In Memory of...

Every Memorial Day, I often reflect on what it would have been like to have known Mat's father, Daniel W. Harris. He was killed in a motorcycle accident while on duty as a state trooper at age 33. He left behind his wife and four kids. Mat was 6 at the time and as his mother tells it, after a recent conversation, "Mat was crushed when he learned the news that his Dad, his hero, had died. He just let out a deep moan, almost a grunt and there was nothing that I could do to comfort him all I could do was hold him."
Thankfully, Dan is still remembered and talked about today. Sometimes the tears seep through now and then, but mostly it is about the good times with Dan. It is my understanding that he was always the life of the party. He liked to play practical jokes on people. He had a very dry and witty sense of humor. His memory was sharp, photographic. Dan and Andrea were high school sweethearts and when their relationship was about to become jeopardized due to him serving a mission and she getting serious with another guy, Dan, while on his mission, asked his dad to send him some money for a wedding ring. After purchasing the ring, he mailed it to her and asked for her hand in marriage and pleaded with her to wait for him. She did and they were married. When Mat and I were married that diamond was given to me. I'm honored to wear this diamond.

I think that Dan and I would have been great friends. I think he sounds like a blast to hang out with and I would have enjoyed playing a few practical jokes myself. Then again, maybe we're too alike. I wonder if he would have approved of me being his daughter-in-law, I wonder if he played with his grandkids before they were sent to us, I wonder what line of work he is in now, and I wonder how often he comes around. Until I find out, I will continue to salute you Dan Harris. I consider you my second father in heaven. You also have a very nice son.

(Bob is also a wonderful father-in-law too. Very sweet, very generous, very considerate and kind. He's taking good care of the grand kids here on earth).