Today I wanted to post about someone that I have never had the privilege to meet, Ben's father Mark Harris. Unfortunately, Mark is also someone that Ben has not been able to meet either. Thirty years ago today, Mark returned to heaven, while my mother-in-law Ann was about 4 months pregnant with Ben.
Can you see the resemblance? Mark and Ben have the same eyes, which I just love.
Like father, like son.
Everyone says that Ben and Mark have very similar personalities. Both very loving, yet ornery, jokester, yet hardworking.
When Mark and Ann met while they were both in high school, they fell in love right away. They were married on April 4, 1980.
Ann, Mark, and Ben's older brother TJ.
Just a few days before his death, Mark announced that his unborn baby was going to be a boy and his name would be Ben. He died while performing routine cleaning/maintenance duties while serving on the Utah National Guard.
There have been three specific instances when I have felt Mark's presence. Once, during Dylan's baby blessing, and twice while having quiet moments with Dylan in his room. I strongly feel that while Mark is no longer on this Earth, he has not missed anything with the growing up of his boys or his three grandchildren.
Mark, you are remembered, missed, and loved, and I can't wait to meet you someday.
There have been three specific instances when I have felt Mark's presence. Once, during Dylan's baby blessing, and twice while having quiet moments with Dylan in his room. I strongly feel that while Mark is no longer on this Earth, he has not missed anything with the growing up of his boys or his three grandchildren.
Mark, you are remembered, missed, and loved, and I can't wait to meet you someday.
10 comments:
What a sweet post. I love all the pictures. Ben looks so much like his dad! What a special day that will be when you all get to meet. I love he knew they were having a boy and his name would be Ben:)
I Love this post- I feel a connection to Mark as well-- We share a grandson! I look forward to meeting up with him someday too.
What a great post. And, yes, Ben and his Dad look a ton alike! I am so glad you did this. I have asked Bonnie (who we just saw yesterday!) about Mark and we've even been to visit his grave. Is that weird? I just thought it appropriate since we live less than a mile from it. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to show Thomas all the great pictures. You put a face to a name for me and I like that.
I LOVE this post! It is crazy, they really do look alike in the eyes. I also love that you journaled those precious 3 moments that you have felt his presence!
this is the first time i've seen pictures of Mark! wow, Ben (and Dylan) really resemble him. good post, chrissi.
I love all the pictures, Chrissi! It's crazy how much Ben looks like him in some of those. Great post.
So sweet. Instant tears
What a strong woman your mother-in-law must be. You're so lucky to marry into a wonderful family - thank you for telling about your father-in-law!
This post takes my breath away. Thank you for remembering. I love you. Families are eternal...even if you have to wait a long time for it.
That is awesome Chrissi! I am going to print that and add it to the book that Melanie made.
Post a Comment