The Dutchman

My Uncle Harold is a Dutchman, one generation removed from Holland. He began life as a vegetable farmer in Hollandale, Minnesota, and retired as a corporate CEO. I remember him when he was young, an intelligent worldly man, sure of himself and confident, sometimes to a fault. As he got older he relied more and more on his Kathleen to run the day to day details in their life. She died three years ago, leaving him depressed, half a man, a man not equipped to deal with life alone. His children have helped him, and two weeks ago they made the hard decision. Dan, his oldest son, loaded up Harold and all his essential belongings in a moving van, and they headed for Iowa where Dan lives. It was a particularly difficult time, because Harold became confused and did not remember who all these strangers, his children, were.

There are probably better versions of this song out there, but this is by Michael Peter Smith, who wrote the song. This is for Uncle Harold and his children. And for Kathleen, his Margaret, who left him alone too soon .