Funeral For A Friend

Harold and his wife, Sandy, lived next to me and Jeff for 13 years. They were just the sweetest couple, and Jeff and I absolutely adored seeing them out and about together, and seeing Harold working on all the old cars he would restore. He was never without a smile and a wave and a good story to tell. Some of the best memories I have from living on the old homestead revolve around all the kindness Harold would show to me and my growing family.

As an example, during my first year at Homestead 31, a freak summer storm blew down a massive oak branch on top of one of my cars. Harold was the first person to run over and help. He got the other neighbors together, and they removed the branch. He consoled me, told me the damage wasn't that bad, and helped me to get the car to a shop for repair. That was how I was introduced to Harold, and I could tell in an instant what a caring person he was... HUGE heart!!!

Earlier this week, Harold passed away from an aggressive cancer that took him, and all of us, by surprise. It wasn't diagnosed until very late stage... and after diagnosis Harold went quickly.

I got the call late yesterday from another prior-neighbor.

Today is the funeral.

As hard as it's been saying goodbye to the old homestead and a way of life that I knew and loved, I know it will be even harder saying goodbye to Harold...