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Oct 5, 2023Liked by Robert F. Graboyes

There were giants in the earth in those days. I have known a couple, and pray that they keep cropping up once in a while.

Wonderful eulogy, professor, but I'm guessing the subject would have been embarrassed by it. Giants are like that.

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Thanks! Might well have been, but I suspect he'd enjoy the stories. :)

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Oct 5, 2023Liked by Robert F. Graboyes

Bob, your essay transported me this morning to other times and places. It was a pleasant journey. Your essay is a moving and fitting tribute to Tom’s life. Thank you. Marsha

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Thank you so much, Marsha. It was quite a walk down memory lane for me, too. I’ll admit shedding a couple of tears as I wrote it and as I edited the words of Al, John, Dave, and Bob. Hope you are well. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. — Bob

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Oct 5, 2023Liked by Robert F. Graboyes

What a wonderful tribute! Thanks for a great read and the introduction to a remarkable man.

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So glad you enjoyed it!

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Oct 5, 2023Liked by Robert F. Graboyes

I am running way behind today. I once ran marathons, primarily so that I could eat what I wished and in whatever quantity I desired. Today it is because I read slowly. This wasn't the only truly moving piece I came across, but it rained so it was a day to reflect and rest. I knew nothing of Tom, but now I add another admired character to my list. You and Tom's mutual friends have done him a great service.

I thank all of you for enriching my life. Now on to your music. I once composed and recorded, but while I felt great enjoyment at the time, it was all truly slightly below average.

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Running to eat is the best reason I can think of to run. I ran for many years (though not like Tom and his pals). At some point, I decided that my knees were going to make me regret it, so I switched to swimming and eventually switched from treadmill to elliptical. So far, no hint of need for surgery. (My wife had two knee replacements. Fantastic technology, but I'd just as soon not go through that.)

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Oct 5, 2023Liked by Robert F. Graboyes

I guess your music is the finale of my day. I lack sufficient adjectives. My family roots are in the Waxhaws from the time of the revolution. Before that Scotland (most likely exiled to Ireland first).

A friend from Las Cruces was an excellent cook of Mexican food. He was also a marathon runner and one pre-race meal with him (the amount prepared and consumed) resulted in my vow to give marathon eating a try.....and the necessary running to subsidize it.

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Well, I guess your lovely comment is the finale of my day. :) Thanks so much. You have also educated me. I consider myself to be an encyclopedia of arcane geographic facts, but I didn't know the term "Waxhaws." Now I do, and I shall remember it henceforth. -- Bob

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