Farewell to my father-in-law

My dear father-in-law, Daniel O. Harrison, passed away from congestive heart failure on March 5, 2011. He has been like a father to me since my own dad passed away March 6, 1994.

I have a wonderful memory of the night he died. My husband and I went to visit dad around 7 in the evening. Dan was able to tell his dad he loved him, and to tell him goodbye. I also told him I loved him, thanked him for being a good father to me, and kissed his forehead. He could only speak in a faint whisper, so I could not really hear what he was saying, but what he did was unmistakeable:  He pulled my hand to his lips and kissed the back of my hand, and his eyes smiled at me. It is a moment I will treasure.

His funeral was held March 10, 2011, here in Vernal, with many friends and family present. Several of the grandchildren sang musical numbers, one played the violin, Dan's brother Roger gave a talk, his sister delivered the eulogy. His brother Wesley said the opening prayer and my husband Dan said the closing prayer. The VFW from Jensen offered a 21 gun salute, Taps (which always makes me cry), and gave a folded flag from dad's coffin to his widow, Nellie, my sweet mother-in-law. I know dad was pleased with the celebration of his life.

'Til we meet again, dad.  I love you.