Another New Yorker Died Yesterday

Published

"Ode to Tommy Keenan, R.N."

I just got off the telephone, with my best friends son. Tommy has been and always will be "My Best Friend", however he was much more than that to his children. He was without a doubt, the most dedicated parent I have ever known. When everything else in his life was getting as "Crazy", as life sometimes does, you could always see where his priority was, with his children.

Tommy called last week to inform me that he had suffered, a "Light Stroke" and was scheduled to have a Carotid Endarterectomy performed. At the end of our conversation, I told him that I had to go to Florida, to help my wife tie up some loose ends, in her late Brother's Death, but that I would call as soon as I returned from Fla. to check on him, and asked if there was anything I could do to help him through this stressful situation? He said, "Nah, you know me, I've got it handled."

I am thankful for several things, when the opportunity presented itself, I took my wife to New York where she met him and the "Kids" and even though she only knew him a few days, she also was very impressed with his obvious devotion to his Family. I am also thankful that we remained in contract with each other over these many years, so that this event was not a "Total Shock" Most of all I am thankful for Tommy's friendship. We were part of a self named group "The New Fearsome Foursome" What a United Nations we were, Tommy was Cherokee Indian, and Irish. Patrick Mahoney is Hawaiian and Irish, Rico is our African American representative, and me the WASP, or Mutt, Irish, American Indian, Dutch, and French. The Fearsome Foursome tag, was strictly our own interpretation of who we were as a Team We hung out together on our "Off Duty" time as well as working together. Our extended Family had "family functions" just like any other, except with our Family, any family function was another reason to have a party.

I have no regrets, other than not being closer and able to have been there when disaster struck, in order to help TK,Jr. get through his time of sorrow. Having just returned from Fla. not being able to attend his funeral due to other commitments. I will be there in spirit and Tommy will know I am with him, now and always, and he is with me, and will live on in my memory. Tommy, you were always the Greatest

:cool: :o :o :o :o

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm sorry for your loss.

Lisa:o

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sorry, I am sure he is with God now and will watch over you and over his family!

I'll light a candle for him tonight, Renee

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm so sorry for the loss of you best friend. What a wonderful tribute to him.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Jay, that is a wonderful tribute to your friend. You let him "smell the roses" while he was still with you .

My sincere sympathy to his family and to his friends.

P

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To: rdhdnrs, semstr, kaycee, and P_RN, Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Although I couldn't attend the funeral,being able to express myself here is of great comfort. Once again Thank You All.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So sorry about your friend. I hope you copied (or print and mail) your tribute to send to your friend's family. I'm sure they will cherish it.

All the best,

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion