Norfolk Daily News

Friday – September 26, 2008

Cares About Future Generations
NORFOLK — I first met Tom Schommer a little over three years ago now. I had just graduated from high school and was preparing myself for college.

My friends had convinced me to go to this youth gathering that took up an entire weekend. I hated it, to be honest. The first two days all I wanted to do was leave.

Tom was one of the adults there and noticed this about me. He then took it upon himself to put a smile on my face. Tom cared about me, prayed with me, and he didn’t even know me. He didn’t have to try very hard to get me to laugh because he is such an amazing individual. Not everyone would go out of their way for someone they don’t even know and invest time in that individual. He continued to reach out to me during the weekend and helped me to enjoy the rest of it. I ended up getting a lot out of it because of his persistence.

I, however, thought that maybe this was just a one-time deal; it turns out he really cares about the youth. He cares about investing in a relationship with the youth and being there to help them make wise decisions in their lives.

It didn’t end there. Over the years now, we have kept in contact through e-mail, texting or just talking on the phone. We also make it a point to have lunch at least once throughout the summer when I come home from college. Tom is someone that I can trust and I know that I can ask him anything.

He is a wise individual and cares about the future generations. He is always willing to help someone out in any way he can.

MEGHAN BRETSCHNEIDER