Thursday, February 18, 2016
Dear Hartman Family, My sincere condolences during this time of profound grief. I wish to tell you that your son(brother and Uncle) is a saint and went straight to heaven. I will begin by saying that I met Father Tom twice, Once about 15 years ago in Marshalls East Islip, My husband and I just smiled and said hello. Then again 12 years ago in Edward's East Islip. Father was already suffering from Parkinson's, and was accompanied be a lovely women who spoke to me about his foundation and that I could donate prayers or monetary. I asked Father if he would be so kind as to bless my newborn son, Steven. After blessing him, Father said my son was" a very special boy", and he is. I had something that I wanted to tell Father Tom , but didn't want to impose, as he was most likely always imposed upon. I said to myself "Lord, I will only approach Father if I bump into him again while shopping". I did, and I shared that I had heard Father speak on Telecare about some of the losses he had endured, and the diseases that affected and took some the members of the Hartman family. I shared that our lives were exactly parallel in that regard, and that he was my " brother" in our shared sorrow. I got choked up as I briefly shared how my loved ones passed in the same way. Father Tom so gently put his hand on my shoulder. He invited me to go to Christa house, he said he thought it would be good for me to do so. I asked what I could bring he replied" they always can use sheets and towels". I felt such peace after speaking with Father. I will never forget his patience and kindness towards me. I remember as he spoke with me , I felt in my heart , that I was speaking with a living saint. I have already asked your beloved Fr. Tom from heaven to be a special guardian to my son , to protect him and guide his path in life. Last night I had a dream of Fr. Tom and he told me "I made it!! I'm here in heaven, I am at total peace . Heaven is a place of such complete happiness. My brother came to meet me". I awoke with tears of joy this morning. I pray this gives you , his loving family, a small measure of comfort. But ,then again, we already knew that your Beloved Tommy is indeed a Saint. Thank you for sharing your son and brother with those of us that were graced by his presence . May God Bless and reward you all , Anna Marie Schadt
