother, Jessie 

was her focus for the rest of her life.

 Tommy loved the grandchildren Shannon and Morgan

as you can see from young Shannon's reaction

on a visit to Tommy's home.

Super giggles!

Caught in the action, Mom!

Yup we caught you!

It's summer time so it's time to get a suntan and take care of the baby!

Seems just about right to me.

Today March 9th is the day Tommy passed away in 1998.

Jim and I were with her til the very end holding her hands

and helping her along the path.

Cancer is not a friendly being at all. 

Only three years after the diagnosis and Tommy succumbed.

Multiple Myeloma

Her neighbour across the street on Prospect Street

was a poet and professor, Heather. They were very close because 

of the proximity of their homes and the many things 

they viewed, witnessed and heard on their street

throughout the years.

I have included a poem which Heather wrote for Tommy

when she heard of her passing.

You will see it below.

~ One last thing on a lighter note though

this last picture shows myself ~ my SIL Susan and Mom with her grandson Shannon

at the airport at the end of one visit. 

Just look at the way she is holding and looking at Shannon ~

PRELUDE ON PROSPECT STREET

in memory of Tommy Troke

a poem

by Heather Pyrcz

"When all is said and done

what have we seen on Prospect Street?

Sunrise in the east and after a fiery day

the red sun setting in the western end

We've seen the lilacs laid low crushed

by the weight of March snow and ice till

twenty years of growth snapped or bent

so low the roots heaved up

We've seen the students come and go

like Fundy tides - quick and high and utterly

predictable: in they come as green

as grass and young as spring and out

they go sobered by the weight of growing

old they hold behind their eyes

We've tracked the path of Mars, counted

moons, and heard the mourning song

of shooting stars

We've seen pilated woodpeckers mating

in the maple tree, a raccoon birthing,

skunks digging in the night yard;

one year a merlin devoured pigeons

who know all there is to know about

strutting but very little about hiding

We've picked wild flowers that grow on the

south bank where women, too drunk to walk,

have slept all night uncovered and unseen

wrapped in nightshade's poisoned dreams

Construction, deconstruction

and its appropriation

In the northern gloom we could become cynical

but then light breaks and every year

love is renewed on Prospect Street

we see this, too

No matter what happened the year before

- break up & disaster - worlds falling apart -

walls crumbling - lives shattered - it doesn't matter

love is a word on Prospect Street that spreads

like warm butter or burning oil on water

like spring grass or tulips pushing through the ice

under the lilacs

What have I known on Prospect Street? A friend

till yesterday when the black hearse pulled up to

Tommy's curb. A grey March day. Drizzling rain.

And in that moment, all I'll ever know of birth

and death and how the one engenders all the rest

And love. All I'll ever know of love. How love

is all there is between the poles"

15 Years, but Not Forgotten!

This is a day of remembrance for Ron.

I helped him with this very long post

because I know when a helping paw and 

a warm pressie of my nose is needed.

It's been 15 years since Ron's Mom passed

and even though I never knew her 

I feel like I do.

Her birthday would have been today ~~ 92!

Tommy had a smile for everyone!

Gordon and she had a fairy tale romance

but an unfortunate airplane crash

while he was readying for the Korean War

shortened their joy.

Dancing was their favourite pass time
and
 at the officer's mess

or on a local dance floor

they could be found really enjoying the music and each other.

This is a photo album of fond memories which you will see below.

Take your time or just skim through,

you'll get a feeling of love, joy and laughter

which was always present when she was around.

ENJOY!

psst ~~ that is Jessie with Jim, Tommy and Ron above.

She was my 'before me' doggy!!

Hi Jessie!

Pink apple blossoms were

everywhere in their world
Pink was Tommy's favourite colour!

Tommy loved gardening with Jessie by her side.

Along the beach near my house one evening at sunset.

See what I mean about a SMILE!!

In our garden in 1995, smiling Tommy and Ron.

She really was wonderful lady with many, many friends!

She helped Ron with his garden whenever she visited.

Tommy visited San Diego a few times with her dear friends Myrtle, Vic and Annie, below.

This is Ron's Grandmother, Jessie

Tommy's Mom

and

 my 'before me' doggy's name sake!

Human Jessie loved to laugh too.

Ron and Tommy at Lawrencetown Beach before it was cool to surf.

Jim and Ron took Tommy on day trips in the province many times.

On the dunes at Lawrencetown Beach

Tommy at  a friend's birthday party.

Always having a great time.

Jessie and Tommy loved to go for walks

and the temperature didn't matter.

Tommy always borrowed Ron's huge shirts when visiting,

looking mighty stylish no matter where we walked.

They had a bond like any Mother and son who deeply cared for each other

through thick or thin.

This was Victoria Day weekend 1996

(the same time as it is now

only 17 years ago)

It's Tommy's birthday weekend too!
Happy Birthday, Tommy!

Tommy was very proud of her clematis'
She had many, just like Ron does.

 Rememeber the picture (#4 above) 

with 

Gordon and Tommy dancing above?

Well, the dancing gene was passed on to Ron too!

Check out the fun they are having,
she's actually leading Ron!

Tommy lived alone most of  her life and never remarried.

She truly loved Gordon and no one came along and

swept her off her feet.

She had 2 boys to raise along with her Mom,

so life's course was set out before her.

In the fall after a bit of a wind blowing the leaves everywhere

On a favourite beach called Black Hole 

along the Bay of Fundy.

They visited there for decades.

This beautiful spring May morning in 1996

was a very special morning

even with the future a bit uncertain.

Jim and Ron took Tommy to Bermuda

for Xmas 1994.

Did they have a good time or what!

Tommy was a very smart lady.

She welcomed Jim into our family

with open arms.

She loved talking to him about

anything and everything

and she most certainly did!

They had the best relationship

and Jim was like a 3rd son to her.

So I hope you get a better sense of my Dads through Tommy.

Outgoing, laughing, sincere, passionate, outdoor lovers and 

looking for a good time ~~ LOL!

In Loving Memory of  Tommy Troke 1921 - 1998

The strength and calm power of this song seemed appropriate at this time!

*So blessed to have you in my life*

WESTLIFE - I'll See You Again!