tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post4145123246685120276..comments2023-05-10T10:36:38.392-04:00Comments on The Adventures of Tom & Atticus: Walking with Atticus at Thorne PondUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-81490291075081022072016-06-03T13:23:49.502-04:002016-06-03T13:23:49.502-04:00Atticus first came onto my radar on Facebook a cou...Atticus first came onto my radar on Facebook a couple of years ago. Intrigued and inspired (I spent my first 18 summers in those mountains, and I resonate with your attitude of soul equality--he is not just a pet or even an amazing dog--he is a magnificent soul!), I started "following" Following Atticus, but after a while the posts stopped showing up on my feed. Just a few days ago while visiting friends in NH, I picked up your book and have immersed myself in your lives for these past few days. Tears, laughter, inspiration, gratitude, reverence for nature, renewed determination to overcome physical issues (Lyme & Arthritis) have filled this week. Wanting more, I started exploring social media, only to discover that Atticus is gone, and you nearly were. Tears have been flowing freely as I do my own greiving for the sorrow of parting, for the change in your incredible partnership, and for all the loved ones gone from my life. Your writing is inspired and has touched me deeply. I especially like that you paint Atticus as the hero, when in fact, it took the two of you together to accomplish your unbelievable feats. Yes, Atticus must be the most extraordinary dog this world has seen (I believe this to be true), but without your huge, sensitive and intuitive heart, Atticus as we have known him, would not be the same Atticus. Samwise is one lucky dog to find a new life with you in our beloved White Mts! Thsnk you Tom, for having the courage to share your stories with strangers. You don't feel like strangers to all of us because you and your beloved canine family are now firmly entrenched in our hearts. I have a lot more to say on this subject, but I hope one day to say it in person. Onward, by all means! Blessings on your new journey. ♡ Elizabeth Barrett Johnsoneblisshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09481806731947123586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-72184077066414033192016-05-27T21:16:44.856-04:002016-05-27T21:16:44.856-04:00Tom, I read your book a number of years ago and I ...Tom, I read your book a number of years ago and I just read it again after hearing that Atticus is gone. You've been doing soul work for years and you were so fortunate to have your friend, Atticus, to do it with you. I am grateful that you shared this. Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-17659264267475856932016-05-25T15:49:51.140-04:002016-05-25T15:49:51.140-04:00Thank you, Tom! Pondering all that you wrote and ...Thank you, Tom! Pondering all that you wrote and the feelings you've expressed. Thank you.Joan T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07673156831661366189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-56023446340160541662016-05-24T18:47:41.451-04:002016-05-24T18:47:41.451-04:00Thank you so much for your perspective, even if yo...Thank you so much for your perspective, even if your words brings tears; so much appreciate you sharing your experiences written in a way that brings me in.Candicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06905622296350871483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-53510115187456912652016-05-22T22:43:16.974-04:002016-05-22T22:43:16.974-04:00Simply thank you. I am grateful that I had the op...Simply thank you. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet you and Atticus in CT. It is a very sweet memory that I will keep forever. I stood to the left of you because you were holding Atticus in your right arm. You kindly suggested that I move to your right side so we would have Atticus in-between us. That action was so generous and kind. i really wanted to be closer to Atticus but I didn't want to impose - your suggestion made my heart flutter and that felt so good. In addition to the memory I have the picture that Lenny took that day of you, me, and Atticus. I will cherish it always.<br /><br />I look forward to seeing you again when you make visits for Will's book.<br /><br />I'm in the process of making a blanket for you. I'm not a good writer but I do have a big heart and I am a slow knitter but i will send you the blanket as soon as possible. <br /><br />I wish you healing thoughts, strength, time, love, and peace.<br /><br />Please take care of you.<br /><br />BettyBetty F.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-13183544557919541622016-05-22T21:02:33.995-04:002016-05-22T21:02:33.995-04:00Soul work...the best work. Thank you for sharing ...Soul work...the best work. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10763712846784415881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-16517717193769530492016-05-22T13:10:24.187-04:002016-05-22T13:10:24.187-04:00A fitting tribute to the wonderful life you shared...A fitting tribute to the wonderful life you shared. