My Time 4 Talk by Madona Cole-Lacy

Christian Robert Abioseh Cole 09/02/1918 – 05/02/2014

My Dearest Papa
I thank you again for all you did in partnership with Mama to rear your children the best way you knew how. Thank you is also in order for being an inspiration to my children. You were an exceptional grandpa who left them wondering why grandpa had to teach them so many ways to solve each math problem. Rest assured that they saw the benefits of that drill and the knowledge you imparted to them as time went on.

I am thankful to God for giving you the ability to model the essence of humanitarianism for me. This undoubtedly has been a driving force for me throughout my life.

Thank you for demonstrating that sex-role stereotypes do not run rampant in every African household. Nothing impeded you from interacting with us in meaningful and now memorable ways. I remember you playing the organ while you and Mama sang your favorite songs, the poems you recited, and the “negro spiritual” sing along sessions we had! You had high expectations for our academic performance and were most supportive of Mama, as an actively involved father who ensured that we were giving it our all.

I will see to it that your impressive legacy in the Adult Education field, along with your numerous signature “Activity Cole” humanitarian efforts are paid forward in my own creative way, by God’s grace.

Rest In Perfect Peace, Papa!