Tom Toynton: My Hero

Spread Your WingsCraig TunksThomas Toynton: My Hero

A hero is someone you look up to, admire, and aspire to emulate. A hero inspires you to be better, not through grand gestures, but through their everyday actions, resilience, and the way they touch the lives of others. When I think of a hero, I think of my life partner, Thomas Toynton. Tom doesn’t just inspire me—he brings out the best in me. We are the perfect Yin and Yang, balancing each other in ways that create harmony and growth. His patience and understanding have helped me become a better person, and together, we have built a life that reflects our shared energy. As Aquarius and a Leo, our energies may be opposite on the celestial wheel, but together, they create a strength that feels as vast and timeless as the stars.

Phil & MelindaLinda ToyntonTom is my hero for his unwavering belief in the goodness of life. No matter what storms may come, he looks to the horizon with hope, confident that the future holds something brighter. His optimism is like sunlight breaking through the clouds after a storm—it illuminates the path forward, no matter how dark things seem. This belief has carried him through challenges that would overwhelm most people. Since 2003, Tom has been courageously battling a rare form of cancer. Despite the physical and emotional toll, he has refused to let it define him. When doctors suggested he stop running or lifting weights, he didn’t let those limitations hold him back. Instead, he continued moving forward, showing incredible resilience and strength. Tom’s determination is a reminder that life’s challenges are not walls but mountains to climb, and he does so with grace and an indomitable spirit.

Craig TunksMago TreeOur spiritual connection makes his heroism even more profound. Our bond was written in the stars long before we met. In the early 1990s, I had a vision that the person who would complete me was living across the continent. Years later, that vision became reality when I was in New York and Tom was in Oregon. We felt like our souls recognized each other from the moment we met. Together, we’ve explored shared memories of past lives, including visions of being Centurions in the Roman army, which has given us a profound sense of shared history and purpose.

One of the earliest moments that showed me Tom’s compassion and desire to help others was when he encouraged me to face my fear of heights. He took me to a special place in his hometown, where I could lean over the edge of a precipice, supported only by his hands. I remember the vastness of the landscape stretching out before me, the air rushing past as he held me steady. At that moment, I felt his physical and emotional strength—his unwavering belief that I could overcome my fear. That simple act built a profound trust between us and set the foundation for the life we would create together.

Tom and I also share a deep love for meditating in nature. There’s something incredibly grounding about being surrounded by the rustling leaves, the gentle hum of life, and the vastness of the natural world. These moments of stillness in nature keep us connected—to each other, the earth, and ourselves. Whether sitting beneath a canopy of trees or beside a flowing stream, these experiences remind us of the beauty and peace that exist when we’re truly present.

Craig TunksAura ReadingToday, Tom and I own a wellness studio dedicated to helping others find balance and strength in their lives. Tom, as the lead instructor, is nothing short of extraordinary. His calm voice is like a gentle breeze through a forest, soothing and grounding those who hear it. His patience and understanding create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and cared for. Our studio members adore him, and it’s easy to see why. He has a gift for making people feel seen and helping them find their inner strength. Watching him teach is like witnessing a gardener tending to a blooming garden—nurturing, encouraging, and celebrating each person’s growth.

Another reason Tom is my hero is his remarkable selflessness. He is always looking to help others through support, encouragement, or simply being present when someone needs him. His willingness to put others before himself is a quality that inspires not only me but everyone who knows him. No matter what challenges the world throws at us, I know that together, we can always overcome them. Our bond, built on trust, love, and shared resilience, is unshakable, and his strength gives me confidence in whatever lies ahead.

Tom’s heroism shines through his approach to life, love, and adversity. He has taught me to see the beauty in the every day—to pause and notice the sunlight filtering through the trees or the quiet strength of a mountain standing firm against the wind. His resilience has shown me that there is always a way forward despite life’s most significant challenges. His kindness reminds me that small acts of compassion can create ripples of positivity that reach far beyond ourselves.

Tom is more than my partner—he is my inspiration, my balance, and my hero. His positivity, strength, and dedication to helping others inspire me and uplift everyone around him. Through his example, I’ve learned to approach life with courage and grace, trust in the future, and embrace every moment. I am endlessly grateful to walk through life with him by my side for all this and so much more.