FIN Loyal wrote:
........ The service today was beautiful. Many people stood up to share stories about Tony. The overwhelming theme is what we mentioned earlier... Tone always took the high road, His smile was priceless and He found good in everything.
I've always told my kids to learn from your mistakes or always try and better yourself each and everyday. Going back to my previous post, Tony always found light in something that may have disappointed some of us.... Like the progress of our Dolphins or QB play in a particular game, etc, But Tony had a positive spin on it. So, as I was entranced this afternoon, watery eyed with the influx of stories I was hearing; it hit me that I need to act on the same words I've been telling my children; one of life simple lessons that finally struck a cord and that's always taking a piece of goodness from something that may be discouraging.... Optimism/Positivism.
It used to bother me that Tony would end our disagreements, mainly about the Dolphins, with "We'll just agree to Disagree". My competitive nature would get the best of me; I always felt my opinion was the right one. Whether I was right or Tony was; I realize now that Tony was the winner because he knew that in the end he took the high road before the debate/disagreement would come between our friendship. Wow... What a MAN and I just realized it this week after my friend lost his life.
I sat in the last row of the Chapel today reminiscing about some of the good times he and I had and it dawned on me again the pride and fun he had with the PhinFever site. So, as I sat in deep thought and silence, I prayed for the ones that were touched by Tony through this site. The ones that reached out to Tony in many different media forms. He cared, he remembered you, he really did.
My Friend Tony Simmons was laid to rest today in a Miami Dolphins jersey and an American Flag draped over his coffin. I will miss you Buddy.
Thank you for sharing this. I never met Tony in person but enjoyed his posts here. I can tell you I feel like there is a big hole here now because he is gone. Your sharing about your personal experiences with Tony helps ease the sadness. And your sharing how Tony lived his life makes me appreciate the times I got to chat with him even more. Thank you!