I called my Uncle Tom “my Great White Dad†because he reminded me of a Great White Shark. He was very cool and calm and protected his loved ones only if he felt they were in harms way. Also, I remember one day we ordered KFC and he took a huge bite of a chicken and ate it like a beast with part of the chicken hanging out of his mouth. He was always joking and having fun, his laugh was one-of-a-kind!My Uncle Tom was an amazing person, he’d give you the only shirt off his back if you needed it more than he did. If you needed him, he was there. Even if he had appointments or other things going on, he’d make time for you. My Uncle Tom was the person I’d call when I needed advice or every now and then I’d call to make sure everyone is ok. He never judged you, never looked at anyone with a negative thought, he was the type of person that looked at the good in people. My Uncle Tom was also very humble; I remember he won an award for the HFD, I said, “That’s awesome Uncle Tom! Woo-hoo!†And his response was, “ahh, anyone can get this award!†He would be a bit embarrassed by any recognition, even though he very much deserved it.I looked at my Uncle Tom as a dad, although my biological dad was in my life, it was my Uncle Tom (alongside my papa) who was physically there to be the father-figures in my life (hence, the name Great White Dad). When I got pregnant with my son, I already knew who will be his God-Daddy; my Great White Dad! He would apologize for not calling as much, and I’d let him know that the only important thing Kamalani needs to know is that you love him and he knows, that’s all that matters! He loved my tutu so very much, you could see it in the way he looked at her, the way he was there with and for her, the way he’d be close to her to make sure she is safe when we were out! There’s a saying, “marry someone like your dad!†I can say I did! I married someone who treats me the way my Great White Dad treated my Tutu! I love you so much Uncle Tom, so very much! My heart hasn’t stopped hurting! I wish you were here with us, but I have to remember that you were needed sooner rather than later. I will miss you so much my Great White Dad! Rest now until we meet again!
