In my "In Box"

Tom,

You probably won't remember me from Cincinnati. I am a hobbyist-magician who frequented your store downtown. I also befriended a local magician Tom Wolf whom you know. You were always friendly to me when I saw you even though I think I proded you for more help with my skills then your time allowed. You introduced me to Paul Swinford - a wonderful man and spirit. Tom Wolf is of the same. I think you sold me one of your first exchange wallets you brought back from China. I stepped away from Magic until recently.

I stumbled across you blog about a month ago wondering having heard from Haines that you landed in Seattle. More to the point - your love of your children is commendable. Our children are born out of who we are. We all struggle day to day with maintaining who we are and helping them. Life offers up challenges. I pity those that so not recognize this for they take the most valuable gift that God has given us (Life) for granted. Struggle/issues/crisis make the life journey special and make us value life that much more.

I realize from your blog that you are under a difficult strain to spend time with your children. Please realize that you have time. I have 3 wonderful children 8-10 and 12 yrs old. A year ago, my 8 yr old was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. We have been through so much Tom. My son is on schedule with his treatments and so far is doing well. What is really cool is that he has an interest in Magic - they must have really scrambled his brain during the resection of the tumor. I thank God everyday for Childrens Hospital in Cincinnati. I value every second I spend with him and my other Children. Please remember that our Children are extensions of our past, extensions of ourselves, and wonderful creations of their own. They will always be that no matter how much time we spend with them. I'm glad to see you had a beautiful day with them. Believe me, they will remember this and manifest it into them selves.

Tom, we recently moved and I was going through my boxes. In my books of magic, I found David Roth's Expert Coin Magic. You loaned this to me after a magic lesson you gave me at Tower Place Mall. This is your book Tom. I am willing to make restitution to you for the book or send the book back to you. What ever you choose.

Thanks.

Jay Schuermann

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Jay,

Heavy Stuff. Keep the book as a gift from me. If you feel like it, go downtown for 4th & Walnut to Strauss Tobacconist and buy me a cigar or two. I appreciate you taking the time to write such a nice letter and I apologize for not responding sooner.

All my best to you and your family.

Tom

PS Your words touch my heart and give me hope. Love is a powerful thing.