Harold Clayton Shablom

West Point, 1983

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Nick Shablom on March 23, 2017:

The passing of my father, has been, and will remain one of the largest driving forces in my life. As many people know my dad was both fun loving, and a hard ass, and I guess you could he passed down most of those characteristics to me. I think very few people would understand the intense relationship I had with my dad. Our relationship was largely based on two things, school and sports. Our strong bond came from almost 14 consecutive years of watching me play sports, and helping me to develop into the man I am today. I have never seen a man who cared so deeply about watching his kids succeed. In the final months before he died, my dad made a 3 hour drive to Philadelphia, and changed his international travel plans to fly out of Philadelphia, just so he could see me suit up for my first college football game, which he knew I wouldn't play in. My dad was my biggest fan, and also my biggest critic. He could critique me on my performance in warmups, and give me a hug for setting a good screen in a basketball game when we were up by 30 points. He has, and always will be, the one person who always believed that I could do great things, regardless of the odds, and no matter the circumstances. Whenever I felt unsure of myself, my dad was there to keep pushing me to reach my potential. Regardless of the size of the assignment, or the hype of the game, my dad always only wanted one thing, and that was that I do my best. I know that from know on, my dad will always be watching.... every workout, every midterm, and every game, from the best seat in the house. I truly hope that one day I will be able to be as great a father to my own children, as he was to me. I'll keep two eyes on the ball, and you in my heart, I love you Dad

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