Tom Curry was a friend of mine since i was 16 years old(21yrs). he was a lifeguard at the holiday inn in destin florida and started white sands beach service. tom was one of the most respected in the community. he did so much for other people, and, as a lifeguard saved many people from drowning, including me.

The image of tom in the painting is from when he was about 28 years old, the age he was when he saved me. the view behind him is about the view i had the day i almost drowned.

Tom and i were out surfing - i was on a wave ski with a paddle. i lost my board while riding a wave and couldn't make it to the board. i had to turn and go for the shore and realized how far out i was in addition to being tired from holding onto the paddle while swimming. the large waves, undertow, and rip currents were getting to be too much and right as panic was setting in, here came tom with my board. that's how good he was, he was there before he needed to be.

My friend passed away june 6th, 2006 from brain cancer at the age of 44. Tom never complained about his situation, just did the best he could. i will continue to live my life striving to be the kind of man tom was. thanks again tom, i look forward to seeing you again when i come to ride the waves in the sky as you are now.