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this journey. It's been a beautiful "ride".Pamela M. Steinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04060656432106792419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-44946153869425557042016-05-21T23:16:07.015-04:002016-05-21T23:16:07.015-04:00Though I had purchased your book some years ago, I...Though I had purchased your book some years ago, I only recently rediscovered it. I don't know if any story I've read has made me laugh out loud, multiple times but also moved to me to tears as well. I'm sure you hear from many fans who write to express their gratitude for sharing Atticus, but I would be remiss if I didn't add my name to the list.<br /><br />I have been checking weekly, with apprehension, for an update, hoping with crossed fingers that you two were off on your cross-country sojourn and too busy to write, but deep down I knew. There is nothing I or anyone can say to make this better for you but I hope the memory of Atticus and of the lives you both touched will eventually give you peace. Thank you, we all look forward to Will's story and more memories of Atticus. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05122810477196689253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-12834300084398098052016-05-21T20:05:07.332-04:002016-05-21T20:05:07.332-04:00I am a long time follower of your heart. Thank you...I am a long time follower of your heart. Thank you for sharing Atticus and Will with me. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05636092810831614552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-18746840302845505992016-05-21T18:29:14.871-04:002016-05-21T18:29:14.871-04:00The only thing worse than losing your soul mate is...The only thing worse than losing your soul mate is not having anyone to share your feelings with. (I know this pain.) You are so blessed to have the choice of letting the whole world go through this with you, or just letting your dearest friends and family go through it with you, or just sharing your thoughts with Atti's spirit during quiet walks in the woods. I truly wish you peace in whatever ways you choose to remember your all time best friend.jeannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-63082328274200415902016-05-21T12:23:33.002-04:002016-05-21T12:23:33.002-04:00Dear Tom - Our daughter gave me your book a few mo...Dear Tom - Our daughter gave me your book a few months back, so I am a very new follower of you and Atticus. When she told me of Atticus' death, immediately I called to mind the loss of my husband's aunt about a year ago. This wonderful woman took over the care of my husband and his brother and sister when they lost their parents when my husband and I were in college. She ran her husband's medical practice, households in two states, another business (where she was hands on), finished raising eight kids and traveled all over the country visiting those kids and their families. Just before her 89th birthday, her heart gave out. It had been repaired, but I think she knew she was at the end of her time. After she was gone, one of the grandchildren commented that she was always so confident. She was confident in herself, but her gift was that she was confident in others. If she asked you to do something, or said that maybe you might try X direction at the fork in the road, she knew you could do it, even if you had major doubts yourself. I believe that Atticus has that same relationship with you. It's a tough act to follow. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-53941285022375515312016-05-21T05:33:47.530-04:002016-05-21T05:33:47.530-04:00Beautiful writing, Tom. Inspired words and thought...Beautiful writing, Tom. Inspired words and thoughts are a ministry to others as well as therapy for the soul. I will be thinking of you and Atticus as I do my own trail trekking, which is what I call my run/walk/run method of trail running. Some runners are so concerned about improving their pace or winning a race that they never notice the scenery along the way. Thank you for enhancing my appreciation of nature and contemplative thought with your inspirational writing. Continued prayer for your complete healing. -- MaureenTandihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04677227443380385291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-29380007365382104112016-05-21T05:18:38.009-04:002016-05-21T05:18:38.009-04:00Thorne Pond sounds like a wonderful, soothing plac...Thorne Pond sounds like a wonderful, soothing place. <br /><br />I always end up sitting in contemplation after reading one of your posts. <br /><br />Do you think you will still take that cross country camping trip you had planned with Atticus for April when you are given the go health-wise?mlaiuppahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13792165896828163411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-13773002438426980562016-05-21T04:00:35.938-04:002016-05-21T04:00:35.938-04:00Thank you, thank you, Tom and Atticus. Thank you f...Thank you, thank you, Tom and Atticus. Thank you for reaffirming that no one has a right to tell us in what manner to grieve nor how long. Thank you that you are still seeing Atticus as you go and still speaking with him as I do with my own dear Naomi girl, who had to go in November. I speak with her and sing our songs to her with tears in my eyes and a heart broken in pieces and see her as we go about our business You and Atticus are on my heart and mind. Thank you again. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08540960528436938154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-7048071273969541962016-05-21T01:01:00.254-04:002016-05-21T01:01:00.254-04:00Thank you for posting this Tom, I read it though t...Thank you for posting this Tom, I read it though tears but I managed to get through all of it. I really needed this, Thank you.......