Thinking of Tom 2

Page 2

I mainly knew Tommy through a mutual friend. Our lives crossed several times usually playing some sort of sport. I remember wishing I had an ounce of his athleticism and competive nature. After going through the website and video I'm happy to see he accomplished alot during his 36 years. I'm very sorry for your loss, – John

I never got to meet Tommy but as I watched the video of his life it really made me see hoe much he loved life.My mom and Julia have been friends since Preschool and she never saw Julia as happy as her time with Tommy. Julia I'm glad I finally got to meet you. – Laura

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Collins, Colleen, Timmy and Jennifer: : Many years and many miles have passed since Fox Lane. I heard just yesterday from Abbie Zimmerman about Tom and cried from the sadness. Then, I found your website and am overwhelmed by the love it shares. My memories from Dix Hills are strong and good, and you all are part of the best times. Please accept my love and prayers on behalf of Tom and yourselves. If you would like to get back in touch, please do. May Peace be with you,– Karen

I knew tommy and the entire Colllins family from our early LaCrosse days. I ran into tommy several times over the years, usually out having cocktails in Manhattan. We shared great laughs and joked about old times. He will be missed. – Old Friend

Tom, We are richer having known you from the time you were a student to the time you were a caring man.
You shall always be sorely missed and always honored. – Mr. B.

I only new Tommy for a few years at West Hollow Jr. High. I left Half Hollow Hills and went to Holy Family. But I have never forotten him. He made a lasting impression on me. Especially that smile. My sister and Doug Carlucci's have been friends forever. When I heard about Tommy's passing I felt so sad for all of your losses! I have lost a brother and a Mother and I know how terrible it must be for all of his family and friends. I just wanted to express my sympathy to Julia and to all his family. He will never be forgotten! – Anna

Playing lacrosse with Tommy Collins at West Hollow Junior High was one of the most demanding experiences of my life. The guy could effectively bully you into playing your best. He was one of the best players we had and he always led by example. To this day, I thank him for the "push" he always gave me. It taught me that I may never realize my full potential unless I try harder than hard. – Tom S.

I know that this time of year, being Tommy's birthday month, must be a diffucult time for those who knew and loved him. Thank you Julia for sharing the video with us and letting us see Tommy's shining personality again. Even for those of us who knew him just a short while, his life is missed and will not be forgotten. Much love from – Tennessee.

Every year i would try to start running in the spring in central park, and evrytime i went which was not too often i would run into cocktail, talk for a moment and hear from everyone the next day at work what a horrible runner i was. went running yesterday and really expected to see him. – Bano

I stumbled across your site while checking out info about Huntinton Crescent(playing in a charity tournament there in Sept) and was drawn to the video and pictures and spent about a half hour mourning a great guy that I never knew but wish I did. 9X a best man says it all...that's incredible. May God bless him and all of you who were lucky to have known him. – John

I happened to be surfing the web today, and found Tom's picture on the Sandler O'Neil website. His picture piqued my curiosity. I clicked on the photo and found the link to his web-site. After viewing the site, I wept. I never knew him, but based on the pictures he seemed to be a person who loved family, friends, and enjoyed being with them. Once again I am reminded of the terrible tragedy that took place in America. Your family will be in my prayers. – Carl

Another Super Bowl has come and gone and you were truly missed very, very much. Not a day goes back that you are not talked about, thought about, or dreamed about... Miss you and love you, mean it! – JC

On Thanksgiving Day it is a Collins family tradition to begin dinner by joining hands and individually stating what we are Thankful for each year. As you may have guessed, since conception of this tradition, Tommy's responses were always quick-witted and thoughtful - all wrapped up with a sentimental message. He also prided himself on calling "I go first", because he then wouldn't have to worry about repeating someone else's 'thankful thoughts'. It was this method that could really foul up the person next to him on the left, because they would be the last to go and all the good answers would undoubtedly be gone by then. Needless to say, if you had to sit next to Tom on Thanksgiving, "stay right!, stay right!". This memory brings me to why I am jotting it down on his website. I want to thank my Family, Friends, Julia and all of you out there that have shown support and continue to lend a shoulder to cry on throughout our healing process. You are what I am Thankful for this year. Happy Thanksgiving and Gobble Gobble, Love, – Jen :)

Jen, I don't know if you remember me but I was a year ahead of you at St. A's and it just occurred to me that this website was dedicated to your brother. I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was obviously a much loved and gifted human being and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him were better for it. God bless. – Mike

My sons and I only met Tommy and his family once at their home in N.Y. We have wonderful memories of Tommy and his entire family and have thought about him and his family with sadness and fondness ever since Sept. 11 and will always do so.
– Pamela (Norman Pacula's ex-wife), Marc, Eric, and Brian

