What better way to start writing again then to drop some knowledge since it’s Black History Month?
On this day in 1960 four Black students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University staged a sit-in at the Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro.
Men like this made it possible, through their peaceful demonstrations, for my father to eat a meal in a public place. Wherever he wanted. I thought about that as I called my dad this afternoon to make sure he was someplace safe and warm since a blizzard is hitting Chicago (and everywhere else!).
His caller ID let him know I was calling. He didn’t even say hello when he picked up.
Dad: Yes, I do love you.
Me: I love you, too, dad. That’s all I wanted. Bye.
Dad: What?
Me: Ha! I got ya. No, seriously. I’m calling to make sure you are okay in this weather and that you are safe and warm and…
Dad: Hang on a second, love. (He moves the phone around and I can still hear him talking to someone else.) Yeah, I’ll have a polish sausage sandwich with grilled onions and green peppers, fries and a Coke.
Me: Sweet Jesus, daddy. Are you really eating that at your age? You’ll be 75 this year.
Dad: Yes, I can eat anything I damn well please, young lady.
Yes, sir, daddy. You sure can.
Thanks, fellas. Your efforts were well worth it.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Kelly damn you. I”m in an all day account review in SF and almost started to cry in the middle of it. What a beautiful post. I miss you.
This makes me smile. Thank you, Kelly. <3
Are those the Beatles?
I just don’t understand segregation. I mean my parents were born in the 1920s and the best they can offer is that they didn’t think anything of it. Although mom adds that her mother was horrified that she was dating an Italian “instead of a nice white boy.” (WTF?) Dad remembers a segregated army and the subsequent integration and he was kind of nonplussed as to why some of his officers were against integration.
I’m not saying my parents are perfect. I guess I just don’t understand what the big fuss was, I’m not sure how people of this generation will ever really understand.
Darn, you made me tear up and delurk – a little late – but thank you for the many times you have moved me.
At 75, he has probably earned the right to eat what he wants! I envy the whole conversation as I never had one like it with my dad.
If there was a “like” button, I would click it!
Thanks. It’s so important to hear these stories from people we know, not just history books. A nice reminder.
And like Amy said, I never understood segregation. I mean, really? It never made sense!
i miss my dad terribly. thanks for the peek into your relationship with yours. priceless!