Tuesday, October 4, 2022
When we lose a loved one it hurts and that will never change. As I remember Mr. Tomka, he was standing over me pointing to a music sheet expressing in his way, a better way to play the trombone I was holding. That was my first jump into a musical instrument with a master. At the time 6th grade, I did not have the amount of wind I was comfortable needing so I switched in 7th grade to the bass clarinet which looked like a cooler instrument I thought would require less wind, but it was just a different type and Mr. T, helped me with that as well. It is as he did not see the negatives and would drive right over them! He became a sold fixture for me in music during my school years as I knew him for 7 school years. In my 8th year I found my musical calling to percussion. I always wondered if he wondered what instrument would be next for me! lol. Drums were the final choice aside from my career in law enforcement, and I've been in and out of bands happily ever since. Upon reflection, if it had not been for him, his positiveness, it's very likely I would have moved on and stopped looking for the right fit in an instrument. It turned out, I was a natural drummer. To some extent which I cannot measure exactly, I do owe him. He honored me a position in the RMHS Dance Band (best of the best) he could have chosen others. Playing for many in that small group gave me a greater sense of myself and I am absolutely sure provided me the direction which filled my life more than it would have been filled. I'll go a step further, he was the single most important adult at RMHS who provided structure, purpose and fulfillment during those first years. To my very regret, I did not keep up with him as I moved on. Dear Mr. Tomka, Rest in Peace and God Bless You!
