My Men

As a mommy blogger, I often find myself reading other women’s blogs, I am always reading posts on mom/women discussion forums, and I read a lot of statuses and tweets on social media sites. I am amazed with how many themes are focused around bashing men. Well, let me back up for a brief (and I mean brief) moment. I guess at one point in my life, prior to and just after my divorce I probably was doing my share of men bashing. No, I was doing my share of man bashing (singular). But when I was able to get past that part of history, I was once again reminded of how important it is to have good men in my life. And they have truly made a difference.

Tomorrow, we will say goodbye to Poppy. My paternal grandfather (and the only grandfather I have met as my mother’s Dad passed away before I was born) died in his sleep on Monday morning. Poppy was one unique individual. While he was never wealthy by any means, he was one of the richest men in the world. Married three days shy of sixty-one years to my grandmother (who passed in 2008), Poppy loved to live. He and Grandma had two children, my father and my aunt. They lived to see five healthy grandchildren: myself, my brother and sister and my aunt’s two daughters. Poppy lived to see four-great grandchildren. Grandma died only ten days after my youngest son was born, so although she knew Joseph was home and healthy, she never got to physically see him. They were always surrounded by family and friends, and made every day a joy for all of us.

God was in their marriage and their love and the importance of family was the first and most important theme they passed on to their children. As my parents recently celebrated their thirty-seventh wedding anniversary, I know that it was partially due to my grandparents’ example that they, themselves, have been able to enjoy their lifetime together. The respect I had and always will have for both of my grandparents is amazing. And our patriarch has certainly made a huge impact on my past and my future.

I am blessed with wonderful men in my life. Poppy was a wonderful grandfather. My father is such an awesome support and role model, and his strength and love for us has always been such an inspiration. My “little” brother, now 31 years old, shows many of the qualities and traits of both my father and grandfather, and seeing him interact with my children always makes me smile. After a rocky first marriage, I married the most incredible life partner and friend. They say you look for many qualities of your father in your spouse, and I certainly have the best of both. We strive every day to show our children our love and support not only for them but for each other, and my husband helps me find the strength to tackle each day. And along with my little girl, God has blessed me with the three most beautiful and sweet "little men" I have ever laid eyes on. Louis, Anthony and Joseph are the men that completed my world.

As I try to prepare to say goodbye to Poppy, although I know goodbye is not the best word as he will always be with me, I hope and pray that the other men in my life continue to show his strength, compassion, love and generosity for many years to come. And I pray that as parents, we can raise three little boys to become the same type of men. Something tells me that my grandparents will help us in that goal, as they will always be on my shoulder.

I love you, Poppy.

In memory of Pasquale Aurrichio, 1925-2011


Poppy: You will be forever missed and always loved.

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