Being Dad & Papa John
June 18th, 2017 by John MorrisI am Dad to my daughter, Beth, son, Adam and daughter-in-law, Yuri. Â There are loads of other people who call me “Papa John”. Â They are led by my grandsons, JJ, Will and Julie Sterling, their Momma.
I’m using the nickname Papa John to honor my Dad, John the first. Â My wife, Lyn tagged him with this name, and it stuck. Â You felt the love when someone said it.
Now when I visit the grandkids, I am in contact with their pint-sized friends and their parents. I ask all to call me “Papa John”. Â It’s a nice tribute, and I’ve gained something extra in the exchange.
Interacting with these younger people makes me feel younger. Â It’s something I feel better than I can explain since my body doesn’t speak English. Â Barriers that exist between the generations do not block our meaningful thought, talk and action. Â I am grateful for my younger peers for this tonic.
There is also another group of young people who uplift me in the same way. Â They come from unrelated sources, but with them, I can feel the decades of differences between us to not matter.
- Jen, Jake & Emily Kuhns; Mark Petrillo, Cassie & Amanda Bryan who together with the Morrises became one large, multiple family tribe.
- Former customer, Tammie Neuin who has been a bright and cheery friend.
- My comedy improv leader, Leah Lawler who has me working beyond my comfort zones and loving the results.
The big problem with lists is somehow you’ll omit obvious people. Â I willing to deal with the fallout.
For now, I’ll offer a Father’s Day thank you to these, and other, young people in my life who have made the weight of my years seem so much lighter.