Linda Klitzke models some What the Zel bling in honor of her friend Tom Rude.
Our great and wonderful friends, Tom and Liz were faced with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease for Tom while still in their 50’s. The news and the disease were devastating. Tom’s personable nature continued, however, and many humorous as well as difficult situations are remembered. My husband spent many more hours with Tom and I with Liz. It was an absolute privilege to be together during this time.
Tom was at our house one day, long after he could do much of what was enjoyable to him. He took great pleasure in throwing the ball for our lab and making little piles of sticks in the yard. After being outside for some time on a beautiful fall day, we went into the house. I returned outside for something, and Tom locked me out!
Our church family and Tom’s wife and grown boys experienced together the profound love and compassion that is beyond our comprehension. Perhaps Tom’s understanding of that love was on a different plain for a time, but belief that he knows love now better than we do is helpful.
Linda Klitzke
Pink and green earrings with pink beaded necklace as modeled by Linda