Sue Woolmore
"I've put off writing this for too long, as I'm afraid that in trying to write about Toby, I'm going to fail so miserably at describing the relationship between him and my family - the lasting and extraordinary impression he has made on each of us.
Our time with Toby was spent at Othona in Dorset, where we first met him with Kym, Joel and Hope a few years ago and then again in a very special week with Toby, Joel and Hope, just last month.
Kate has captured some of our memories of our week in July in her contribution to this site and Tom still bears the scars of the burns he got when we built the campfire on the beach (nobody told us that flint shingle explodes when its hot!)
Despite feeling very ill during that week, Toby did not complain once (he just sucked the lollies!) and he grasped every single opportunity to be alive and excitable. He was joyous and demanded that we had fun. He hugged, he kissed, he sang, he daydreamed and he drew.
It wasn't possible to look at the world exactly through Toby's eyes, but in trying, I think I saw more of what is meaningful, what matters. We talked about all sorts, including relationships, parenthood and books (well, the conversations about books never lasted very long as Toby was easily appalled at my lack of literary exploration!) But we did talk about God, not in platitudes or rehearsed responses to age-old questions, but right on the edge, where faith is so daring and outrageous.
Our time with Toby was a unique gift and a most precious blessing. Toby showed us Life which we wouldn't have seen without him. We love him dearly."
Sue Woolmore
(Leeds)
Recent Contributors:
Sue
Woolmore
"He was joyous & demanded that we had fun. He hugged, he kissed,
he sang, he daydreamed & he drew."
