Here's another gem from the vault...
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Knowing Harry
I never knew Harry. He was my husband’s grandfather who died several years before my husband and I met. Though Harry has been gone for many years, I can tell you a little about him nonetheless.
Harry was a vivacious man, full of life, full of energy, full of spunk. A little rough around the edges, Harry was a sweetheart deep down. He had a thing for girls, having three daughters and a knock-out wife--a sweet, sincere woman named Marion.
“Mare and Hare”, as they were affectionately called, were quite a duo. She, the straight-man to his colorful comic antics. She was often the naive damsel, while he was the more worldly wise-cracker. “Mare” seldom knew what to say in sensitive situations so she often spoke what was on her mind. And Harry was there to break the tension with an equally direct comment. Usually something like, “Mare, you don’t know...shinola...” Immediately those in earshot would roar with laughter while Harry pulled his bride close for a squeeze that communicated, “You may not know much, but you’re mine, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Harry never took life too seriously. He was the fun-loving sort who was never too busy to spend time with his grandsons, ribbing them without mercy.
Everyone loved Harry.
Even though Harry is gone, there are special traits of his that live on. His oldest daughter, my husband’s mother, has his zest for life. She too is a fun-loving grandparent who always makes time for her grandchildren.
His grandson, my husband, has that same playful demeanor. There is often a glint in his eye. And like Harry, my husband is an entrepreneur--destined to make something out of nothing.
Harry’s great-grandson, my son, bears his smile--sweet and tender, with a little “devilishness” now and then.
Even his great-granddaughter, my 3-1/2 year old seems to have his sometimes off-beat sense of humor.
Although Harry has been gone a long time, he is with us still in the three generations of warm, loving people he left behind. People I have the privilege of knowing very well.
I regret having missed out on knowing Harry personally. My husband said he would’ve been nuts over me. Knowing those he left behind, I feel certain I would’ve been equally nuts over him.
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Copyright Mary Comm July 8, 1998
Comments
Mary,
I'm not really sure how I came across your web page (looking for coupons at the time) anyway I just started reading it and the thought jumped in my head that maybe you would have some hints on how to love your children. I believe a part of the verse states that "older women of the church should teach the younger ones to love their children", not sure if I got that right. I have been looking for someone that can show me what I'm doing wrong/right. Unfortunately, I need some fairly quick lessons as I will be deploying for a year without being able to take my family with me. I have around 8 months before that happens. I really don't want to leave my girls but I have to since I'm in the military.
Any lessons/advice would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Angie G.
Posted by: Angie Gallegos | September 24, 2004 02:45 PM