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April 26, 1955 (67 years ago), I was in the Navy aboard the USS Saufley EDDE 465 in Key West, Florida. That morning, I was called to the quarter deck 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 the protector, provider, priest of our home and a regular churchgoer. 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, 10 years ago, God gave  us Addi, a great-granddaughter (a new life) whom we love and enjoy.

 

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 504-881-0113, or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.