My favorite veteran

In honor of Veterans Day, I wanted to talk about my Papa, a World War II vet.

Harold Dale Wilson

This man was and will always be one of the most important men in my life. He passed away less than two months after I got married, and my Nanna says my upcoming wedding was the only reason he held on as long as he did.

I will always remember...
- His favorite snack: molasses flavored graham crackers in milk.
- His blue chair that he would never let Nanna get rid of.
- His amazing painting and beautiful finish work that he was known for, even with fused wrists from years of arthritis pain.
- The hope chest he built me for my 18th birthday.

- His vegetable garden.
- Playing pictionary with him and his frustration when no one could guess a particular drawing, "oh, fiddle!"
- His laugh.
- His famous meatballs.
- His most well-known exclamation, "well, shoot, Jeannie!" (that would be my Nanna ;)
- And my favorite... "What in tarnation?!"
- His love for the Lord and his family.

Yesterday I visited his grave site with Nanna.

It is an honor to be buried here, and it is breathtakingly BEAUTIFUL. 

Overlooking Portland.

 

My beautiful Nanna. 

It was such a special day, one I won't forget for a long, long time. 

I am thankful for all of those who have served our country. And I am thankful for the one I knew and loved so well. 

 I will see you again in heaven, Papa.