From Ian, Megan and Lucy
Dear Jennie,
Thank you for the wonderful email. For a minute, it took us both
by surprise - it's extremely rare to receive messages that evoke
such strong emotions - in so many ways...
We miss Tommy dearly and deeply. There isn't a day that goes
by without thinking of him and what he brought to the world. I
attempted briefly to capture who he was when I wrote about him
on my web site but, in hindsight, the hectic nature of weddings
and family trips, I feel that I haven't honored him properly.
The one word that I used that fits Tommy best is "magic".
Rarely have I met someone who can command a room with such casual
and inviting warmth. I'm not the most outgoing person but whenever
Tommy was in the room I felt completely comfortable, at ease and
confident.
Work responsibilities didn't allow me to get to CB for Tommy's
funeral but I was able to visit his resting place during the summer.
Knowing that for the rest of time he will be surrounded by such
beauty gave me peace while my heart broke.
Given the circumstances of our lives, family is, and has always
been, the most important aspect of our lives. And "family"
for us has never been limited to last names and heritage - close
friends are just another version of family. On our fridge at home
we have photos of our loved ones. It makes us proud - and breaks
our hearts - that Lucy can point to Tommy's photo and say, in
that cute little girl voice,"That's my friend, Tommy."
You are, and rightly so, very proud of being Tommy's parents.
That is a wonderful experience for both of you to share. And,
unfortunately, I understand how painful each day has been following
the accident. I don't know if you know this...but, 10 years ago
my older brother was killed in a car accident. An event that scarred
our family deeply and continues to cause us pain and grief to
this day.
On the bright side...we have wonderful memories. We have a wonderful
daughter. We have wonderful friends. And we wish our entire extended
family a wonderful future. It is never possible to deny or erase
the sorrow associated with the loss of a loved one but it is possible
(albeit difficult) to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Megan read your email shortly before going to bed. She, and Gillian,
are thrilled that you'll all be in Crested Butte together. Personally,
I'm trying to get some time off from work to spend a week in CB.
If it works out, I too would love to say hello.
Love,
Ian, Megan and Lucy
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Dear Megan
I happen to come across your web site. I put in Tommy
Villanueva's name and Crested Butte and this is one of the things
I found. I was surprised. I read what your husband said about
Tommy when you all found out about the accident. It was very touching.
Each day for us has been difficult. Tommy was such a wonderful
human being and we are proud to be his mother and father. Tommy
loved you girls very much and truly considered you both good
friends. We will be in CB the month of August. I hope you will
be there too. Lucy is beautiful. Please take care and keep in
touch.
Love
Jennie V.
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