I have had a need all day to write here, though I don't know what can be said. My good friend Tom Grams has hit the news today by getting executed in Afghanistan.
People always say the departed were 'the best of men'. But in this case, it truly was so. Tom was selfless on so many levels, though he would scoff at me for saying that. He retired in his 40s to live very simply and to be able to give his time as a volunteer dentist to people around the world. He volunteered about 4-6 months every year in Afghanistan, India, etc.
Tom was better than any of us can be. I could tell you stories; I could make this a real diary and maybe someday I will, but right now I just needed to let you all know that Tom is gone. Tom is NOT a missionary, that I can guarantee you. Any religion would be proud to have Tom as a member; any would vie for the honor of having someone who believed so in helping others. But Tom was absolutely an atheist. He did what he did because he could; because he wanted to help others less fortunate than himself.
Tom did not deserve to be executed by an ignorant fool. Join me in wishing him safe travels to ... well, wherever.