ON THE PORCH

When I was growing up and exploring truth I used to go see my Grandpa Freeman. These were like special visits because I often worked in the fields picking fruit or cutting grapes and spending time with Grandpa while working. In these working experiences is where I learned good nutritional habits from Grandpa. On the way to the fields he would stop at a grocery store and buy Cinnamon Rolls in a package and Chocolate Milk to have for lunch. Or, he would buy a Large Jelly Roll, Milk, Buttermilk or Chocolate Milk. This was right thinking and buying for a 10-13 year old.

From the time I was about 12-13 years old until out of high school and after… I would go visit Grandpa on his front porch. We would sit quietly and he would offer me Postum (a nasty caffeine-free instant coffee substitute made of grains and molasses) and one of his little nasty short black cigars. I always accepted both. I smoked cigarettes at 12 years old but these little nasty black cigars were another matter.

Once we had the Postum and cigars going…it was silent and my part Native Cherokee or Choctaw Grandpa would sit and visit with me for an hour to hour and half saying nothing. I said nothing. We were silent and communicated at a deep level. It is where I first learned to love silence and have loved silence ever since. When the time ended… we said goodbye and our love flowed to each other and I departed knowing much more than when I came. I loved my Grandpa Freeman and I loved the silence. I do not love Postum or little black cigars.

“I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” Jesus