A Cheesecake For Grandpa

Every year around this time, Grandpa would show up with a grocery bag filled with cream cheese and graham crackers and maybe some butter and eggs. He had a deal with Mom, the oldest of his four children and the one who lived closest: If he would supply the ingredients, she would make him a couple of cheesecakes for his birthday. I’m still struck by the sweet and simple request. I don’t remember Grandpa, a humble and quiet man, ever asking for anything else. I asked plenty of him – mostly for rides. From school. To practice. To and from work. When I was older and his eyesight worsened and reflexes slowed, I was able to return the favor by taking him to and from bingo some Sunday nights. But I never came close to chauffeuring him as many times as he chauffeured me/ Adriana Janovich , SR. More here. (Photo courtesy of Adriana Janovich: One of Jozef Kochel’s favorite desserts was Grandpa’s Birthday Cheesecake)

Question: Did you have a good relationship with your grandfather(s)?