Chris Clegg

“Who like me!”

Yes, that was exactly the way our grandfather Walter Luka Sr. used to greet us when he came to visit.

And, then, the rush from the younger grandchildren was on to greet him!

Grandpa always had a treat for the grandchildren. It was almost always a stick of gum. Juicy Fruit to be specific. To this day, I still love Juicy Fruit gum. Perhaps it is not so much the gum but the actual memory it gives me. Juicy Fruit symbolizes the visits from Grandpa and the love he had for us.

As one gets older, these memories seem to become more precious. Grandpa would visit, we would rush to greet him, get our stick of gum, then leave the adults alone to chat. Maybe it was Grandpa’s secret plan to get rid of us brats! I don’t think so. Sometimes we would get a ride on his knee while he sang some song in Ukrainian. I had no idea what he was singing. Kind of like a lot of music today. But I digress!

I remember one time Grandpa visited he has a sad look on his face. He knew how much I loved Juicy Fruit.

“There was no Juicy Fruit at the store,” he said. “I had to get this.”

He handed me a stick of either Doublemint or Spearmint gum. He knew I didn’t like it and he genuinely felt bad. I could see it on his face. I took it, put it in my mouth and began to chew! Dare I refuse it and feel the wrath of my mother!

Yuck! Awful gum!

I remember I couldn’t run away fast enough to go and hide somewhere and spit it out. Out of sight from you-know-who!

But I remember how bad Grandpa felt.

I was blessed to have all four of my grandparents live until I was in my twenties. I made it a habit for many years to take the short trip to Hines Creek to visit at least once every week or so. The fact that Grandma always has a fabulous pot full of delicious soup and there was the added bonus of having the chance to also visit with several uncles make it a very enjoyable afternoon or evening.

I found out years ago Grandpa was an avid reader. All the signs were there but I did not realize it. He would disappear into the bedroom for hours on end. He was not sleeping, he was reading.

When I entered journalism school and started work in the newspaper industry, he was so proud. He couldn’t wait to read every issue of South Peace News. Yes, I actually had a fan!

Grandpa Luka died on Nov. 19, 1990. Seems like yesterday I was bouncing on his knee enjoying Juicy Fruit gum. The older I get, the more I learn to appreciate and cherish the smaller things in life.

When Max Burgar, and later Jared and Callista Gomes were growing up they were around South Peace News a lot. Many times, I gave them treats. Lasagna for Max, and gingersnap cookies from the Enilda Farmer’s Market was a special treat for Jared and Callista. I knew it was important to them because it was important to me. It was worth every penny!

A word of advice to uncles out there: you do not have to spend a fortune to “spoil” the children!

Years later, I discovered I was not the only one who cherished this memory. At Grandpa’s funeral, one of my cousins (Cynthia or Sandra) left Juicy Fruit gum for everyone.

What an amazing tribute!

Best piece of gum I ever had!