UNKNOWN

Best Day Ever: Stories on Finding Joy in the Present

What happens when your long-awaited retirement collides with a global pandemic? For Tom Rochester, it became an unexpected invitation to pause, reflect, and write. When the world slowed down, he picked up a pen and began to capture his memories - hundreds of them. Out of those came fifty stories, each a window into a life well lived: growing up in small-town South Carolina, lessons learned from his loving parents and brother, adventures from his college years, the risks and rewards of starting a business, and the joy of raising a family.

Told with humor, honesty, and heart, these stories celebrate the moments - big and small - that make up a life. You'll laugh out loud at tales like the time his coach called him "the worst player on the team," the airport mix-up that turned out to be far from an upgrade, and the dinner conversation that ended with Tom discovering that his daughter's new "friend" Brady was, in fact, a horse. You'll also find moments of reflection, faith, and tenderness- reminders of how love, humility, and laughter can carry us through even the hardest days.

Each chapter ends with a "Nuts and Bolts" section - short reflections that distill the lessons Tom has gleaned from his experiences. Some are funny, some are hard-earned, and all of them invite you to pause, give thanks, and look at your own life with fresh eyes. Whether read as a daily devotional or devoured in one sitting, this collection will make you smile, think, and remember what truly matters.

Tom Rochester was born and raised in Lugoff, South Carolina. He attended Clemson University and earned a degree in civil engineering. Shortly after graduating, he married his wife, Cindy, and together they moved to Dallas, Texas, for work. After three years with a Fortune 500 company, Tom decided it was time to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.He relocated to start his own business-a specialty materials company serving the commercial construction industry. In 1985, Tom and Cindy relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, to establish Southeastern Architectural Systems. Over time, the company evolved into a subcontracting firm providing cladding systems throughout the Southeast.Soon after settling in, Tom and his wife began their family. They have three children and are now proud grandparents to six wonderful grandchildren. Tom especially enjoys making "Camp Rochester" a fun and memorable destination for the young ones.Following his recent retirement, one of Tom's first personal projects was writing this book. He and his wife have also embraced their love of travel. A shared passion for live music often shapes their travel itinerary as they explore the world together. Some of their favorite recent destinations include Croatia, England, Ireland, Argentina, Vietnam, and Portugal.Tom has a deep appreciation for the many opportunities life offers. Writing is one of his greatest joys, along with speaking to groups to encourage others to make every day "the best day ever." He finds particular inspiration in connecting with younger audiences. His other passions include engaging in thoughtful conversations, golfing with friends, and hunting with his dogs. He also enjoys staying active at the gym. Above all, he cherishes time spent with his wife-especially sharing stories and laughter.