Julia and the Collins family, I just wanted to let you know although a year has gone by you have never left my thoughts and prayers. I was struck by a quote that I read this morning from the President. "The murder of innocents cannot be explained, only endured." I am so grateful that you have found the strength to endure. May God continue to bring you strength and comfort. – Dora

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Collins family...today and everyday! I love to visit this site at least once a week to read the wonderful stories and look at the great pictures of all his family and friends. When I think of Tom the only thing that comes to mind is HAPPINESS! Having worked at Sandler O'Neill for 3 years, I cannot remember a single day when Tom didn't have a smile on his face....and BOY, what a smile that was!!! Even though it's been 9 long years since I last saw Tom, I've never forgotten...the kindness, the willingness to always ALWAYS help me whenever I needed a hand, and of course, the smiles and big laughs. It's great to know that he has touched so many lives and will never be forgotten. I was very lucky to have had the privilege of knowing Tom. Take good care of yourself and be happy! – Yasmin

Tonight, may the heavens seem so close that you can look up into a star and see your Tommy dancing at the feet of Jesus. Thinking of you today and everyday. – Much love from Tennessee.

I knew Tommy from Ithaca - and like most girls had a crush on him - lucky for me - that crush turned into a friendship. He was a terrific guy - what terrific times we had following the lax team wherever they went. I was terribly saddened to hear about Tommy in the Ithaca quarterly. I had lost one of my closest childhood friends (on Flight 11) and thought I had my "one contact" with 9/11 victims. Today, I shared some terrific stories about Tommy with friends and co-worker. Later tonight, I will light a candle for Tommy and one for my friend Laura. Julia, and the Collins family - my prayers are with you all. God Bless. – Jennifer

Dear Julia, I was a friend of Tom's from Ithaca, and we lived in flats next to each other in London. I have his picture over my visor in my car so I don't forget his smile. Even though I hadn't seen him in 10 years, his spirit has a way of sneaking into your thoughts every now and again. I know the whole country is with you and so are his friends - even the ones from a long time ago. I was talking with my good friend about Tom and he actually thinks he knows you from his days with the NFL. His name is Jeff Fernandez, and used to be with the Buffalo Bils. He also sends his prayers and thoughts to you. God Bless you and the Collins family. – Sincerly, Mary

Julia - I can't believe I never met Tommy as I feel like I know him through all the stories, memories and photos you have shared with me over the past year. I feel so much sadness and anger for you that he is gone but as my Christmas gift so simply stated...my real emotion is for you to try to take those steps forward. I found this passage in a book I have and wanted to share it with you on this day... "If we are alive, we cannot escape loss. Loss is a part of real life...Today might be tough for you. You might not want the next moment to show itself, to reveal the twists and turns of life's mystery. But at least you have it. You still have life. A choice as to how you will live this precious day. Don't wish it away. For the love of all that's holy, redeem one hour and hold it close. And if today is so horrendous that the gift doesn't seem worth acknowledging; if you can't find one moment to enjoy, one simple pleasure to savor, one friend to call, one person to love, one thing to share, one smile to offer; if life is so difficult you don't want to bother living it to the fullest, then don't live today for yourself." Live it for Tommy. My thoughts are with you and I am so glad I get the gift of working with you everyday. – Your friend. Ariane

I have just read this complete website and am full of love for someone that I never even met. What a beautiful smile!! My thoughts and prayers are with you Jules, now and forever. Take care of yourself, and God bless you. – Leslie

The love and commitment you have had for Tommy since the day you met him has become unbelievably clear during this past year. Due to all of your efforts and dedication in preserving his memory, you have shared the gift of his life with so many others. I feel fortunate to have known him, and I know that those who did not meet him feel like they have because of you. Thank you for continuing to share his energy, his love of life and his love for you with all of us. Thinking of you today and always. – Beth

It has taken me a year to write a message, mainly because I can't find the words... Julia, you were with me one year ago today, but know that you are with me ALWAYS in my heart, soul and prayers. Tommy, you keep on watching over Julia and keep giving her strength. We will meet again someday, my friend. God Bless!!! – Christi

Julia, I think of you so much, today more than ever. I just heard them call out Tom's name on TV. I wish his name was not one of the ones that had to be called and wish I could be with you today to hug you and comfort you. I feel like it was just yesterday that you told me all about meeting Tom. With that wonderful sparkle in your eyes I knew this guy was diffrent and as each day unfolded it became clear that he was the ONE. Julia, your time with Tom was cut way too short. The only thing I can say is that you were so lucky to have had that love. Yours was a love not many people are lucky enough to find. Cherish that always (as I know you do). I miss you and love you my friend. I will talk to you soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Tom's family today and always. – Kerri

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