** Tomas Young** Update 03/20/13
Last night my friend and I went to see A Body Of War followed by a Q&A with Phil Donahue. After the movie Phil came out and surprised the audience with a live Skype of Tomas and his new wife. Before the screen was filled with their image, Phil explained that Tomas did not look the same as he did in the movie. He was trying to prepare us for what we were going to see and hear.
Tomas has been through a hard 9 years. He recently lost his colon due to swelling in his abdomen. He is in pain both mentally and physically. Very early in the interview he revealed that after his first anniversary with his wife in April he is going to refuse his food, ween off his meds until he is lucid and pass away at home surrounded by the people that love him. His speech is slurred and hard to understand and he can no longer feed himself due to loss of use in his hands, mostly his thumbs. His humor is still intact however, he made a few remarks that made us giggle. But during this difficult interview he was poised and seems quite determined that this is what he wants.
My heart is heavy with sadness. He was asked if he thought the documentary had any impact on the war or our government. He said no. He said it told his story, but most people that saw the movie already had their minds made up either way. This was so hard to hear. That he feels nothing really came out of this wonderful gritty film.
When I first saw a Body Of War in 2008 I remember thinking what a courageous thing he was doing. I never thought his body would continue to deteriorate and continue to fail him. Every time I heard No More I would think of him and how lucky I was to be at a show where Ed had him come out. Like then I still want to support him and let him know that he did make a difference. He did make me think a lot about this war, a lot about our government and a lot about the reality of what happens high on the hill and how it trickles down to us, the people in this country.
I just wanted to pass on what he said last night. I was hoping to find an address to write Tomas, supporting him in his decision and letting him know that Pearl Jam has a big community that became aware of this movie and of Tomas himself. If anyone has an address I would appreciate it if you can post it. In the meantime I will be on the hunt for one so anyone who wants can show their support.
Tomas has been through a hard 9 years. He recently lost his colon due to swelling in his abdomen. He is in pain both mentally and physically. Very early in the interview he revealed that after his first anniversary with his wife in April he is going to refuse his food, ween off his meds until he is lucid and pass away at home surrounded by the people that love him. His speech is slurred and hard to understand and he can no longer feed himself due to loss of use in his hands, mostly his thumbs. His humor is still intact however, he made a few remarks that made us giggle. But during this difficult interview he was poised and seems quite determined that this is what he wants.
My heart is heavy with sadness. He was asked if he thought the documentary had any impact on the war or our government. He said no. He said it told his story, but most people that saw the movie already had their minds made up either way. This was so hard to hear. That he feels nothing really came out of this wonderful gritty film.
When I first saw a Body Of War in 2008 I remember thinking what a courageous thing he was doing. I never thought his body would continue to deteriorate and continue to fail him. Every time I heard No More I would think of him and how lucky I was to be at a show where Ed had him come out. Like then I still want to support him and let him know that he did make a difference. He did make me think a lot about this war, a lot about our government and a lot about the reality of what happens high on the hill and how it trickles down to us, the people in this country.
I just wanted to pass on what he said last night. I was hoping to find an address to write Tomas, supporting him in his decision and letting him know that Pearl Jam has a big community that became aware of this movie and of Tomas himself. If anyone has an address I would appreciate it if you can post it. In the meantime I will be on the hunt for one so anyone who wants can show their support.
Thank you fellow 10 clubber for saving my ass....again!!!
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http://www.theridgefieldpress.com/13805/phil-donahue-i-had-to-do-this-film/
thanks for sharing Sue....
you are realy a beautiful human beign that cares...
thank you
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
www.cluthelee.com
www.cluthe.com
here's a video from youtube of ed doing no more with tomas on stage in kansas city, 2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DikAR0em02g
i was at that show and the lollapalooza show in 07, and clearly tomas looked more healthy in 07 (to me anyway- i could be wrong). i had hoped this meant that he was just going through some issues that would pass, but reading this now that must not have been the case. tomas was also supposed to be at bonnaroo in 2008 (same year as pj) to do a q&a after a screening of the movie, but had health issues that prevented him from making it. eddie's speech before he played no more was impassioned- "i am angry".
i am not surprised by tomas' decision about his future. tomas in the movie didn't really come across as a "this is only going to inspire me..." type guy; he was very clearly angry and i don't think the movie tried to hide this- it WAS going to be difficult for tomas. and it seems now that he has had enough. while it seems he feels his story didn't make an impact, i hope he goes to rest knowing that he WILL be remembered by strangers all over the world for his service, courage, and mission.
body of war is on netflix instant, if any of you haven't seen it and have netflix.
Regal Theater, 1994--most amazing night ever.
i think about Tomas often and hope that he is doing better...
:(
he HAS made a difference!! i hope he knows that he has....
i understand his decision and wish for him only peace
07 8/5 Lolla 8/2 VIC
06 7/22,23 Gorge 7/20 Ptl
04 10/8 VFC Kissimmee
03 4/11 WPB, 4/12 HOB Orlando, 7/8,9 MSG
00 8/24 Jones Bch 8/9,10 WPB
1998 9/22,23 WPB 1996 10/7 Ft Laud 1994 3/28 Miami
i wish the best as best can be for the rest of his life.
jo
http://www.Etsy.com/Shop/SimpleEarthCreations
"How I choose to feel is how I am." ~ EV/MMc
"Some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness and they live by what they hear. Such people become crazy, or they become legends." ~ One Stab ~
we saw him in Toronto at TIFF and I remember bumping into Nicole after the movie and saying what a charming kid he is
I think it would be great if we could get an address posted here to write to him - I remember there was one posted at one time?
There is an address listed in a sniper I have from the 08' EV tour. Not sure if its still valid though..
Tomas Young
112 NE 113th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64155
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
I wonder if Kat or Sea or someone at the 10C could verify his address for us. I would love to send a card to let this family know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of them.
Tomas Young, a true hero of today.. this movie opened up my mind. I got intrerested and wanted to learn more.
It seems like this movie did open up people. I think at least. The world did n't change. No movie change a world. But it do tell a story which gets ya, It hit me hard and makes this even more hard to read.. its with a sadness I read it..
I still wanna thank you for the update,
thank you..
Don't have the words to say about Tomas...good luck on your next journey Tomas
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
It is, but I have to say he seemed very calm and satisfied at his decision. Even Phil said he noticed that he seemed more relaxed and Tomas said he was, very relaxed and feels like a weight has been lifted off his mind and body.
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
beautiful . . .
It is listed as the same from a census I found, but no date on that.
Perhaps the one I posted from the Sniper has a forwarding address if it's not the one yeah? So, are we mobilizing to send something?