Sep 23, 2022
Pappa & Susie
I remember this day like no other; it was the day Papa came home after being away for quite some time. The date was July 1, 1959. Two days before Independence Day. Papa is a salesman. He travels around to different places. He works hard and hopes to keep sales high to provide for his family.
Papa sat me on his knee, “Pumpkin, let me tell you about all the things that have happened since I was away.” He told me about how NASA announced its “Mercury Seven” selection of seven military pilots who became astronauts. He told me a story about how the Jupiter AM-18 rocket launched two monkeys into space from Cape Canaveral. He told me about a pizza restaurant in Garden City, Michigan, Little Caesars. All of this news fascinated me. It truly does. Yet, I want to hear about his adventures and his journeys. I wait patiently for his personal stories to come.
As I sit there intently on his lap, listening with fascination. He told me about an American businesswoman named Ruth Handler. Papa pulled me in closer and said, “Did you know this woman made the first Barbie doll? Well, she did. What inspired her creation was a German doll called Bild Lilli.” On March 9, 1959, he told me that her first Barbie Fashion Doll was displayed at the American Toy Fair in New York City.
Papa knew how much I loved dolls. He also knew I would love to have my very own Barbie doll. Before I could blink, Papa handed me a beautiful Barbie. He told me how he was one of the first people in line to buy this doll for me. She wore a striped swimsuit and had blonde hair pulled into a wavy ponytail. I was fascinated by her red lipstick.
I couldn’t be more grateful, “Oh, Papa!” I said with excitement. I hugged him tight and whispered in his ear, “Thank you so much.”
Mother called us for supper. She made Papa’s favorite meal. She knows how much he and I love her homemade chicken pot pie. Today is turning out to be one of my favorite days ever! And I have been around a long time — eleven years in January.
Everywhere Papa went, I knew that mother and I were always in his heart and thoughts.
As a grown woman, my aged Barbie sits on a shelf by my mother and Papa’s picture. I wish they could be here when I pass Susie on to my daughter.
Love you always, Papa, and I am still grateful.
THE END
