by Shannon Popkin | Sep 24, 2012 | Compassion, Father, Humility, Kids' Perspective
When Lindsay was a toddler, she would often climb up in Ken’s lap while he was sitting in his recliner over in the corner. It didn’t matter if he was taking a nap or talking on the phone. She would bring her little Good Night, Moon book, climb into his...
by Shannon Popkin | Aug 20, 2012 | Family, Father, Hospitality, Kids' Perspective, Writing
Yesterday, I had my arms loaded up with good deals, and was headed up to the check out when a hanger slipped off one of the shirts I was carrying. Before I could bend down to get it, a little girl–probably about four years old–skipped over to that spot and...
by Shannon Popkin | Apr 19, 2012 | Father
I went out with a guy in college, named Dean*, who carried a picture in his wallet of his dad. It wasn’t a recent picture. It had been taken back when his father was about Dean’s age–maybe 19 or 20 years old.Dean was always pulling the picture out to...
by Shannon Popkin | Nov 16, 2011 | Communication, Father, Leadership
When I was a young teacher, my principal called me into his office a few minutes before the school day was to begin. He wanted to talk to me about James. But the thing was, we had just talked about James. The day before. We had exhausted the subject. And so I nodded...
by Shannon Popkin | Oct 5, 2011 | Father, Kids' Perspective, Parenting
My husband is selflessly available to our kids, and they know it. If he’s in the room, they’re constantly saying, “Hey, Dad… Hey, Dad…” If he’s somewhere else in the house, but they know he’s home, they will find him....
by Shannon Popkin | Sep 28, 2011 | Father
Here in Grand Rapids, we’re hosting our annual Art Prize event, which always reminds me of this story, which occurred the first time our family attended:We were gazing at some of the outdoor sculptures when we bumped into some old family friends, the Smiths*,...