They Call Him [Big] Poppy

I know, I know. Anybody that knows anything about Major League Baseball would assume these few lines are to be filled with the latest stats or rants by the Dominican born slugger for the Boston Red Sox. I'm sorry if I let you down!

Poppy is the name my dad bears among his grandkids. He's the guy responsible for handing down our family name and a few traits, habits, and tendencies that I've grown to either enjoy or despise. Nevertheless, he's my dad and I wouldn't trade that for anything in this world. 

Growing up, I was a daddy's boy. Everywhere he went, I went. To the neighbors' house, church, grocery store, to feed our dogs. I was tagging along on the heels of my hero.

Dad's Passion
By passion, let's simply say a love and joy for life. Dad is a working man, a family man, a man's man. He hasn't been lethargic, uninvolved, or emotionless. He has shown great enthusiasm toward a variety of interests such as working, sports, and hunting. His passions have been influential in shaping our interests and it's allowed us to pass those interests on to the next generation of our family.

Dad's Presence
Most of my favorite childhood memories occurred at the sports fields, hunting fields, and church yards. There were days when his arrival home from work had awaiting him at the door a ball and glove enticing him to go back outside to play. And almost always, he gladly obliged. As a father, he has unquestionably fulfilled his responsibility to be present.

Dad's Provision
Growing up, we never did without; we always had enough. Like many other families, we experienced the difficulties of financial strain, but dad (and mom) always provided for us kids. His commitment to providing for the family created a sense of security that allowed us to rest comfortably in his care.

Now That I'm A Dad
Now that I'm a dad I can look back and see, perhaps, there has been some wisdom gleaned from my dad's influence in my life. So, son, until you can read this on your own, here are some things I want to be sure you know.

By God's grace:
1. I will love you with all my heart.
2. I will be present in every season of your life.
3. I will provide the basic necessities of life.
4. I will teach you to work hard, play well with others, and rest often.
5. I will lead you where I believe God is leading me.