Dear Papa,

As your only granddaughter, I know I was spoiled. I remember you fixing the best jelly sandwiches in the world for me, even with the crust cut off. In the grocery store, the toy aisle was MY aisle. If I wanted that latest Hotwheel, all I had to do was run to you and you would say, “You want that Pooky?” and I would respond, “Yes, Papa.” Mama running the pressing comb down my kinks and the heat would ease near my ear, I would scream and you would run into the room and yell, “Don’t hurt that baby!”

The random stuff I remember to this day; how to kill a chicken by ripping off his head, grow the biggest tomatoes with Miracle Grow and cook enough soup for an entire army.

Thank you for driving me to the bus stop every morning through good and bad weather, for my safety, even though we lived about two blocks from it. As a child, I could not appreciate this, as an adult, I love you for this.

Thank you for taking me with you out and about. Driving across town in your big truck made me feel like I was on top of the world. In the country, you took me fishing and to visit family. And nearly every other weekend, we visited Uncle Oscar and Aunt June across the river in Alton, Illinois. You taught me the importance of family and for this I love you.

You know a memory that sticks out most in my memory Papa? The time you drove from Saint Louis to Denver to take me, Mama and Roth back home. You felt like my hero rescuing me from an undesirable place and taking me HOME. I hold that moment close to my heart.

Thank you for being my grandfather. You were the father I didn’t have, you helped raise me into a lovely young lady. You were a hero to your country and you will always be mine. I love you dearly Papa.

With all my love.

Your Granddaughter,

Rashaan
BKA Pooky

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