Posts tagged memory

When I was a little boy (8, 9, something like that), my dad won three stuffed animals at an amusement park in a basketball shooting game (If you know Granddaddy, you know it wasn’t easy for him to spend money on a game). One sister got a raccoon (3/3 baskets), and other sister and mom got little stuffed dogs (2/3 baskets each). I was a little put out since I was left out, so Grandmama gave me her dog. He was brown with a blue collar and a little red tongue. I named him ‘Little Luther.’ I asked if she’d miss him

-I’ll visit him while I you sleep

-You come visit me while I sleep?

-Yes, all the time

I wasn’t sure why she’d do that. The dog wasn’t that interesting. I felt a little bad for having a bad attitude.

Every night I’m at home, for several years now, I come in and kiss you both goodnight before I go to bed. I’ll also tuck you in if it’s cold and make sure the space heater is on. I used to make sure George got First Cookie (but he’s not as important now) and I still often put Blankety Blank in Isaac’s hands.

Thank you God for George.

Thank you God for Isaac.

Regardless of whether you see it and whether I show it or not, I want you to both know you’re deeply loved.

I now understand what Grandmama meant. Whether you have children one day or not, I hope you understand too.