Tom only came into my life for no more than a year, and I don’t know where and how we became friends, but I thank God that we did. I will never be able to express into words, the way he inspired so many. When I look back at old conversations, you would have never known the extent of what he was going through because there he was texting jokes and always making me laugh. I will always marvel at his optimism and appreciation for life, even when everything was against him. Even in such a short time, he changed my life in ways he will never even know, and I can never thank him enough for that. 
Though he was only a part of my life for what felt like only a moment, I thank God that I am able to have called him my friend, for he truly was extraordinary.