Happy Father’s Day To Norman Harris, Jr.

In celebration of Father's Day on Sunday June 17, we asked Patch readers to write a letter to their father and let us deliver it. This is Jacob Harris's letter to his dad:

Two years before my father died, he wrote in his journal, “Be more people-oriented than task-oriented, because your task will wait.” This is the philosophy by which Norman Harris, Jr. lived his life. Although he had been sick for three months prior, my dad left this life suddenly and unexpectedly. On March 1, 2018, heaven received an angel, but earth lost a hero.

I cannot express in words how amazing my father was. He was the most caring and loving man….not just for his family and friends but for random strangers. Rather than focusing on himself, he always focused on others. I remember going out with my dad and we would see him talking with someone across the room, and we kids would look at each and say, “That’s just Dad being Dad!” Without question, we knew we would have to wait 15 to 20 more minutes before we could leave. In truth, we did not mind because he was investing in another person. I always admired my dad’s selflessness. I always admired his concern for others.

My dad used to advise us, “Feel the fear, and do it anyway.” Although I used to hate when he said it, I knew it was true. He always helped me face my fears with his quirky quotes. No matter my struggle, he stood always by my side. Even though he struggled at times, he cared more about me than himself. I could never have asked for a better father. Although he is no longer on earth, I know he will still be helping me through my struggles. I know it will be difficult without him by my side, but not only will I advance through life, I will succeed because of what he taught me. My dad has motivated the way I will live. I wish to be just as amazing and impactful as him. I promise myself to succeed and be a Godly man for my dad, for I know that is what he would want from me.

Over the past few days, so many of my friends have texted, called and written to let us know he made them feel loved, as if they were his kids too. My dad taught by his actions how to love others. He showed me how to invest in and love others. I always knew he loved me but through his love, he served as a super dad for everyone. When we played sports, he coached everything. If my teammates needed anything, he would be the one to make it happen, from buying meals or helping with fees, providing rides or finding training. He helped them with life, through sports. He made them not only better players but better men. He never failed to make me feel important no matter if with school, relationships, spiritual struggles, sports or anything else life threw at me. Sports-wise, he took us to games and coached almost every single one of our teams. No matter what we were involved in, he found a way to be a part of our lives.

I know this is a terrible situation but one thing makes it ok — I know that my dad is in heaven and I will see him again someday. Even though he is not here anymore, I know he will be watching over me and protecting me. Oh how I long to see my father in heaven. Although the time seems long for us, it is but a moment compared to eternity. Yes, I will miss him, but I will accompany him sooner rather than later.

Dad, even though you are not physically here, I want to tell you this: I was always proud of you, and I always will be. You were the most amazing father I could ask for. You never let me down and never disappointed me. You were always around when I needed you, and I could always count on you no matter what I faced. If you did not know the answer or did not know how to accomplish something, you would always find out. I know you would have done anything for us and loved us so much. You took on so many challenges and never backed down. Sometimes you lost, sometimes you won, but you always came out stronger and smarter than before. You are not just my dad, you are my hero, my role model, my coach, my best friend. I will love you forever, and you will never be forgotten.

Because my dad invested so richly in people over tasks, more than 400 people attended his viewing and more than 500 attended his funeral (on a Tuesday at 1 p.m.). He impacted so many lives. Grieving all around the country, hundreds of people have provided meals, notes, support and comfort for his survivors. My dad pointed others towards God and helped them in any way possible. Even though Norman Harris Jr. died too soon, he left the world a better place. He was my hero and always will be.

—Jacob Harris

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See all Father's Day letters here.

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Image Credit: Jacob Harris