My dad has gone to see the Light.
Finally
Thomas Edwin Sommer, my father, went to be with the Lord at 5:07 pm this evening. He went peacefully, holding my mother’s hand. He had one tear on the end of his nose. I’d like to think that it was a tear of joy as Jesus reached out to take him. We praise God that his suffering, pain and frustration has ended. We ask for His forgiveness in our selfishness of wanting dad to be here longer.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me…. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.
T’was Grace that taught… my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear… the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares… we have already come. T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far… and Grace will lead us home.
The Lord has promised good to me… His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be… as long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years… bright shining as the sun. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise… then when we’ve first begun.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me…. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.”
Photo taken with: Nikon D700, Nikon 50mm f/1.8
DAVID'S PHOTOGRAPHS 
He will always be with you in your hearts and in your precious memories. My sympathy to your entire family David. And my thanks for your lovely posts through his ordeal. He was lucky to have you as his son.
Much like your photos, congratulations!
Big hug!
Psalm 84:3,4…O Lord Almighty, my King and my God Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.
We love you. see you soon.
Jena
psalm 91: We live within the shadow of the Almighty,sheltered by the God who is above all gods.This I declare,that He alone is my refuge,my place of safety; He is my God,and I am trusting Him. Forhe rescues you from every trap,and protects you from the fatal plague He will shield you with His wings!! They will you. His faithful promises are your armor. Now you don’t need to be afraid of the dark any more,nor fear the dangers of the day; nor dread the plagues of darkness, nor disasters of the morning. Though thousands fall at my side, though ten thousand are dying around me, the evil will not touch me, I will see how the wicked are punished but I will not share it, For Jehova is my refuge! I choose the God above all gods to shelter me How then can evil overtake me or any plague come near? For He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will steady you with their hands to keep you from stumbling against the rocks on the trail. You can safely meet a lion or step on poisonous snakes yes,even trample them beneath your feet For the Lord says”Because he loves Me, I will rescue him I will make him great because he trusts in My name. When he calls on Me I will answer, I will be with him in trouble and rescue him and honor him. I will satisfy him with a full life and give him salvation
Hi David,
This email came out at work today, we thought…that maybe we would share a little of his work life with your family. I also sent it to your mom – per request of our assistant deputy director – brad mayo…anyway…Tom was loved and will be missed…we hated to see him retire…but we knew he was going to be a busy man…he like keeping busy…liked helping people…anyway…my heart and soul goes out to your family – but I would like to leave a little bit of your “work” dad – with you….
Tom was a great friend and mentor to many of us and will be greatly missed. I think the best way to express how Tom approached life here in OUC is to share the following message Tom sent us on his retirement date:
“Well its February 29, 2008 and I’ve got one foot out the door. The last 31 years have been great! I have enjoyed coming to work. The last five years have been among the best working on the ERIC Project. The best part about the ERIC Project has been the people I work along side. I regret that I did not get to work with you sooner. My loss.
One of my favorite things to do each morning has been to walk around and say good morning to whoever I met along the way. Thank you for being good sports when I teased you. I will miss our encounters.
After working in Akron and Cleveland for OBES I moved to Columbus and have worked with many of you for the last 23 years. We’ve become friends. Leaving you is the hardest thing about retiring.
What I’ve learned….
My time here has taught me that if you challenge people, trust and respect them they will rise to whatever task you ask them to do, and they will do a good job of it. I also learned not to judge people by anything other than their abilities.
My advice….
If you are a manager surround yourself with the best. They will make you look good every day.
If you are not a manager be one of those who make the manager look good every day because you are the best.
By the way the ERIC system will be great. Once its up and debugged (yes, there will be some) it will be the premier UI Tax system.
You know I always put a rock & roll spin on things so I’ll leave you with some words from one of my favorite bands. There’s a couple of mushy parts, but the words are perfect.
A perfect day, the sun is sinkin’ low
As evening falls, the gentle breezes blow
The time we shared went by so fast
Just like a dream, we knew it couldn’t last
But I’d do it all again
If I could, somehow
But I must be leavin’ soon
It’s your world now
It’s your world now
My race is run
I’m moving on
Like the setting sun
No sad goodbyes
No tears allowed
You’ll be alright
It’s your world now
Even when we are apart
You’ll always be in my heart
When dark clouds appear in the sky
Remember true love never dies
But first a kiss, one glass of wine
Just one more dance while there’s still time
My one last wish: someday, you’ll see
How hard I tried and how much you meant to me
It’s your world now
Use well the time
Be part of something good
Leave something good behind
The curtain falls
I take my bow
That’s how it’s meant to be
It’s your world now
It’s your world now
It’s your world now
Tom
ps: Thank you for all your kind words and well wishes, I appreciate it.”