I have vivid memories of my grandfather, Joseph Johnson, sitting on the bed with his eyes closed. He would listen to the local news on the radio rather than watch television. He never argued with my grandmother; instead, he gazed at her in awe during their interactions. One of his remarkable gifts was his ability to dream up lucky numbers for the weekly community numbers game.

I remember him asking me to buy a book with symbols to use for his number selections. I couldn't understand why he often won but rarely spent a dime. I once asked to accompany him to the Brooks Brothers department store on 5th Ave hoping for a meal. He took me to a Nathan's hot dog restaurant, and while I dreamed of delicious food, he ordered just a glass of milk and a slice of apple pie. I was floored! When I returned home, I immediately told my grandmother about it.

Her voice rang out, "Joe, why didn't you buy the boy something other than milk and apple pie?" But he remained silent. After that, I never traveled with my grandfather again.

What makes my grandfather, Joseph, memorable is his ability to save so much money. Many years later, my aunt moved from Georgia, searched for, and found a beautiful three-story home in the Bronx for us to relocate from Harlem, NY. He supported my grandmother through every issue and situation.