There is no way to quantify a parent’s love for their children. When we think of parental love, the first thing that springs to mind is a mother’s commitment to her children. However, we often overlook a father’s unwavering love for his children, which only grows stronger with time.
Not every hero wears a cape. For many children, their fathers are their first heroes and role models since a father’s selflessness, kindness, patience, and fidelity are unparalleled. Something similar is at the heart of the narrative we’re sharing with you today.
Harley Harlington was a survivor and a former Marine. However, they were not his only honors in almost seven decades. Though he appeared strong on the outside, he was silent about the inside issues that were crippling him.
He was a devoted father and grandfather who never missed an opportunity to lavish his children with love and care. Harlington was always strong for his family and suffered all of the agony and tribulations without complaint.
Harlington worked tirelessly every day to provide for his family. Despite his poor health, he made certain that his children did not suffer any difficulties, and he made certain that he was always available to them. Kirsten, his granddaughter, revealed:
“He’s been working his entire life.” He’s a former Marine. “He’s undergone a kidney transplant, which took him a long time to receive, and he’s still going strong.”
But that wasn’t the end of it. In addition to being passionately devoted to his children, Harlington had a strong concern for others and was always willing to assist them. Robbin had this to say about her father’s selflessness:
“He is a man who provides for and gives to many people and never says no to anyone.” He’ll give you his entire wardrobe.”
Despite his health problems, Harlington never wavered in his obligations, and his daughter and granddaughter observed his unending sacrifices. One day in 2016, a stranger came to his door and completely astonished him.
When the elderly gentleman answered the door, he was shocked to discover a lady holding a microphone. Harlington had no idea what was going on, but the lady on his porch continued to present him with a magnificent flower arrangement. Harlington exclaimed as he accepted the bouquet, “Wow. “This is unexpected.”
After that, Jackson handed the family a red box, and when they opened it, they couldn’t help but be amazed.
The woman was revealed to be Monica Jackson from the FOX5 Surprise Squad, who was joined by Harlington’s granddaughter, Kirsten. Harlington welcomed them inside and seated them in the living room.
Soon after, Jackson inquired about Harlington’s life challenges, and he informed her about his kidney transplant, which he said added 25 to 30 years to his life. He went on to say:
“I once worked four jobs in addition to owning a business.” “Just so I could put food on the table and gifts beneath the Christmas tree.”
Kirsten sat on the sofa next to Harlington and informed Jackson that he was the glue that held their family together. When Jackson asked Harlington how he made sure he was always available to his children, he replied:
“You do anything you can, even if all you have to offer is an ear to listen.” You do it without any hope of recognition or reward. “You do it from the bottom of your heart.”
Later, it was revealed that the caring father and grandfather did a lot of traveling, including picking up and dropping off Kirsten at work, in an old van. According to Harlington, the van’s air conditioning and heater had failed.
Then Jackson connected the grandpa-granddaughter team to two Sudden Impact Auto Body employees, who offered to repair the van’s air conditioning and heating. Jose Gutierrez from the auto shop was highly touched by Harlington’s story. He revealed:
“He’s a fantastic father.” You can see it. “And I am moved by who he is.”
The FOX5 Surprise Squad’s wonderful act moved Harlington and Kirsten, and they couldn’t stop thanking them. However, there was more to come. After that, Jackson handed the family a red box, and when they opened it, they couldn’t help but be amazed.
Harlington was taken aback when he saw the value of the box: $1500. He added, as he sought a tissue to wipe his tears, “I’m completely dumbfounded.” “I’ve never experienced anything like this before.”
Who, however, had called the FOX5 Surprise Squad? Jackson explained that Kirsten and Robbin contacted them in the hopes of making Father’s Day 2016 a bit more memorable for Harlington. As he held his granddaughter, the grandfather said:
“You have a family if you have nothing else in life.” “There is always family.”
Jackson sat down with Robbin and Harlington after the pleasant surprise because the former was out of town for business when the Surprise Squad visited their property. When asked why she called FOX5, Robbin replied:
“He’s suffered and been through a lot with the kidney transplant, all the doctors, and traveling from Arizona to here.” Throughout it all, he remained incredibly strong. “And when his car’s air conditioning went out, I immediately knew I had to do something to aid him.”
Then Jackson expressed to Harlington how affected she and everyone else were by his generous heart. She also asked what advice he would give to other single parents, to which he replied:
“I’m not sure whether there is a formula or anything like that. You must take care of your children. They come first, before everything else, and you will be rewarded if you do. That should go without saying.
Harlington also mentioned that he had called his kidney “Junior” and hoped to be the greatest version of himself for his family.
Without a doubt, this self-sacrificing father’s devotion was lavishly repaid. Despite his pain, he always prioritized his family, and his time was valued.
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