Hal's Legacy

I began writing this blog almost ten years ago, while attending the viewing of a special man, Harold Roach, Sr., who everyone referred to as "Hal". Hal lead a very active life, always serving and helping others. He was a police officer, he worked at the state capitol, and he was an officer in the Civil Air Patrol. He was a natural leader and the voice of influence wherever he went, at home and at work. As I sat there looking at the casket, I thought it strange for Hal to no longer be in the middle of things, and for us to no longer hear his guiding voice. Then I noticed a group of his children and grandchildren standing around the casket, looking so strong and confident, ready to greet people walking in. They were the legacy that he was leaving behind. He had started the ball rolling, but they would keep it going. 

His oldest son and namesake, Harold Martin, who everyone calls "HM", became part of the family when he married my niece, Jeanie, in 2002. HM reflects his father's spirit every day in everything that he does. His life is one of service and compassion to others. He served in the military during the first four years of his marriage, catching time with family whenever he could. He and Jeanie opened their home to Jeanie's brother and his wife when they were just getting started. Having only one biological child, they adopted three boys in foster care, thinking that their family was then complete. After this, a close friend suddenly and unexpectedly got a cancer diagnosis and became very ill. They cared for her and her two daughters, one who at the time was only a baby. After their friend died they adopted the girls as well. Five years later, they traveled from Arizona to help care for my mother when she became ill, and have been continually a part of my life ever since. HM is always ready to jump into action when someone needs help. He will give people rides, fix things that break down, pick things up and teach people how to navigate the digital world. He was significant help to our tenants last year when one of them was in the hospital. He was significant help to me when I had hernia surgery and couldn't lift more than ten pounds. 

HM has boundless energy and enthusiasm that he throws into acting for community theatre groups and into play with his daughter when they jump together on her trampoline in the backyard. His sense of humor is huge and is often the thing that decreases tension in a tough situation. 

Today is HM's birthday. On his birthday, I always think about what I can do to give him the special honor that he deserves. Three years ago, his birthday fell in the week between my mother's death and her funeral. Struck will awe by how much he had done for Mom and I, I told Jeanie that year that I was going to give him a "Son" card, because his actions had been more like those of a son than a nephew. Since then, HM has never stopped being a "Son" to me, and I have never stopped being proud to call him one. What a legacy for Hal!