September 5th, 2022
Dear Children,
This is a letter I have neglected to write. But now that I have officially declared the "heart affair" an experience of the past, I must write to all of you to express the heart-felt thanks of your mother and dad.
One of the most beneficial and forever-lasting "side effects" of my heart bypass was the response of the Harrell Children. Your reactions to my misfortune were enough to make a grown man ponder what family really is. I have pondered and I have engraved on my heart and in my mind that your many acts of love and concern were a true and factual definition of family. What you five children possess and displayed cannot be found in many families.
Your actions are, to me, a family treasure.
Your many acts of love will truly be with me forever. I take great comfort and pleasure in sitting down in the evening and recounting the experiences; the hazy scenes from Emory, however blurred, the welcome ride home, the first walk up the stairs, the constant looks under which I lived during meals, rest and practice walks up and down the driveway, all acts of love. the "love pats", which I later learned wee a check on any personal dehydration, were also touches of affection.
Martha, Mary, Margaret, Robert and Charlie; each of you have a special place in my heart. I know this is true because when Dr. Ellis Jones was doing what he does best I requested he make extra room for each of you, not that you haven't been in my heart for all of these years, but now there is more room.
From the Heart,
Dad
