in gratitude for our elder Tomas

"We are love and our love is for giving." This is is a core truth that Tomas has lived and breathed and guided thousands towards over the last 50 years. From the early 1970's he developed a successful wilderness treatment program for heroin addicts, then helped start the first at-home Hospice program in the United States. This has been followed by decades working with children and adults facing life-threatening illness and leading vision quests, ceremonies and rites of passage.

"I feel called in my elder years," says Tomas, "more so than ever with the challenges of today’s world, to continue my work of helping others from whatever communities may ask."

Now  as he transitions into a new home for many more years of service to this calling we want to honor him by giving back to this elder who has lived so wholeheartedly his prayer to be in service however the spirit of love has guided him. Our desire is that these funds may help him feel supported, nourished and held, just as he holds others in their passages and transitions. Giving back to our elders as they have given to us. This just feels like one of the ways to be in right relation.

Six months ago Tomas sent out a letter to some of the people who are connected to his work in the world. When I received it I felt moved to respond with this GoFundMe. My hope is that when you read some of the transparent and sincere words in the letter below you might also be moved to support this elder and all he serves.

Dear Friends and Compadres,

I recently got the results of a CT scan of my chest and abdomen, which my doctor had ordered to make sure my 10-pound weight loss this past year wasn’t due to any troublesome health issues. The results came back “all clear,” but my doctor said, “Maybe you’re working too hard. Maybe as you move into your mid-70s, it might be time to consider retiring.” Since I don’t have a retirement fund or much of a Social Security payment, I couldn’t retire even if i wanted to. But there is more to it than that. "You can retire from a job,” I told him, “but what about a calling? Can you retire from a calling when you’re still able to do the work Spirit called you to do and which feeds your soul?”

 Whatever Spirit gives me to offer is done in service to help us all wake up to the reality of our true essence being: that we are sacred, worthy, luminous beings of love that is for giving. That we have a responsibility to live in right relationship with ourselves, with each other, with Mother Earth and with life itself. That each one of us is capable of radiating more compassion, healing, kindness, tenderness, beauty, peace and wisdom as we seek to create a win-win world for all.

It’s my intention to continue my ministerial work, including in-home and hospital visits, grief counseling, memorial services, and other ceremonial offerings, many of which do not bring in any income. If you’re reading this letter, perhaps you yourself have been the beneficiary of some of my services in one way or another.

My humble request is an invitation to your heart and soul - an inquiry that you might feel called to offer financial support. Whatever amount you might be moved to offer is greatly appreciated not only by me and my family but, perhaps more importantly, by those I am able to continue to serve though your generosity. Thank you.

Thank you for being willing to take the time to read this and for following your own guidance concerning what is right for you. Bless you and all those you hold dear in your heart.

Thank you for your caring, thank you for your sharing.
All Blessings. All Ways.

Tomas