For 97-year-old Grover Roark, the holiday season is a time to count his blessings. Though he doesn’t recall much about Christmas trees or church programs from his childhood, he holds on to cherished memories of simpler times.
Speaking recently at a Patrick County Seniors meeting, Roark took a few minutes to reflect on Christmases past and share a favorite Christmas memory from 1937, when he was just nine years old. That year, he received an autoharp and an apple and orange.
“That was the biggest and grandest thing ever,” Roark said, recalling the joy of receiving an apple and an orange alongside his new instrument.
When asked if he learned to play the autoharp, Roark admitted with a chuckle that he never quite mastered it. He said he had lessons, but just didn’t catch on. Despite this, music played a significant role in his life. He and his late wife enjoyed singing together, and Roark has written several songs and poems over the years.
“Songs should have a message, not just be words put together,” he said.
He also recounted that his uncle wanted him to go to Nashville with him and sing to perform with famed country music figure Ralph Emery. “My uncle liked to drink too much; I couldn’t handle that,” Roark said, explaining why he declined the invitation.
One particularly memorable Christmas in the 1930s came with an unusual twist. Roark’s father made a promise to the family: if their cow “came fresh” — a term for giving birth and producing milk — they would take a trip to Virginia Beach. Hoping for the trip, young Roark remembers sitting on a stump and praying earnestly for the cow to come fresh.
And so, it did. His father kept his word, and the family went to the beach for three days, crossing on the ferry and spending the night in a Richmond hotel on the return trip.
“The Good Lord has blessed me,” Roark reflected. “I don’t ever feel bad, don’t get sick, live alone, still work, and drive wherever I want to go.”
Roark, who lives in Sandy Ridge, N.C., leads an active life. He tends to a garden, keeps honeybee hives, and sells his produce and honey from his booth at the Patrick County Farmers Market. A man of simple pleasures, he finds joy in church, gardening, and reading.
“I don’t like TV,” he admitted.
Roark worked for General Mills for 32 years and six months without missing a single day. He and his wife, who passed away along with one of their two sons, built a life defined by hard work and faith.
Despite his age, Roark said it is unbelievable that he is doing as well as he is at his age, “My bones are wore out, so I can’t walk too good and I can’t hear too good.”
Otherwise, he is doing well, as he was told at a recent doctor’s visit. There, his physician marveled at his vitality, predicting he could live another 20 years. Roark’s response?
“I told the doctor he was wrong. I’m going to live 40 more years.”
Roark credits his longevity to a daily spoonful of honey, a ritual he believes has been key to his health.
As Christmas approaches, Roark feels both festive and content. For him, the holiday season serves as a reminder of the blessings life offers — if we take the time to appreciate them.
What a treasure and what assurance it is that Christmas is coming. Blessings are near to all of us if we just take a few minutes to consider it.
