Chris Tomlinson People of Plant City

By Cheryl Johnston

Brandon, Florida native Chris Tomlinson was born to Charles and Legay Tomlinson on August 16,1984 and lived in Plant City until his family moved to Brockton, Massachusetts in 1989 for his medical treatments at the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Boston.

At age two, Chris suffered severe burns over 95% of his body in a home accident. From then until he was 19, Chris endured 200 surgeries. After his wife of 14 years decided to leave, he returned to Plant City as a single dad of Nevaeh, 16, and Trinity, 14. To be inspired and learn more about this family’s strength, visit YouTube.com and search for a documentary entitled “Boy Behind the Scars.” [https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=xiy8vyw7Geo]

Despite being unable to attend school, Chris earned his GED in 2004 and finished second highest in his group. He also attended college but couldn’t complete the degree because his wife had pregnancy complications and needed his help at home. One day he hopes to return to school.

Do you have any special childhood memories?

“Much of my childhood was spent in the hospital, but one favorite is an amazing stay with my family at a beautiful hotel near a beach. We had so much fun swimming in the pool and visiting local stores. Another memory is one of my father (before he passed away in 1999) when he picked me up after school and we took a long drive, looking at the Massachusetts scenery – the bridges, water, and everything else; just talking and sharing deeply with each other. We stopped at a restaurant that featured chicken, and I remember having the best time with my dad! Lots of laughs and amazing conversations.”

What are your special interests or pastimes?

“I love to write short stories and poems. I’m a huge tech nerd and love tinkering with electronics, taking them apart, seeing how they work, and putting them back together. Building them and working on the hardware is fun and challenging. I love music, too. It’s playing 24/7 at home. I also enjoy video games and making memories with my daughters, visiting places when we can afford it. I love space, the galaxies, planets, NASA, all of it. I will gaze up at the night sky and get lost in just wondering what all is out there and being amazed about the mind of God and everything He creates. I want to travel the world and see the amazing planet God has gifted us with! One day I hope to own an RV and travel after my daughters are grown. Right now, they come before anything else!”

What’s your work life like?

“I currently work part-time for EO Tours, a global tour booking company, proofreading travel brochures and web pages. I love the people I work for and with! Prior to this, I worked at a PC Network Guys, a computer repair shop in Wareham, MA. I miss working there; working with computers and those team members was a dream come true –

Unfortunately, I had to leave after my wife walked out. I hope to one day work on computers again, if not have my own computer shop!”

What advice would you offer to our readers?

“There’s always hope, no matter the circumstances! Life is unfair and hard at times, but even during the dark times, there’s a light and hope. Don’t give up because you never know how close you are to something amazing. God’s got your back and will never let you down!”

What do you love most about life in Plant City?

“I love taking drives to view the scenery sunsets that fills the sky with colors. This area has many available things to do and places to visit! A lot of people here are so kind!”

Any advice for our readers?

“I’m a Christian who loves and worships God, but I won’t cram my beliefs down people’s throats or condemn others. I believe in showing true kindness and spreading love and compassion to everyone. We need that badly these days, as many in the world are so quick to hate. If we would just take a moment to realize everyone is going through something. Offer a helping hand, an ear to listen, or a hug, it can go a long way! Don’t be so quick to judge others by their appearance. They might just surprise you!”