An April Fools' Day Tribute

April 1st has always been a special day for my family. It is my Granddad Harold's birthday. He is no longer with us, but the memories of the times we shared are still very fresh in my mind. It's fitting that April Fools' Day was his birthday as he enjoyed 'kidding around'. I can still hear my grandmother's voice saying "Oh, Harold". They were such a special couple, married almost 65 years.

Granddad was a very social person knowing just about every person's name in their small town. He loved sports - he and my grandmother went to several Olympics. They also had season tickets to OSU football, basketball & wrestling. I remember my sister & I spreading out the OSU Orange blanket in their living room as our "wrestling mat" and taking turns pinning him in record time! This photo of them was taken almost 20 years ago at some kind of OSU event.

My Granddad Harold developed Alzheimer's and "missed" the last 12 or so years of his life. During most of those years he would still greet people with a smile and a handshake and joke around a little. It seemed like the same old Harold to most people. He really 'fooled' them that he didn't remember their names anymore. Granddad was kind, caring, a gentle spirit, and loyal. He was a man of integrity, honest, trustworthy and a good friend. He had such enthusiasm for life - he lived a great life.

Happy Birthday, Granddad Harold! We love you! And that's no April Fools!