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April 26, 1955 (65 years ago), I was in the Navy aboard the USS Saufley EDDE 465 in Key West, Florida. That morning, I was called to the quarterdeck of the ship and greeted by two Red Cross workers who informed me that my dad had died suddenly of a heart attack. I was shocked! I still remember that as if it was yesterday.

Two weeks earlier, I had spent 14 days on leave in Reserve. My dad was only 48 years old and seemed healthy. He was the most valuable player in my life. He was a great role model and loved my mother in front of me and my brother and sisters.

He worked hard and loved his job as a pipe fitter at Godchaux Sugar refinery. He respected and loved people, especially children. He was a regular churchgoer and our protector, provider and priest. I can still picture him kneeling by his bed at night saying his prayers. He never owned a car until three months before he died, but some of my friends thought we were rich. We were; as it says in Proverbs 10:22, “The blessings of the Lord makes one rich.”

I had a great dad and still miss and think about him a lot.

On April 26, 1955, my dad’s life ended on earth. On that date, eight years ago, God gave us Addi, a great-granddaughter (a new life) whom we love and enjoy. We are looking forward to her drive-up birthday party from 4-5 p.m. on Sunday.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084 or call (985) 652-8477.