That's Our "Pop-Pop"

Driving to work this morning in my grandfather's car, I peered into the rear-view mirror to see the 'Le Moyne College' window decal that I purchased for him riding with me as the miles rolled by. And I smiled.

I smiled because I successfully slapped a Le Moyne College window decal on my 1953 Penn State University graduate of a grandfather's car and he has been unknowingly driving around with it for YEARS providing free marketing and support for our fellow Dolphin community... SUCCESS!

But the truth is, only part of that story is true. Yes, I purchased Pop-Pop the window decal and, with his permission, I helped him position it on the glass... BUT, he chooses to drive around with it because he enjoys supporting my alma mater. May I note, that there is no trace of anything Penn State on his car... sorry Nittany Lions!

Here's a little backstory... Pop-Pop never missed a single game. Between soccer and lacrosse, home or away, rain or shine or SNOW (a typical occurrence on Syracuse's weather radar), Pop-Pop was on the sidelines sporting the green and gold apparel that Le Moyne Dolphins have grown to know and love and call their own. And now, to current day, PopPop STILL is in the stands of many Le Moyne Athletics events - this time with me beside him - cheering on the Dolphins with his green and gold gear.

So you see, I smiled because, for me, the Le Moyne College window sticker is a symbol for his unwavering support and dedication to not only just my interests, but the interests of ALL of his grandchildren. Between violin and band concerts, school plays, dance recitals, volleyball and lacrosse games, etc... you can count on his familiar face cheering you on in the crowd. Through observation of his mannerisms at his grandchildren's functions - comments during a sporting event, facial expressions, or the fact that he whistled the same verse of the 1812 Overture thirty straight times in the matter of 20 minutes (yes Pop-Pop, Uncle Steve and I were keeping count on New Year's Eve), I am confident in saying that his ability and interest in being one of our biggest fans as we grow through life makes HIM happy... and in doing so, makes US happy as well.

Though I bleed green and gold, there is a bunch of blue and white mixed in my blood as well out of appreciation for my selfless Nittany Lion grandfather who, if you even DARE to bring up the 2017 Rosebowl game to, will probably politely shrug it off and then buy you a nice warm cup of Panera coffee to quickly change the subject.

In conclusion, take the time to notice the individuals who have supported you in the past and recognize the people who are walking alongside of you now - whether it is a family member, a colleague, a friend, etc. Sometimes it just takes a subtle reminder to realize just how much an individual's support means to you - like a Le Moyne College window decal on the back of my grandfather's car. Don't wait to tell them. Tell them now. Thank them. It will brighten their day and, I am sure, it will brighten your day as well.

This one is for you "Pop-Pop"... thank you.

For anyone who wants to listen to the verse that defined my family's New Year's Eve due to Pop-Pop's excessive repetitive whistling count, skip to 16:03 of the 1812 Overture played by my cousin and the rest of the Syracuse Youth Orchestra. If you would like to listen to the whole thing, grab yourself a warm cup of coffee, get comfortable, sit back and relax and press play for 17 minutes of an incredible performance...