Maria Coppersmith
I met the Harbaugh family as the social worker with Ultimate Plus Hospice. I immediately loved this family, and it always felt quite mutual, and they became like family to me. I loved how Lois had a sly smile on her face as she spoke about her family and shared memories of teaching. I had more time with Lou than with Lois, and Lou epitomized the term "pure in heart". Love was one of his defining characteristics, and there was never a visit when he didn't express his deep love and gratitude for both of his children. Furthermore, his love for his beloved Lois was so intense and unwavering that he truly ached and yearned for her after she passed into her glory, and I had the sacred honor of being with him as he shed many tears of grief after she was gone. Even in his emotional sadness, he always found a way to make a joke, his eyes dancing with delight at his own cleverness! Example: "I was an electrical engineer, and I got a real charge out of it!" During his last few months, his deep love and yearning for Lois left him torn between wanting to go to heaven, but stay with his wonderful children. He will be dearly missed, but I am happy to know that he is now free and joyful, in the presence of his loved ones who returned home to God before he did, and in the presence of his Savior, Jesus. Well done, and I'll see you on the other side, my friend.