Uncle Hal 1935-2012

I've only ever had 2 uncles, but my "Uncle Hal" was often more like a grandfather because of the age/experience difference. I have so many fond memories...at their home in Austin: Easter egg hunts in the lawn, gathering eggs from the chickens, horseback rides on the property, shooting the potato canon, naps on their many window seats, many hours in the oldest, coolest, hot tub ever, the smell of mesquite trees, lady longhorn basketball games, and listening to many many stories. My uncle was a storyteller for sure.

Then there are memories at Lake LBJ...him driving the boat while we tubed, fishing, etc. etc.

I'll never forget out time at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. What fun. There was a sea of people and sometimes Nanny and I thought we needed a "leash" to keep him with us....too funny!

He never met a stranger, had the warmest heart, a wise soul, and an unforgettable voice. I will certainly miss the sound of his voice. He always made me feel beautiful and like a princess among a sea of boys.

He was always wearing burnt orange....all things Texas. I must credit both my aunt and uncle with teaching me how to "hook em" at a super early age. I knew what that symbol meant long before I knew "I love you", "peace", or "hang ten". It also makes my heart happy that Connor remembers everything...I showed him one time when he was 2 and he will still tell me occasionally, "Remember, Mom...hook it horns?" Close enough. He is a pro.

We never lived in close proximity, but we didn't have too....family was, is, and always will be important. Love extends over many miles. I hope that the Haralson family can feel our love from here as they celebrate his wonderful life. He is most certainly in a better place, he is no longer suffering, and I'll bet he is evening wearing burnt orange & white.

With his love of all things Texas in mind, this is how we chose to honor his memory....from his niece, nephews and our families...