Leadership › The President › Messages from the President › 2021 › Our Gratitude for Your Support

October 12, 2021

Our Gratitude for Your Support

Dear Members of the CMU Community,

We write today to express our immense gratitude for the outpouring of love we have received from the CMU community since the sudden passing of our son Thomas. The many expressions of support have been deeply touching and an incredible source of strength at such a difficult time.

While we are heartbroken by this immeasurable loss, we are thankful for the compassion offered by so many in the Tartan family. Genuine human connection was so important to Thomas, so mourning in fellowship with our community has been especially meaningful. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers and for wishing us peace.

As we journey toward healing, our family is so grateful to be part of this special community that cares so deeply for one another.

With gratitude,
Farnam and Tris

In Memory of Thomas Jahanian

The following is an original poem written by Thomas's cousin and read at the private memorial service for family and close friends.

The Swell
by Casey Walker

There it is, the great big Swell.
Daily in, daily ride. All 'round we follow down.
The Swell astride, it sweeps us by, and forget we oft the tide we ride.
Fall away and time us slows,
Tho' the Swell whips on and all with it.
We stay and wait and far it goes
'til world afar we must find,
and sink into the Swell once more.
Some cannot, some stay out, some have no choice.
The Swell it leaves them past,
while the rest it takes on its way.
But not forgot they drift along.
For He or She or Whoever waits them,
picks them and takes them There,
where they persist and watch and wait us time.
And such the Swell reclaims,
those it left O' so long ago.
When meet it There our paths do cross.
And on and on the Swell it goes.