10. He gave rabbit kisses. No way to describe them. You had to be there.
9. When I was home sick from school, laying on the couch, he would park his wheelchair beside me, and we would watch Captain Kangaroo together. He laughed as hard as I did.
8. Having Dad close by in his wheelchair made me feel safe.
7. He picked Mom’s birthday and Christmas gifts carefully. He looked through the newspaper ads and phoned the store to quiz the clerk for a long time about whatever gift he wanted to buy. Once he made his decision, he arranged to have the gift delivered when Mom was at work.
6. Dad loved to play cards with friends, but he didn’t play to win. He played to talk.
5. He was never, ever a picky eater. He ate with gusto whatever was served and always complimented the cook.
4. Dad never allowed discussions about politics to become cut throat. His most barbed political statement referred to his right arm, severely weakened by multiple sclerosis: It’s my Republican arm. Not good for much of anything.
3. His thousand-watt smile and sense of humor.
2. He was always happy to see people. Always.
1. Dad rarely showed bitterness during his 38 year battle with multiple sclerosis. He was 29 when it was diagnosed, 31 when he required a wheelchair and retired, 54 when he entered a nursing home, and 67 when he died. I am so grateful for his example, his influence, and the years his life intersected mine.
Oh, Dad, I miss you!
In memory of Harlan John Stratton: May 11, 1928–March 4, 1997.
Well done, Jolene! Made me cry. Again.
Yeah, it’s been a teary day for me, too. Don’t know why this year is worse than others. I’ll blame it on the weather.
This comment has my name by it, but it comes from Cousin Julie. She couldn’t get into the blog to comment and emailed it instead. It gives another snapshot of Dad…or Uncle Harlan.
Well isn’t that just what I needed! A moment of being with Uncle Harlan again! As a child, I always looked forward to his cheer, his engaging qualities (which ran both ways… he would engage others, and others could engage him), his laughter that sometimes required a handkerchief, and his appetite (for both food and activities.)
“Sure, I’ll eat these mystery berries that the kids found in the woods!”
“Sure, I’ll join you all at the lake’s edge!”
“Sure, I’ll travel in the back of the topped pickup bed!”
The strength in this man is unequaled. We love you, Uncle Harlan!
Honored to carry his name, David Harlan Conrad.
Thank you for sharing this. Although i didnt know your dad it encourages me that others have fought the good fight! And now he is in heaven seeing his Jesus face to face. Be blessed today!
I remember him as a young kid he always laughed and he always had fun when we were around missing a lot.
Uncle Harlan was one of my Godfathers (Uncle Ordell the other). Uncle Harlan was a jokester — always calling our hometown “Casper” instead of Jasper — and he loved teasing. He was a treasure. Thank you, Jolene, for posting this today.
Harlan and I Have similar courses with our MS.I so wish I would have had more time with him…..He sounds like the person I hope my children see in me. Bless your family
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful dad. May you be comforted by the sunshine and your memories. My dad was wonderful, too. I miss him every day.