To Roni Perkins,

I like so many others who read about Tom's unexpected death in the papers are saddened and shocked beyond words. And to you I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences on your own personal lost.

I want to share this memory of Tom with you. I told him one time when you and first came to the Wilmette theater looking for the "Fastest Indian" movie poster. I don't know if you heard it this so I would like to relate it to you.

When he released the Delicate Balance LP, and was playing the clubs back then Tom played the Heartland café in Rogers Park when I and about 4 friends went to see him play. There was not a big crowd but he played like there were 100 of people in the room.
After it was over he was sitting at the piano and we came and talked to him. Usual stuff saying how much we liked the show liked the LP he just released. I mentioned how I also like his Song Back on the Streets again. Now I can't remember if I asked or not but he started to play the chorus of the song and we all sang along. I think he might have played it twice. It is a memory that has always stayed with me. Tom took the time to talk to us not rushed us off like most maybe would have done. He seemed to me at least generally touched and maybe a little awed that people remember the songs he sung and how they touched there life. I remember after he gave me the CD (Lyfe Tyme A Ryme) and I told him how I smiled hearing him for the 1st time in along time and how warm his voiced was. He seemed also touch if maybe a little embarrassed but I meant every word of it. I am glad to have gotten to know him and you just a little and that he took the time to say hi when you and he came to the theater. If there is a heaven I just want to say it is now in a little more balance now he is there. Again, my deepest sympathies with all my heart.

                                        Scott Gotthelf
                                        Wilmette Theatre