Graduation And A Goodbye INTRO: It's graduation time... and while the students themselves get the well-deserved honors, it's also a graduation for every parent. In Nashville, Thomas Hormby's mother got him to the graduation stage, but he had to walk the last few steps without her. Reed Galin was there. SCRIPT: (Locator: Nashville, Tn.)
Thomas Hormby anticipated his high school graduation with very mixed feelings. Thomas Hormby/High School Graduate: “It’ll be pretty depressing. But it’ll also be a celebration.” He had 18 years to prepare for the celebration. And, 18 years to prepare for his mother’s death. Memorial service: “When I first met Kathie almost five years ago…” Kathie Hormby loved these things: Son Thomas. Husband David. The very supportive community at her United Methodist Church. And Dodger baseball. (Eulogy) John Crowder/Member, West Nashville United Methodist Church: “We placed the hat on the computer to remind us of Kathie’s passion for baseball.” But, this season goes on without her. Thomas was a baby when Kathie was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Statistics gave her 3 to 4 years. Kathie would live for 18. Thomas helped his father care for her. Thomas Hormby/High School Graduate: “She kept track of my grades and would nag me when I needed to be nagged, and that type of thing.” Kathie had been a public defender. She never stopped participating in society.
(Eulogy) John Crowder/Member, West Nashville United Methodist Church: “By tapping out Morse code on her computer, Kathie spoke, emailed friends, even took online courses from UCLA.” Kathie told friends she just wanted to see Thomas graduate. She saw him off to prom and helped him get a college scholarship. But died a month before graduation. Thomas Hormby/High School Graduate: “I think she was strong, but she had to be strong.” A hundred people came to Kathie Hormby’s memorial. They played her favorite song… Music: “Take me out to the ball game…” … and then her son began a new season of life. TAG: Thomas has a scholarship to attend Martin Methodist College in Tennessee. He says the experience of growing up with, and then losing his mom, at this particular time has made him a tougher person, more patient, and more focused as he heads off to college.
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