I rarely visit any of my grandchildren when this Poppy does not come away with some new life lessons. A few years ago, one of my grandfather therapy sessions (i.e., babysitting) with three of my grandsons provided a prime example of the insights available to anyone who has eyes to see and ears to hear. … Continue reading We All Need A Ninja Zone
Category: Parenting
My Imaginary Friend Did It
My three-year-old grandson ran down the hallway, dashed into our master bedroom, and took refuge in his favorite hiding place - a spot behind my LazyBoy rocking chair. Having just knocked something over in our living room, he knew the noise would bring Poppy to see what havoc his rambunctiousness had wrought. Young Luke sought … Continue reading My Imaginary Friend Did It
A Teachable Moment
It was November 2000 when my twenty-something-year-old daughter, who shall remain anonymous, called me in tears. On her way to a concert in Atlanta, she had been stopped not once, but twice, by the police — an amazing feat I hoped that neither she, nor any of her four siblings, would ever repeat. I … Continue reading A Teachable Moment
Dads Are Always Going To Be Dads
Newsflash, dads are always going to be dads. Just ask Jordan Spieth. Jordan Spieth, 27, is one of the more popular young professional golfers on the PGA Tour. A three-time Majors Champion, and winner of 14 professional tournaments, Spieth is known as one of the nicest guys to play the game. Mothers want to adopt … Continue reading Dads Are Always Going To Be Dads
Fight Like A Girl
As a ten-year-old boy, being told that I threw a ball like a girl was the ultimate insult. Adolescents can be cruel with their verbal barbs. For a young pubescent male, doing anything “like a girl” was akin to being called a sissy. But today, a phrase like “Fight Like A Girl” carries a new … Continue reading Fight Like A Girl
A Grand Day
Since 1978, the first Sunday after Labor Day has been designated National Grandparents Day. The primary intention being the recognition of the importance of seniors and the contributions they have made. Being a grandfather many times over has proven to be every bit the joy I expected. I agree with one pundit who confessed, “If … Continue reading A Grand Day
The Most Successful Man I Ever Knew
On this Father's Day 2020, I thought I might share a reflection about my Dad. A couple of weeks before my Dad passed away in August of 2005, I had the opportunity to sit with him in his hospital room and talk, one-on-one. We talked about his health, about family, and about faith. He … Continue reading The Most Successful Man I Ever Knew
Big Sexy Hair
It started as an innocent conversation. One of those typical dialogues a mother might have with an inquisitive, very bright for his age, six-year-old. Answering the first grader’s incessant questions had become a primary role for his parents. Now, as mom worked on getting her hair ready for a rare evening out with her husband, … Continue reading Big Sexy Hair
A Real Superhero
What is it with children and superheroes? It has become a normal, if not natural part of childhood to become fascinated with mythological caped crusaders who lead exemplary lives, fight evil, and seek to save the world. Who from my generation cannot remember the opening line from a popular television series of the 1950s — … Continue reading A Real Superhero
I Am A Poppy And I Am Not OK
Time for me to fess up. I have recently been diagnosed with a malady that is becoming increasingly common among people my age. During this pandemic, there is more than one virus with which to be concerned. Apparently, I have been infected by it. It’s called Grand-Sep-A-20 or GSA-20 for short. A few weeks ago, … Continue reading I Am A Poppy And I Am Not OK
