Tom is retiring at the end of 2018 Season

“There’s a time for every purpose under heaven.”  That’s the piece of scripture that my mind keeps returning to as I ready myself for my final season behind the front desk here at Capon.  I’ve had an absolutely wonderful TIME, a truly fantastic ride.  Over the course of the last 45 years, my PURPOSE has never wavered.  My one and only goal has been to make your Capon experience the best it could possibly be!

This journey began in 1955 when I first “landed” in Capon Springs.  My grandfather, Lou Austin, published, “You Are Greater Than You Know” that very same year.  Lou had me standing at attention with my hand over my heart long before I understood what the national anthem was all about.  I began shucking corn when I was about 10 years old.  (Back then, we had corn-on-the-cob every night from mid-July to mid-September!)  I was collecting eggs when I was 12 years old.  (As many as 700 a day!)  My parents, uncles and aunts were my role models.  They gave up so much of their personal lives to provide for both the guests and the co-workers.  And I always wanted to do the very same thing!

When I headed off to college with every intention of returning to Capon, my grandfather pulled me aside and let me know just how proud he was of my decision.  He had so much wisdom and one of my all-time favorite quotes was, “Remember, Mr. Tom.  The difference between a job and a career is about twenty hours a week!”  (That’s for sure!)

I have so many wonderful memories of my grandfather, but the image that will stick in my head forever is watching him say goodbye to the guests at the end of each week.  He would stand on the side of the road across from the Main House.  His hands would be raised and pressed together.  And as each car full of guests headed out on their journey home, he would exclaim, “Peace, my friend!” with a huge and grateful smile on his face.

In my years behind the counter, I estimate that between the Good Mornings, the Good Nights, the Hellos and the Goodbyes, I must have said them a million times.  When I began approaching my 50^th birthday, my energy and enthusiasm naturally began to wane.  And then I received a most wonderful gift straight from heaven!  I met Patty!  And through her eyes, I fell in love with Capon all over again!  The way Patty soaked up all the good in this heavenly place motivated me to do my work at an even higher level!

So as I prepare for my “last round-up”, I want to thank all of you for making my life so special, so meaningful and so much fun.  Rather than saying, “It’s time!”, I’d rather say, “There’s still time!”  There’s still time to join Roy and Bob and Mr. T for a round of golf.  (And with the dozens of others that have asked over the years.)  There’s still time to sit on a porch somewhere with John and Courtney or with the “cottage people”.  There’s still time to play in the Mrs. Mo golf tournament or to guest call at Bingo or to DJ the summer dances.  Patty and I will only be a mile away, so we will plan on you visiting us, to sit on OUR porch, to play a game of Scrabble or to check out my new and improved bottle collection!

Well, I better wrap this up before I get way too emotional!
“Peace, my friend!”

Tom

PS. Enjoy some of my career fun facts... like how many eggs I’ve collected in my youth!