Every Christmas I hit the candy aisle for Queen Anne Cordial Cherries.  I personally can't stand them.  Neither could my grandfather.  However, it was my tradition to give those to him every year.  I am not even sure when or why I started that.  I did know that he didn't like them.  But that's why it was called a gag gift.

Every year he'd get my gift from under the tree, peel back the corner, roll his eyes, make a smart comment, and not even open them all the way.  Every year I'd kiss his bald head and tell him I knew he hated them, but what on earth kind of Christmas would it be if he didn't get them?

When I moved to Alaska 2 years ago, Pop asked my aunt "But with Kristi gone, who will give me my cherries??"  Of course, come Christmas, there were cherries for Pop under the tree with my name on them.  Even if I *wasn't* there.

This past April,  Jesus called my Pop home.  Pop was ready.  He was a strong worker for the Lord in years past.  Yes, my Pop made many mistakes, as we all do.  But he was a man of God.

Pop was a tough old bird.  He was in the Army in World War II.  He was a hard worker.   He was still building houses and doing contract work well up into his 70s and even probably some in his 80s.   He and my dad worked side by side for many years.  My husband worked with them occasionally through the summer months and was in awe of them.  There were no finer contractors around.  Maybe never, even.

 I went and spent 2 weeks with Pop when I was 12.  I learned a lot about him during that time.  He's the one that taught me the beauty of a cup of coffee on the porch at sunrise.  He took his coffee thick, black, and hot.  I took my warm milk with sugar and a dash of coffee.   We'd sit out there together and just watch the world wake up.   It seemed almost sacrilegous to speak during those times, so we sat in silence.   I made many memories during that trip.  Including catching one of his dish rags on fire and earning myself the nickname Firebug.  Poor Pop.  I'm not sure he'd ever bought a frozen pizza before, and probably never did after that, either!

So last night, I hit the candy aisle looking for something sweet for my Secret Santa gift for work.  The Queen Annes caught my eye and I reached for them automatically.  Then I suddenly realized.  I won't be sending Queen Annes down with my mom this year.  Pop won't be looking for them under the tree. 

As tears slipped down my cheeks, I remembered the last time Pop got cherries from me.  No, it actually wasn't last Christmas.  It was in  April.  He was in the hospital and we all knew it wouldn't be long.  I realized that I wouldn't be buying Queen Annes this year and I desperately wanted him to have one last box.  It was my way of letting him know how much I loved him.  My aunt, bless her heart, had a box in her freezer from last Christmas.  My mom wrapped it up and gave it to Pop, letting him know I was thinking of him.  He died a few days later.

So last night, with tears falling, I put the Queen Annes back on the shelf.   With Pop gone, to whom will I give my cherries??

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Posted by smmagers

Your post is a blessing. I can feel the love you have for Pop. He was a special person in our life. I did the same thing with my grandfather Bubba. He was like a dad to me. Every year I would buy him new hankies. How about carrying on the tradition with the cherries to with your dad? We have carried on the tradition of Bubba. I named my grandfather Bubba when I was 10 months old. When I had children my dad also became a Bubba , when our oldest daughter made my husband a grandfather he too became a Bubba. Some tradition are verry special and would honnor the person who it was started for.
Hope this help. God bless, mj

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Posted by gabbie427

I am in tears reading this. My parents are gone as well, and for me, it is banana cookies. I used to make them for my father each year around the holidays and sometimes at other times of the year as well. I am going to make them this year in memory of him.

Thanks so much for sharing this story!!!! I loved reading it.

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

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Posted by UnlikelyHomesteader

Sending big hugs your way!

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Posted by melaniedawn

I just loved your story!!! My father passed away in July of this year. He always called me on Saturday mornings, and still, whenever the phone rings on Saturdays, for just a second, I think, "That might be Daddy". I am a grocery store cashier, and the other day, someone came to my register to pay for a birthday cake with "Happy Birthday Daddy" written on it. I kept my composure at work, but broke down later at home when telling my husband about it. Keep those memories close at heart.
Melanie

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