Thom Dean was a perfectly healthy 21-year-old college student enjoying his senior year majoring in English with a minor in Creative Writing at SUNY Fredonia in New York, who was suddenly struck down by a rare condition called lymphocytic myocarditis that was likely caused by a virus that attacked his heart and led to his sudden and completely unexpected death. Thom was an amazing and unique young man who inspired all of those lucky enough to know him, leaving all who loved him shocked and devastated by his sudden passing. Luckily, Thom left us many of his beautiful words through his writing, a part of him that we will cherish forever. This book is our gift to and from Thom, allowing us to share his words and our memories of him with the world. Our hope is that his story will inspire others to live their lives to the fullest and to realize that life is a precious gift that can be gone in an instant.