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Thanksgiving Thoughts: World War II, a Wonderful Uncle, a Wonderful Family

We all have plenty to be thankful for.  A recent email from my cousin and very good friend, John Eaton, reminded me how thankful I am for our shared family and for my wonderful 90 year old uncle, Cy Eaton.  His story is a great one–and it continues today.

All of us who are of a certain age, probably have family stories about World War II. My father and all of my uncles served in the armed forces during the war. Thankfully, everyone of them survived.  My Uncle Cy Eaton almost didn’t make it. In fact, he was first reported dead, shot down in a bomber over Holland. Miraculously, he dove out the bomb bay door just before his plane crashed into the water. Although gravely wounded, he was rescued by a fearless Dutch fisherman.  He then wound up in a German Prison Camp.

He was initially reported dead, but two months later word came that he had survived and was in the hands of the Germans. When Uncle Cy talks of his life experiences, every story is tinged with self-deprecating humor. Even when describing prison camp life, he made us laugh.  He claims that his escape attempts were the basis for the Great Escape with Steve McQueen.  He exaggerates a bit, so we’re not absolutely sure of that.  You can read about his story here on a site that tells more personal stories that expand upon the outstanding Ken Burns documentary, War.

What I do know is that he survived to become a global entrepreneur, launching ventures in Eastern Europe, the old Soviet Union, and in China long before those opportunities became obvious. In many ways, he was more visionary than businessman.  He foresaw the world in which we live today where former cold war enemies have become major trading partners and some of our staunchest allies.

More than anything else, I think of Uncle Cy as the ultimate uncle.  He looked after every family member when we were in need. When my sisters and I were suffering through some awful family stuff, he and my late and beloved Aunt Mary(who at the age of 40 and to the delight of assembled sons, daughters, nieces and nephews slid down the banister of the Fairmount Hotel in San Francisco) took special care of us. As we all grew older Uncle Cy became as much friend as uncle.  Although he struggles with the physical challenges from a stroke, he’s still as smart,opinionated, and wryly funny as ever.

I’m so thankful that he lived to father 4 great kids, to do great things, and to be a most incredible Uncle.  I’m even more grateful that Uncle Cy is just one of so many wonderful family members with whom we have shared uncountable laughs whatever life threw at us.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!