ABA Salutes Harold Waterhouse
June 29, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release
Pensacola, FL. ABA Salutes retired U.S. Marine Harold Waterhouse. After serving 22 years in the Marine Corps and raising two daughters with his now ex-wife, he moved to Pace, Florida where he cared for his elderly father dealing with Alzheimer's. When caring for his father, he realized how challenging it is to care for sick people and had become a changed person through his experience.
Mr. Waterhouse signed up to be a caregiver to mentally and physically disabled children whose foster families needed a break, after his father passed away. In 2002, Harold met Michael, now 15, and Christopher, now 16, who are brothers with very difficult special needs, and had been living in foster care for 6 years. The three were instantly bonded, and Harold realized he wanted to adopt the boys and raise them as his own. Two years later, 17-year old Matthew, who is several autistic, met Harold, and knowing Matthew had no where else to go, Harold became his legal guardian.
Mr. Waterhouse has now found himself a new family and tries to give the boys as "normal a life as possible." The boys have thrived under his care, love and guidance. Harold's background as a Marine serves the boys well as the routine, regimented and scheduled lifestyle is essential to their growth and development. The boys wear the "Marine" clipper cut and have manners, including addressing people as sir and ma'am, and holding doors open for them. Mr. Waterhouse even assigns them chores, and each is responsible for their own dog, and enjoys playing their pool and on the trampoline. There is no doubt these beautiful, special boys are loved and because of Mr. Waterhouse, they will never know life without live, acceptance, guidance, happiness and stability. We salute you, Mr. Waterhouse, for the unbelievable and unselfish love you have shown to three children, for seeing past their disabilities and into their heart. Because of you, the world is a better place. And thank you for your 22 years of service.
Salute is the ABA's non-profit initiative which supports our troops through the sale of logo-brand merchandise, ABA game raffles and sport memorabilia auctions. The ABA and Salute want to thank those who defend our country and sacrifice greatly to give us freedom and protection. For more information, visit www.abasalute.com or email jennifer@abasalute.com or visit www.abalive.com.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
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American Basketball Association Stories from June 29, 2006
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- ABA Salutes Harold Waterhouse - ABA
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