This is Harlan Fritz, known to me as Pappa, the only one I've ever known, since my Dad's Dad died when I was four. He, along with my Grandma, have a profound place in my memories and in my heart of my growing-up years. Pappa always had gum to give us when he would visit, and he loved (I imagine because we loved) to take us to McDonald's. Jonathan and I would go and visit them in the summer, spending a week hanging out and laughing, oh and playing cards. Pappa LOVED to play cards back in the day, and I remember many a night around the table, avoiding the Queen of Spades or announcing trump. When I was his partner in Rook, we would most often win. When I was younger, I thought Pappa was just lucky at cards; as I grew I learned that he counted cards, played his hand to his advantage and was pretty competitive. But he was good at it. His most famous saying when we would play cards was "Sometimes you have to go backward to go forward." I would laugh every time he said it, yet for some reason at the end of the game, we usually would be on top. As I got older, we would spend a week in the summer at the beach every year with Grandma and Pappa (along with my aunt, uncle and cousins). Like I said, fond, happy, warm memories.
Today Pappa is in a hospital, having recently suffered a stroke. He wasn't doing really well before he had the stroke, and the doctors are uncertain of what lies ahead. My Mom is coming in today, and we are all going over to visit tomorrow. I am not sure what will come in the days ahead, but for now, I will treasure these memories of a man who played a significant role in my childhood, and they will make me smile.
Wow- what a great picture of what sounds like a great man. Is this a regular thing you are doing now- flashback friday? If so- it's fun! I'm sorry to hear he's not doing well. I will keep him in my prayers.
MEGAN RESPONDS: I came across a huge stash of old photos recently, so yes, I'm thinking of making Flashback Friday a regular thing on the blog. I'm glad you like it! And thank you for the prayers.
Posted by: Desta | June 20, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I'm so sorry to hear your Pappa had a stroke. I hope that you are still able to visit him today with Christian sick. What a blessing to have such happy memories of him growing up! I will pray.
MEGAN RESPONDS: Thanks, Renee. I appreciate the prayers. Unfortunately, we were not able to visit him like we had planned. Hopefully soon, though - and we are thankful he seems to be improving.
Posted by: Renee | June 21, 2008 at 01:43 PM