John, Jack, Jackie, Poppa. These names all tell us who we are talking about, but who the man was. Poppa had a heart of gold. I first met Poppa about ten years ago when I started dating Cindy. I as nervous that day I first was to meet her parents, but within minutes, I was made to feel like I was family. Poppa was a big part of that. Quick witted, and always playful. You could always count on Poppa saying goodbye to you out the back door and before you came around the house, he had run through the house and was on the porch waving goodbye.
His heart went beyond family as he was always at my niece Nicky's softball games. Oh not like most parents or grandparents who came and cheered. No, Poppa would hit BJ;s and get a big container of bubble gum or something to pass out to the girls on the team.
He always had that twinkle in his eye that made you know he was "up to no good". He would always be prodding one of the kids to pull a prank on someone at the family gatherings. Bring out cake and ice cream and Poppa was just one of the kids.
Not long after I came to meet him, the signs of Altzheimers started showing. Soon he lost his mobility as his license was taken away. We got him a golf cart to get around the over-55 village he lived in.
For those of us left behind, it is bittersweet. While we love Poppa and will miss him so much, in the end, he is in a much better place. He has joined his son, Eddy, and his daughter, Cheryl.
We love you and we will miss you Poppa, but know that you are forever in our hearts.
My heart to your heart, one heart, one spirit.
