Kellogg’s Corn Flakes

I LOVE cereal! Give me a big bowl first thing in the morning with bananas and strawberries, always making sure to add EXTRA sugar, and I’m happy—gotta love that sugar boost! Walking down the cereal aisle in the grocery store can be an overwhelming experience; sooo many to choose from these days. Whoever came up with the freeze dried fruit (bananas, strawberries, blueberries) that softens when milk is added deserves a big kiss on the lips—that shit is delicious!! As I stroll down the aisle I narrow my choice down to two—I always buy two. When my eyes scan passed the Kellogg’s Corn Flakes I forget where I am (just for a second) and remember…

It’s Christmas time and my sister and I are getting antsy to open presents. Actually I don’t know why she’s antsy because she would hunt the hidden presents down every year and find them—she hated surprises. I loved them!!—she would try to lure me to the treasure of gifts but I always resisted the temptation. She could not understand how I could be so stubborn; but as long as I didn’t snitch on her for discovering the gifts she was good with it.

Every year, like clockwork, there was a knock at the door. It was my Grandpa Fox—he stood in the doorway with four boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes held snugly in his arms-- “Merry Christmas!” My sister and I lunged towards the doorway and grabbed our box of cereal—I told you I LOVED cereal; now didn’t I? Grandpa stood there with the sweetest grin on his face—Christmas was his favorite time of year. His grin caused the skin around his ice blue eyes to crinkle—I can still see him standing there today. As he handed a box of cereal to Mama and Daddy, my sister and I proceeded to rip open our boxes. You see we knew the routine; it was the same every year; and every year was just as much fun as the last.

Cardboard tearing, cereal flying, and THEN…I found one!!! My sister was close behind waving her prize in the air as I was. More cereal flying; more prizes!! Grandpa left the corn flakes in the boxes and put money inside for us to discover. Lots of dollar bills; which was a wad of money to a kid—of course he put 20’s in my parents’ cereal which sucked royally—but I didn’t care at the time. This Christmas tradition continued until his health declined and he eventually passed away.

When I see Kellogg’s Corn Flakes I ALWAYS think of my Grandpa with his beautiful ice blue eyes standing in the doorway with a grin on his face. I never buy them though—this particular cereal is for remembering; not for eating. This particular cereal reminds me of a time when life was simple; when a box with a rooster on it could bring nothing short of sheer joy to two little girls; a time when the love of a Grandpa meant everything.

So if you see me in the cereal aisle a thousand miles away in my thoughts…ease quietly on by while I remember…my life was good; and I am thankful.

I'll Remember--Madonna

Robert Pate

When I was very young I had a best friend; probably the best friend I have ever had. He loved to do everything that I did—we had tea parties; played hide and seek; watched the Red Skelton Show; and sat down together for long talks. He was such a good listener; never interrupted; never judged; just loved me for me; and I totally adored him. His name was Robert Pate and he was my imaginary friend; or was he? I’m beginning to believe he was much more than imaginary; he was my “guide” and I want him back.

Robert Pate and I drove my parents and sister CRAZY! I would be totally insulted if the table was not set to include him; very irritated if they talked when he was talking; and stomped my feet if they had the audacity to sit on top of him knowing perfectly well that he ALWAYS sat by me where ever I was. Robert Pate received many apologies for being sat on; I couldn’t understand what was so difficult about sitting in an unoccupied space! Jeesh!!

My mother eventually called our pediatrician to see if her baby daughter’s behavior was “normal”. My doctor said that having an imaginary friend is very common; the uncommon part was that my friend had 2 names—this he said showed extreme intelligence. Thank ya very much Dr. G…Now this revelation made Robert Pate much easier for the family to take. The Doc said that in time he would disappear…

I shared everything about myself with my friend. I talked to him constantly and he answered me; sometimes he would make me laugh; other times he would comfort me when I was sad. Even as a small child I sensed the discomfort that having this friend caused the people around me. I didn’t understand it; I just knew that sometimes I would notice perplexed looks and irritation when we walked into a room together.

Robert Pate was my companion; he served as a clue to my future friendships. This companion could easily have been a girl; instead it was a boy, as have been my best friends to this day. I was never alone. He followed me everywhere I went; side by side; watching over me as I grew.

One sad day my parents heard me crying in my room and they came to see what was wrong. Robert Pate had died; I offered no explanation—the funeral service was fitting of a fine friend. Today I wonder if I turned my back on my “guide” because of the perplexed looks and irritation that seemed to be mounting because of his existence.

I’ve been thinking a lot about Robert Pate these days…and I want him back. I don’t believe he was imaginary at all; I believe he was more real than most people I have known in my life. I miss the way he listened; made me laugh; comforted me; never judged me; and always forgave people when they would sit on him. If you’re listening dear sweet friend I could sure use your guidance; companionship; and devotion—I am so sorry for betraying you and I promise I will never turn my back on you again—please guide me Robert Pate like you used to…

You've Got A Friend In Me--Lyle Lovett and Randy Newman