Polly Tolonen was the Aunt of my daughter, Eavan Nicole Taylor. I met Polly 10 yrs ago when I was dating her sister Heidi. I liked her from the first day I met her, as did everyone I'm sure. My daughter was born shortly after Polly and I met. Heidi, myself and our baby flew from Dallas to Palm Springs for New Years and Polly came over from LA to spend the weekend with us and we had a really good time. She shared her dreams of acting with me on that trip and I was very impressed with her drive, determination and dedication.
In June of 2007 I was staying at The Beverly Hills Hotel for my 40th birthday. Polly came and had drinks with me and my friends and we had talked about the old days. My daughter was 8yrs old by then so Polly and I had known each other for quite some time. Because Heidi and I hadn't been together for many years Polly and I didn't see each other often but you would have never known it because we partied it up like we had been life long friends every time we were together.
The night of my birthday I told Polly that I was opening my own production company in LA. I told her that I wouldn't be leaving Dallas right away because of Eavan but I assured her that night that I would help her with her dream of becoming a successful actress. I don't think she realized how serious I was but I promised her that day that I would follow through with it and it wasn't the alcohol talking.
Today is my 3rd day on the job as President/Founder of Reel Entertainment on the Raleigh Studios lot in Manhattan Beach, CA. I arrived in my office at 6:55 am and set down to write this blog. 3hrs later I really haven't written very much. I have shed many tears this morning thinking about what could have been. A big part of why I am here is because of that beautiful young lady with most wonderful, positive spirit I've ever known.
I have always wondered why God would take the good people like Polly from this Earth at a young age, especially at a time when there is so much bad in the World. I believe in God and I go to Church but It's still hard to understand. I do know this though. The day that my child told me that her Aunt had just died it changed my life forever. It made me realize first hand that I have to live my life like it can end at anytime. I have treat everyone with the ultimate respect and chase my dreams like never before.
Every TV Show or Movie I am ever a part of will be dedicated to Polly Tolonen. Every bit of success I have in this industry I owe to Polly Tolonen. The bridges that I have burned, I have been mending because of Polly Tolonen. I owe so much to Polly and I miss her dearly!!
