My Father's Eulogy

Growing up on the streets was rough, but there were definitely good times to be had.  Working for Fat Tony gave us a sense of camaraderie and purpose.  We were provided with the basic necessities of food and shelter and, for the most part, were treated fairly.  Fat Tony was never the type to lay a hand on us and  dealt harshly with those who did.  Although he often dealt out a pretty severe tongue lashing.  Having no recollection of my own, Fat Tony was the closest thing I had to a father, up to that point.

It was just another day at the pits, peddling food and taking bets for Fat Tony, or at least that's what I thought at the time.  Little did I know, my life was about to change forever.   The final match concluded and the crowd began to clear out.  Like any other night, we rushed to the pit and began sparring, taking on the persona of our favorite pit fighter, which often changed from night to night. 

Things got a bit out of control that night and some tempers were flaring.  Nick and Eddy were particularly obnoxious, as usual, and started taking cheap shots at me, going for the groin and the face.  Growing tired of their tantrums, I quickly disarmed them and gave them a bit of a beat down. 

My heart then sunk to my stomach as I heard Fat Tony call my name.  Standing next to another man, whom I did not recognize, he motioned me over.  Figuring I was in a world of trouble, I dropped my sparring stick and slunk over to face the consequences.  Instead, I was introduced to Alec Baldwing who followed with a slew of questions ranging from  "How old are you? " to "Where did you learn to fight like that?".  Once the onslaught of questions ceased, I was instructed to go and wait in the common room.

Two hours passed and I grew more anxious with each passing moment.  Finally Fat Tony entered, sat down, and informed me that Alec Baldwing has offered to take me in.  I was hesitant to leave what I had known all my life, but Fat Tony assured me that I would be better off.

No words have ever been truer.  Alec, although aging, quickly became the father I had never known.  We frequented the pit most every night.  He was always pointing out different techniques, strategies, and weaknesses amongst fighters.  He knew everything there was to know about everyone and anyone who entered the ring.  To this day, I've never seen a more passionate fan of the pit.  He wasn't a particularly wealthy man.  But he didn't need money to be happy.  All of the money he did have went to attending the pit and his spare time was spent providing instruction for me to become the greatest pit fighter who ever lived.  Vicariously living through my talents proved to be his greatest joy.

I will never forget the kindnesses shown to me by Alec and I will always cherish his wisdom and instruction.  I know that he died doing what he loved most, cheering in the pit.  Although his heart gave out, his spirit will always live within my soul.

Thank you Alec, for being the Father I never had but always needed.