This is me and my grandson... pops/papalito. Someone asked me where I got the word pops from and why do you call him papalito.. for me it is little Papa. In my family he will become a "Papa" but what does that mean??.. Other than this little guy let me share this with you..
In our family the word "Papa" is the highest honor a man can hold. It means he is the head of his household and extended family. He is both a moral and spiritual leader. He must show great patients and compassion but not be hesitant to use the rod of obedience. Let me share with you three great men in my life that are Papa's..
First there was the original, Henry aka. Bud. He was a dark skinned dark haired handsome man. ( Not just cause we look alike) He was quiet and gentle in the way he talked to everyone and treated everyone equal. He was also a very hard worker. I remember him coming home from working at the mines all day just to pack up the truck and go up the mountain to a lady's cabin to weld some pipes that broke. He taught me work ethic and to have a gentle manner. Papa Bud taught me to work hard but also to take time for your family and play hard as well. He passed when I was 12.
Second was my father Johnny B. There is not enough space on the Internet for me to write what I have learned from this man. First off you have to understand that early on he was gone allot ( therefore the influence of Papa Bud) but it was not his fault as he was in the Air Force and we were at war in the late 60's early 70's. He taught me that sometimes a man has to deny himself and make sacrifices for the good of his family. But God in his wisdom, planted us in paradise aka Victorville, and he got to stay home more right at the time I need him most. Never misjudge the wisdom of the Lord. Johnny taught me love of God and servitude. Serving not only God but your fellow man. He also instilled into me love of family and my passion for sports. It is also where I get my humor. I miss our talks that only a son and father can share and comprehend. He was my rock and always told me to "test it with the word for truth ". I love and miss him.. He passed when I was 44.
The last man in my life is my son Marcos. He is truly a man of God. I see a man with all the qualities,that I failed to live up to, passed through me to him from these other great men. I stand in awe of him and he make me strive to be a better man. He is just now going to be a father.. and I know he will be a great one, but one day he will truly hold the title of Papa and I can pass with no regrets...
So now I get to be the Papa and share myself ( what the others have taught me ) with the new line of Papa's and thank God for the days I have left and the eternity I have been given by his grace.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Peace and thanks for listening.....
