Today we had the homegoing ceremony for my late grand uncle Henry Hadley. August 6, 1925-February 13, 2010.
My Grand-Uncle Henry Hadley, with his wife Irene
Truly, this was a man of God, and I don't use those words lightly.
Consider....
He served in the Army from November 27, 1943 until December 23, 1946, and is a
Bronze Star recipient. I just found this out today.
He raised his brother's six children (my grandfather on my mother side) as his own. My mother's parents died before I was born.
He never told me about his military service. And to be honest, I never asked him about it. But I know that he was proud of my joining the Army. And while I don't brag about my time in the army, I don't hold a candle when you compare the two of us.
I shed my tears today for my uncle. But after listening to some of the testimonials from family and friends today, I realize that I have a long way to becoming even a quarter of the man Henry Hadley was.
But that's fine with me.
So I raise my glass in the memory of a real man. The physical form may have expired, but my uncle's spirit will always be with me.
Folks, cherish your family while they're here with you, and glean from them knowledge. Tomorrow is not promised to us..