Mike Harper 89.5 KVNE Mornings
I'm nowhere near an expert…yet. But after five years of being "Pops,” I've learned enough to offer a few tips on what it takes to be "Grandpa,” "PawPaw, or whatever moniker you've chosen as family patriarch. If you're going to be a grandfather one day, you'll want to stay in shape. There are significant physical demands, not the least of which are day-long excursions to the likes of Six Flags, the zoo, and Splash Kingdom. At first glance this may not sound daunting, but we must remember: We're not in our 30s anymore. It's entirely different now. These are not easy venues to conquer, but in fact quite taxing. You'll be expected to carry the heavy stuff -lots of it - for long distances. Large bags, for example, coolers, backpacks, the baby. Somebody forgot their sunglasses once you've entered the park? You are officially deputized as "Official Gopher" to trek the quarter mile back to the car to fetch them. You must have the stamina and grit to withstand the perils of the "Big Slide.” No, you actually must be able to withstand the STEPS up to the Big Slide. Don't be fooled. These kids make it look easy. And to add insult to injury, they look smug about it.
Pops and his second grandchild, Parker
