Linda Fultz
It's so hard to know where to begin when there is a lifetime of memories. As Eugene was nearly 13 years older than me, he was already in high school when my first memories were formed. Unlike most teens, he didn't go out with his friends or date a lot. Eugene was always studying and working hard toward his goal of becoming a doctor. Whenever he took a break from his studies, though, he chose to spend time with my sister and me. Whether it be washing his car together or hopping in the car to go get a new fish for our fish tank, Eugene made sure that we knew we were important to him. He taught me the rules of baseball and football, taught me how to bat, and helped to create the lifelong baseball fan that I am. As young as we were, Gina and I knew that he chose us over anything else he could have been doing.
When he went away to medical school in Iowa, the distance could not sever the closeness we felt to him. My sister and I wrote him a letter every week and sent him $1.00, each, toward gas money or to treat himself to something. We wanted him to know that HE was important to US and that we chose to spend our time on HIM.
When he and Dolly finally found their way to each other, the entire family rejoiced at the knowledge that true soul mates were together. They created a beautiful family and a wonderful life. It always made me happy to know that they would always be there for each other and that, if Eugene ever needed anything, Dolly would be there to make sure it was taken care of.
Eugene took on the role of patriarch of our family and it seemed to happen organically. He was always there for our parents, me and my siblings, our cousins, ... just about everyone! All of us went to him for advice or support of any kind. He was always approachable and his guidance was always done through a lens of love.
Although Eugene was successful in every aspect of his life, none of it came easily. He had to work hard and fight for everything. In the end, though, each battle was won and he persevered. Somehow, I thought that this battle, too, would be won by him. It was only after losing him that I realized the extent of the difficulty experienced by Eugene and Dolly over the past couple of years. It isn't possible for me to find the words that adequately express the love, admiration, and gratitude I feel toward Dolly. She was by his side through it all and never waivered.
Today, I write this through tears. The emptiness and loss that I feel with Eugene's passing is like nothing I've ever felt. My heart breaks for Dolly, Eugene Nicholas, Nikki, and all of Eugene and Dolly's grandchildren. I will hold onto the memories for comfort and I know, in time, the pain will ease. But, the void left in our family will be there forever.
God Bless your beautiful soul, Eugene... I love you!
Your sister,
Linda