Thank You

I wish I could say I knew him better, but that would be an untruth

We lived in the same tenement building for almost 15 years and he visited my home often.

However, only at noon when he hoped to be alone with my Mother, his daughter

Whenever I inadvertently entered our large kitchen as they sat side by side sipping tea at our yellow chrome table, I always felt unwelcome and retreated quickly

They were not unkind, but this was the Board Room of their family and they were joint CEO’s.

I didn’t comprehend that then and it has taken years to anayze their relationship,

Both were quite small in stature. John King stood barely 5 ft and my Mother was not quite 2 inches taller

In yesterday’s language, perhaps they might be remembered as Black Irish, with matching ebony hair and cobalt blue eyes. I often wondered if there had been a Spanish influence.

The time spent together was when family decisions were made and occasionally problems solved for the other six members of their surviving clan.

It was also one of the reasons, both he and his adult family had relocated to the flat directly above ours when the Matriarch departed this earth.

The month I turned 17, my Grandfather went gently into the night,

I remember the time quite well because it was also my last day of employment at the legendary Elizabeth Arden’s office on Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street.

I had resigned reluctantly when my Mother made that decision for me.

In those years I had not yet learned to ask questions,

I will confess I don’t remember John King with great affection, but rather with gratitude because it was his decision I apply for a Social Security card the year I was 14.

I also recall it was he who made the trip across Midtown to the local Social Security office . Later in the week, he surprised me with the small blue and white card on my Halloween birthday.

At that time (again not daring to ask questions, ) I did wonder why, but quickly learned when he soon found me a job after school.

This morning when I was once again asked to confirm that number (now indelibly remembered,) I also recalled my Grandfather’s foresight and whispered,

“Thank you, Pop King.”