I Remember Papa
by Gloria Harmon

Research supports that people who eat breakfast, are active throughout their lives, put a premium on family, friends and religion have found a few keys to longevity. Papa did all three.

I can remember as a child watching my grandfather eat a “good” breakfast as he called it. His “good” breakfast consisted of grits, two scrambled eggs, two slices of bacon, one slice of toast and one cup of strong coffee. Of course, he had to have milk with his coffee and his toast had to have apple jelly on it. Only Winn-Dixie brand would do. He never would have thought to eat a bowl of cold cereal as he found cereal downright unacceptable. On one occasion, when I spent the night with Papa and Big Ma, I got to savor his special breakfast. It was out of this world!

I was told the story by Papa of the time I confessed that my mother gave me cereal for breakfast. He told me to tell her that I wanted breakfast like I had at his house. He got a thrill out of recalling this story with me because he heard me tell Mama, “I want “geets” and eggs for breakfast.” He would always tell this to me with a big laugh that only a loving grandfather could give.

Papa started working at the age of ten for Mr. Sie Larry of Clearwater, FL. He drove a team of horses to make deliveries. He worked as a waiter, cook, painter and yardman. He was very active and he loved to be outside.

I can recall how much he loved us. His kisses were scratchy because of his stubby beard but Papa always gave us a coin when we saw him. It was all of twenty-five cents but Papa thought that it was a million dollars. I mean, really, even as a small child, I knew better.

Papa was always there, especially on Sunday mornings at Bethel A.M.E., and you’d better be there too! I loved to hear him lead devotional. I can hear him singing now: “Just a Closer Walk with Thee."

Papa did not have a host of friends, only a few choice ones. He had a “baby sister” who he was devoted to until her demise. When he could no longer drive, he walked to see her every day.

I was saddened when Papa closed his eyes for the last time on this side of the veil -- October 22, 1992. This was both his birthday and the date of his death. He was exactly 96 years old and in his right mind until the end. 

I will always remember Papa.