Tom's Smile

One of the things I have always loved about Tom McIntyre is his smile.  It is an indiscriminate smile - one shared freely, whether he knows you or not - and it is coupled with eyes that literally light up as he does.  In fact, his eyes are part of his smile -  they go together.  In a way that leaves you wondering which of the two is most distinguishing. But then, that doesn't matter - because it's just the way it happens.  It's Tom's smile.

I couldn't say how many times I have enjoyed Tom's smile, but I can relate it to years. Since the late 70s, or over 30 years.  Back then, standing in the foyer of Northway Baptist Church, he used it on me a lot. In fact, the Sunday night I first 'flirted' with Belinda, Tom used it then. We were serving as ushers together, and I'd stepped in front of him to take her to her seat. I told Belinda I'd give her a nickel if she'd save me a seat by her (my line). Then, later, when I came back down the aisle to sit with her, there was Tom in my place - he used it on me then.

He used it on me recently, too! Standing amidst the back rows of ParkwayHills, while I worked the crowd. He had a tidbit, some story, some remark to remind me of days gone by, or something we once did, or some joke he'd just heard. His eyes twinkled and he looked at me with his grin, causing me to smile back at him - as a thanks for the humor and reminder not to take myself, or him, too seriously.

This morning, before I went to the church, I dropped by the hospital to check on he and Rita. I was pleased to hear he'd passed through the night without incident. Good news, I thought.  As I hugged Rita, she motioned toward Tom in bed, telling me to take a look. When I did, Tom's eyes lit up. I said to him, "Hey buddy, I love you - and I'm so proud of you." Then, it happened, he opened his mouth as if to speak - and I said, "Tom, this girl (pointing at Rita) saved your life."  "The day you decided to marry her was the best day of your life."  Then I winked at him, and... he smiled back and mouthed the words, "I know."  I started crying, and bent over him to pray, and Tom, smiling - with eyes lit up, squeezed my hand.

So it was a good day, today.  I saw Tom's smile. And for this I say...

Praise be to God!


Pastor Sam