Silk Pajamas & Tombstone Eyes
About the Author Thomas Rock
Thomas Rock was born in Belevidere, Illinois and moved to Southern California at the age of four. Thom lived there until he joined the army and was shipped off to Vietnam in 1968. His experience in Vietnam was life changing for him, never to be the same again.
After returning from Vietnam, Thom had some adjustments to go through and over time came to grips with the issues that haunted him. He is now at peace with them.
For some time, Thom knew he had a story to tell, but had put it off for forty years. During those forty years of his life, he continued to live it "on the edge", always growing. From college majoring in Mechanized Agriculture and farming in eastern California to time on stage as an exotic dancer for two and half years, he enjoyed many wonderful experiences. He has worked for the Boeing Company in Portland, Oregon. He married and has a son. Now in his second marriage, living in Vancouver, Washington he has retired from the Saint Gobain Company, previously Union Carbide.
In 1997 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and has continued to grow despite the PD. During that time he was very active in mountaineering and rock climbing. Over time he evolved from rock climbing to sea kayaking, which he enjoys today.
Thom continues to challenge life and looks at all things as opportunities, to include his PD.
After returning from Vietnam, Thom had some adjustments to go through and over time came to grips with the issues that haunted him. He is now at peace with them.
For some time, Thom knew he had a story to tell, but had put it off for forty years. During those forty years of his life, he continued to live it "on the edge", always growing. From college majoring in Mechanized Agriculture and farming in eastern California to time on stage as an exotic dancer for two and half years, he enjoyed many wonderful experiences. He has worked for the Boeing Company in Portland, Oregon. He married and has a son. Now in his second marriage, living in Vancouver, Washington he has retired from the Saint Gobain Company, previously Union Carbide.
In 1997 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and has continued to grow despite the PD. During that time he was very active in mountaineering and rock climbing. Over time he evolved from rock climbing to sea kayaking, which he enjoys today.
Thom continues to challenge life and looks at all things as opportunities, to include his PD.
"IF YOU ARE NOT LIVING ON THE EDGE, YOU ARE TAKING UP TOO MUCH SPACE."
Now that Thom has come forth with his story after putting it off for forty years, he sees this too as an opportunity. Thom would still be putting this off if it were not for some very special ladies in his yoga class. Lyndee Cunningham lit the fire under him and with the continued support and encouragement from her sister Tricia Christensen and good friend Marion Rogers, he has been reliving "The Nam" and bringing his story to the surface where he openly shares it with one and all.
Thom has always had an instinct for working with the written word and now draws on that in sharing his story. Christi Krug, his very valued writing coach and friend has brought support and learning to the table.
Thom is a member of the Willamette Writers in Portland, Oregon.
