Life Is ........

Interesting week for our family. We returned from the West Coast on Wednesday and had plans to go to Temple that weekend to be with Shar's grandmother. Shar's grandfather had a minor surgery, that turned into an extended stay, that turned into a broken hip, and a fractured elbow, and Shar's parents had a trip planned with their oldest friends so we were going to take over the care duties while they were gone. By Friday evening PawPaw had taken a turn for the worse and on Saturday morning we got a call that it could be just hours before he passed. We got on the road and headed to Temple, and Harold (Hal) M. Marks passed away on July 4th, at 11:45 p.m. at the age of 85. Very Sad.

Hal was born and raised there in Heidenheimer, Texas and lived there his entire life. There are 3 things that I would like to tell you about Hal (I should have spoken at the funeral). Here is the shortened version.

1. He was patient. He married Jo Ann Trout at the age of 51 and was faithful to her for the next 35 years. Every niece and nephew said Hal was their favorite, so you know his family loved him, but to wait for that long to find your love is an admirable event.

2. He was brave. He served in World War 2, in C Company, the 145th Infantry in the Pacific Campaign. He received numerous ribbons, 4 Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. He spoke of the Second Great War as most do from that generation. As a duty, a responsibility, a expectation. He told great stories about the food (Hal loved food) and people and fighting that he encountered. And he survived which is something to proud of.

3. He Loved. He spoiled Sharla from the time I met him. Back when laundry machines ran on quarters, he would give her 2 or 3 prescription containers of quarters every time we came to Temple, and would often leave a $20 in her purse or on the seat of her car. He treated Diana like his own daughter and was one of the most happy old men I can recall.

Hal loved his family and was a hard worker his entire life. He will be missed, but this is how life and death goes. It is only difficult for those of us here.