<br />Terriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13495069203975375086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-26408145154383868602016-05-21T00:51:25.900-04:002016-05-21T00:51:25.900-04:00I have to confess that I've been a wimp. I sto...I have to confess that I've been a wimp. I stopped reading your blog a while back because Atticus was getting old and I didn't want to read about him dying. So, today I decided to quit being a weakling and find out what was happening with you and Atticus. I can't stop crying. It's like losing my own dog (both of my dogs died a few years ago). I know you're not afraid of death; I'm not afraid either, but that doesn't mean it hurts any less. There's something so wrenching about an empty dog (or cat) bowl that will never see food again, about waking up in the morning and your favorite furry face is not there to greet you, about walking out to the mailbox or down the neighborhood street, alone. Even though you don't know me, I'm there with you, along with all of your many readers.Rohananoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-18802028633860851792016-05-21T00:33:30.658-04:002016-05-21T00:33:30.658-04:00You have been the lucky one to have experienced th...You have been the lucky one to have experienced the most special bond between a man and his loyal dog. I'm sure you each could look into each others eyes and know what the other was thinking. Atticus couldn't have understood if you had gone first. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15521609740281407136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-69462243089956733702016-05-21T00:03:41.916-04:002016-05-21T00:03:41.916-04:00You are mighty Tom Ryan ... As was Atticus in the ...You are mighty Tom Ryan ... As was Atticus in the most special of ways! PPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10204201574395780236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-68110927005284122192016-05-20T21:49:11.995-04:002016-05-20T21:49:11.995-04:00How fortunate we are that memories can keep love a...How fortunate we are that memories can keep love alive. Enjoy every one of them as you stroll/hike through all your favorite spots. You have enough of them for an entire lifetime. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-64264358489116711732016-05-20T21:15:43.240-04:002016-05-20T21:15:43.240-04:00Thank you for sharing this time with us. Your jou...Thank you for sharing this time with us. Your journey with Atticus and Will was personal and this grieving period will take it's own time as you have said. <br /> Have a good hike, although it may be with a heavy heart. The mountains are a good place to heal and reflect. <br /><br />Barbara GrantAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14835864325750629966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-53896426625719470852016-05-20T21:11:21.184-04:002016-05-20T21:11:21.184-04:00As usual your words I like magic. And I've sai...As usual your words I like magic. And I've said this a million times they are like butter on warm biscuits. The words melt into that warm and make us all feel better just knowing you and Atticus and Will and Maxwell. I never get tired of reading what you have written it is beautiful. It is always beautiful. It always paints me the most Vivid picture of those mountains and for that I can never thank you enough. Onward by all meansAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03543944845821242922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-81304388837962215302016-05-20T20:02:43.772-04:002016-05-20T20:02:43.772-04:00That quote from Campbell is one of my favorites - ...That quote from Campbell is one of my favorites - it perfectly captures the human condition!Lisa Lyonshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07169807428211043850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-9363362966287102512016-05-20T18:50:14.352-04:002016-05-20T18:50:14.352-04:00I wish you good health and happiness always. Than...I wish you good health and happiness always. Thanks for sharing your life with Atticus and Will with all of us! When I rescued a mini-schnauzer in 2012 I named him Jake Atticus in honor of your friend as I had just read your book. I have followed you both on the FB page as your journey continued. Live Tom! Onward by all means! So many have kind thoughts of you and a wonderful memory of your friends!Billie Graybealnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-82221037750778715432016-05-20T17:46:31.007-04:002016-05-20T17:46:31.007-04:00I can't help but shed a few tears as I read th...I can't help but shed a few tears as I read this blog. Such beautiful words and emotions you have. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I wish you well. Melanyehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10736495563967707978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36795530.post-52725543844589769432016-05-20T17:22:22.815-04:002016-05-20T17:22:22.815-04:00Beautiful words! Tom you need to be you. You must...Beautiful words! Tom you need to be you. You must handle this period in your life as Tom Ryan. Cry, laugh, smile or whatever emotion hits you at any given time. Just like Atticus was "his own dog", you are your own man and must handle it your way. We all love you and Atticus!Missymiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00653038949163049374noreply@blogger.com