April 23
April 23
One of my first encounters with Tony was at his and Zinnia's house in 2008 for Thanksgiving. I was in law school and it was my first Thanksgiving not spent at home with my family of origin. What started that day was the beautiful beginning of a family of choice. Tony greeted me at the door with open arms, a huge smile, and an even bigger laugh. When I asked where I should put my coat, he grinned a Cheshire Cat grin and said, "Well, that depends - do you want it back?"
After a beautiful meal of laughter, stories, and so much love, I thanked him and Zinnia for such a fabulous holiday and commented how different it was from holidays at home. Again with that grin and laugh, he said, "Well, we can throw some plates around if you want to it to feel more like home." Thus began the beginning of many Thanksgivings, Christmases, New Years', birthdays, and other holidays together.
Tony opened his heart, as well as his home, to so many people. He and Zinnia opened my eyes to a different way of life full of love, admiration, and respect - both for each other and then for Kaila. They helped me grow to be the person I am today.
Tony, thank you for every conversation and laugh we shared, all the meals and fellowship, for all you taught me, and for the light and love you shared with everyone. I miss you, my dear friend, and wish you were still Earth-side. You made my world a better place.
After a beautiful meal of laughter, stories, and so much love, I thanked him and Zinnia for such a fabulous holiday and commented how different it was from holidays at home. Again with that grin and laugh, he said, "Well, we can throw some plates around if you want to it to feel more like home." Thus began the beginning of many Thanksgivings, Christmases, New Years', birthdays, and other holidays together.
Tony opened his heart, as well as his home, to so many people. He and Zinnia opened my eyes to a different way of life full of love, admiration, and respect - both for each other and then for Kaila. They helped me grow to be the person I am today.
Tony, thank you for every conversation and laugh we shared, all the meals and fellowship, for all you taught me, and for the light and love you shared with everyone. I miss you, my dear friend, and wish you were still Earth-side. You made my world a better place.