I wanted to say Happy Birthday to my dearly departed Grandfather, Walter Ervin Cook. He was born 31 Oct 1910 in Palo Pinto TX and left us 7 May 1993. Hes known as E. W. Cook. But the truth is the Navy switched the two from Walter Ervin to Ervin Walter and apparently, Papa left it that way. i am forever grateful for the time I had to spend with him. I have so many memories of him but Ill share just one... The whole Cook clan had come to Charleston, S.C. to visit. Uncle Jack and Aunt Trudy, Papa and Granny Cook, Aunt Linda & Uncle Larry McLemore, & Uncle Larry and Aunt Charlene. One morning, mama, granny, aunt Trudy, Aunt Charlene, & Aunt Linda mc. were all in the kitchen, whippin it up for breakfast. An item of necessity was needed from the store, and Papa, who was ready leave and head back to Texas the day after they arrived, was more than happy to be given something to do. I volunteered to direct him to the nearest magic market. On the way home, I asked papa if I could drive the rest of the way home. He slowed his gigantic LTD down, looked at me and said, your daddy let you drive? I said, uh huh. Now, when I said my daddy let me drive? I meant, sitting on his lap, steering only. My papa, without a beat, pulls this large green LTD over, on some peoples front yard and gets out of the drivers side and walks toward the passenger side. I was unsure at first but then thought, whats the big deal? Well, I was able to reach the peddles and steer, but I was having a bit of trouble seeing out the windshield. My head just barely made it. I will never forget the look on my mothers face, (she was at the kitchen window, washing something in the sink when I pulled this large tank into the driveway, sideways. I saw her eyes then a gaggle of other Cook women joined her at the window. I just sat there staring back, over the steering wheel. Then I see my Daddy standing there, laughing. Nothing was said to the old man. Who would dare question Ervin Cooks judgment? Not many. After breakfast, while Papa was outside, looking around for some work to make one of his grandkids do, I was asked by all and sundry, how in the hell had I managed to talk him into letting me drive. The truth was I was just as shocked when he pulled over and got out. I wasnt gonna let this opportunity pass me by. Even though I could barely see over the dashboard. Who was I to tell him that I was only allowed to steer when daddy let me drive? I made it, didnt I? I cant stop laughing right now at the memory. Happy Birthday papa. RIP. Love Jolene
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 04:55:28 +0000
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