Grandpa used to slice up bananas into a cereal bowl, pour over milk, and add just enough sugar and vanilla. I imitated this when I was little wanting to be just like him, but over the years it was pushed back on a dusty shelf in my mind. One day, quite unexpectedly, the sight of a banana dislodged it and I was transported to the farm kitchen with soft, orange linoleum, watching him measure sugar and vanilla with his spoon. I had an immediate urge to make Grandpa's snack again.
He passed away three years ago today, after a long battle to Alzheimer's. Time has faded the sadness, but I still miss him. Especially today. He was the best.