Big Poppa:
Last Friday night my friend Tom Coleman JR's father, Tom Coleman SR, was rushed to the Emergency Room after suffering a heart attack and cardiac arrest. The Coleman's have been camping out at the hospital since Tom SR's admission. Today they received news that Tom Coleman SR's condition is serious, irreversible brain damage. Now, as a family, they are faced with the hardest decision of their lives - when to say goodbye.

Although Tom Coleman SR is not faced with lung cancer, he is a fellow cancer survivor, prostate cancer to be exact. Tom Coleman SR has long been a dedicated member of his community, as a retired police officer, former D.A.R.E officer for the local high school, former candidate for mayor within his home town, and current port authority officer of two bridges within New Jersey.

I have known Tom Coleman SR for two years. I have had the pleasure of dating his son, Tom Coleman JR, who I originally met at work. I have also had privileges knowing and building a relationship with his family that includes his mother, daughter, and wife. I will remember him more profoundly as "Big Poppa", as he was a large man with an even larger heart. Although stern at times, Big Poppa was gentle, kind hearted, family-orientated, unselfish, giving, and full of love. I would often joke to Tom JR about how I'd like to ditch him, and go on a date with his dad. It would always get a great big laugh out of him.

The image of Big Poppa and his newly born grand-daughter (12/31/2011), Toryn, haunts me because I know she will never know her grand-father. Overall, this is what burns me the most about his recent condition. Considering his love and admiration for his family, I know that experiencing the birth of his first grandchild must have been one of his most prized moments. The last time we all were together (Big Poppa, Momma Bear, Lauren, Tom JR, Granny) I took a family photo of them with baby Toryn. It is a photo that will be forever imprinted in my mind.

Also, Big Poppa's other grand-daughter runs through my mind, Lilly. Lilly is a hefty 5 year old pug that appeared more like the family's most prized possession before baby Toryn was born. I have been caring for Lilly since last Friday when Big Poppa went down, and I fear that she will be unable to completely comprehend what happened to her most beloved owner when she returns home.
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Tom Coleman JR with baby Toryn

Granny with baby Toryn

Lauren (mommy) with baby Toryn