Tony

This is my dad. My biological dad. The legend. The myth. I have so many memories of him, but they are never enough.

My father, Anthony Leonard Eaton, passed away in his prime. I was 7 years old.

However I retain much from him. And on top of my individual memories I have stories and lessons I continue to learn from him that are presented to me from my siblings.

My favorite memory of him: One day we were sitting at the table, eating dinner as a family. Dad had perceived that the front door was open. "Bug, can you please go shut the front door?" I happily hopped down and ran to the front door. I had recently watched 3 Ninjas and decided to give the door a flying kick. For my age I am still amazed at the execution. I jumped high, legs out...It was beautiful. However, I gave no thought on how to stick the landing. So, my tiny body, still in flying kick position, came straight down on the bottom stair.

Dad heard my cries from the stair that followed the jarring sound of a door slamming and came quickly. He scooped me up into his large arms and sat there in the landing, holding me and comforting me.

Dad taught me a lot. He taught me to respect nature, respect women, to work hard, to love camping, to learn by experiencing, to remain faithful amid torrential times.

He also taught me the true nature of death. He taught me not to fear it, and he did so by dying. Through his death my faith in the afterlife grew. Through his passing he taught me to handle sorrow, to turn to the Lord during hard times and loss.

As time goes on, I continue to meet people who know I am his son just from association. They all share with me what a great man he was and what he meant to them. My siblings remind me of some of his statutes. My Mother tells me stories of his greatness.

Happy Father's Day, dad.