It would only be fitting to tell you that before my wedding, I purchased a "negligee" for my bride. My friend gave me a ride to the wedding and at the last minute, remember the gift box I left in his car. He put it on the windshield of Annie's car so we wouldn't forget it ... bless his heart.
Uncle Harold was the "overseer" for those decorating our car ... and found the box. As Annie and I are making our way to the car, Uncle Harold holds up the box and opens it up for us ... showing everyone the frills and lace and, well, there wasn't much else material to show! His infectious smile was priceless. I miss him.
Uncle Harold's love for his boat drastically limited his desire to share command of the wheel. So when Bev, Neil and I visited Aunt Sib and Uncle Harold in Heathsville one summer and he handed me the key and said go have some fun, I just about fell over. I knew that not many (if any) were given this opportunity so we didn't hesitate and scurried down to get underway. We enjoyed a great day on the water. Neil looked at us and said Uncle Harold was a cool guy and said it's lucky, Dad, that you were in the Navy or this wouldn't have happened. Regardless of the fact that I never went to sea, I accepted that that was the reason. When Neil got older he discovered that Uncle Harold went to Georgia Tech and thought how cool if we could get a three generation photo of us (to include my brother Tom). The photo took place (we brought a Tech shirt for Uncle H to wear just in case). I have always relished in the fact that my uncle and I shared three great things, Georgia Tech, our love for Architecture, and service in the US Navy. Now I want to know where the train set is that we were never allowed to play with and drooled over every time we visited.