Tony was my pal, his younger years when his brothers were in school were spent playing, exploring and hanging. We had fun! He certainly tested my strengths as a mom. In nursery school, they used the words determined and inquisitive to describe him. Having had two other children already go through school I laughed and asked for the real adjectives to describe him. He was into everything and nothing was beyond his reach. If Tony wanted something, Tony was going to get it. Even at the age of two when he threw my camera out the locked glass door so he could climb through it to get outside. One day before school we were down at the Stratford boat ramp having lunch and feeding the birds. Before I could grab him, he ran full force into the water. From that day forward I carried not only an extra set of clothes (that I learned a long time ago) but also an extra pair of shoes everywhere I went.
He was smart, loving, imaginative, stubborn, and had a smile and laugh that lit up the world. Through the years, we butted heads, especially in the teenage years. The whole time we fought, he had me wrapped and knew it. My sons always told me, but I couldn't see it. Now, looking back I do, but I would not have had it any other way!
Tony, I hope that you are free, that all your aches and pains are gone and you are able to enjoy all the things you so loved. Your brothers, Jeff, Brenda and all your family and friends miss you so much. You provided us with love, laughter and great memories. I am grateful to have been your mom, it was exciting, loving, and yes, at times painful, but I always, always loved you more than you could have known.
