Monday, November 10, 2008

I wanna lay on you daddy/Pop’s I’m running the shop today

Its Sunday and I am, Home today. Usually I would have been at my shop by now, for at least a good 3 hours. Now it is double figures in the morning – something I have not had a chance to wake up in since I started my store for dogs and my son returned back to school.

Little momma woke me up. She scatted out of her room on the other side of the house I can imagine and crawled in my bed. I asked if she was ready to eat and she shook her head in the negative and said, “I just wanna lay on you daddy.” I said ok. She arranged the covers and adjusted the pillows and assumed her spot under my arms laying her head on my shoulder, and as she always does, grabbed my arm and placed it around her. With my arm around her waist and my hand on her stomach, she gently rubbed her hands up and down my arms and whispered “love you so much poppa.” I smiled.

As we returned to slumber again, I received a phone call. It was from my son. “Hey man, where you at Jones?” I asked. He responded, “I’m at the shop pops, you stay at home to day, I’m gonna run the shop for us today. You don’t have to come down, Ill catch the train and ride the bike back home.

All I could do was smile. Nothing like a family business but still better than that, nothing like having the two best kids in the whole wide world. I don’t know what it is about them; maybe it’s the way they call me poppa, or just the way they laugh in their usual uncontrollable manner. I have tried in detail to remember when they have not been able to smile or laugh. I do know I see it when I take lil momma to her mom’s house and it crushes me. And I do know I see it when I tell little man he can’t do something or that he is doing something incorrectly. They so head strong and independent – wonder where they got that from.

They both love being at the shop. My son is the CFO on paper, and makes sales, cleans and counts the loot in the cash register each morning and every night at closing. Lil Momma, COO on paper, is always outside asking folks to “come into my daddy’s store” and passing out the shop’s postcards. She sometimes ask me to be quiet when I am telling folks about the products by saying “let me do it, let me show them.” I like, really love it all, especially when she pretends on her play phone to answer it and always with “Braincell.”

I tell ya folk, especially you men who may read this, gotta get you a number one son and a number one daughter, and even more so, start a family business. I mean, dang, best day I done had in a while, just hearing them two phrases: “I wanna lay on you daddy” and “Pop’s, I’m running the shop today.”

79 comments:

Sista GP said...

My most fave post, cuz.

Congrats on a great family!

Sista GP said...

Oooh, my first being first!!!

Lina said...

That made me think about almost wanting to think about finding a way to have children. That was a beautiful post and you have beautiful children. Many blessings to you and yours.

Anonymous said...

Loving this post. This is the way I want to raise my own kids - to be responsible, accountable and appreciatiative. You are doing an incredible job and have every right to be a proud papa. Peace & blessings to you and yours.

Seymone said...

Nice. Thats the magic of children.. I love mines.

Anonymous said...

Wow, excellent post! You are a wonderful father, and you have been blessed with amazing kids!

Kitty said...

what a beautiful family you have.

MP said...

this is such a nice post! I'm guessing that is it moments like these that make up for all the other unpleasant ones... I just might have kids after all... Seriously.

Unknown said...

It nice when the kids get old enough to help...Especially when they do it out of kindness and you don't have to ask..

Lil Momma is getting big...Too cute

Dallas Black said...

Ahh shucks, nice post dude. Quite inspirational.

uNWrItten* said...

absolutely precious...:)

Kofi said...

A good look, indeed.

L said...

great post rdb... it's extremely heart warming to hear about the love you have for your children. even more so to have it xpressed for the world to see.

NoRegrets said...

Aw, that's so wonderful!

Wes said...

What you have is soooo very special. Thumbs up to good kids with great manners AND brains, they're the best (and I don't even like kids!)

President Anthony Taurus said...

GOOD SHIT MAN.. I don't have any kids so I am good for now LOL

Gorgeous Geek said...

AWWWWWWW!!! She's so cute

=]

& I see COO and think amino acids... i need a break!

Shelly- Mom Files said...

Now that is what I'm talking about right there! This is why my hubby works so hard so his children can finish their schooling and run the FAMILY business. Every good man has something to leave to his children and his children's children. Very lovely post and I know the feeling of having the best kids in the world!

you better watch out because it sounds like the kids can outsell you already! Have a great and successful week :)

Anonymous said...

This is the best thing I have encountered today!

My love to you and yours, Bro'.

T.Allen said...

What a beautiful family and post!

Unknown said...

you have a great fam and your a good father.

Amina said...

aaaw....that is one of my favorite posts!!!
your kids are so beautiful :)

Tera said...

That story made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!!! I hope my sons grow and mature to be just as responsible...you have great kids Torrance! :)

Diti said...

That was sweet. Brightened my day.

Keith said...

Hey man, I can certainly get next to that...You are blessed to have two good kids like that.

Unknown said...

Torrance, this is so heartwarming..thank you..it made my morning here on the left coast. ;)

QuietStorm said...

Beautiful!

CapCity said...

This is my new favorite post of yours, T-Dawg!

Unknown said...

This is an excellent post home skillet! And I agree wholeheartedly with both pieces of advice ... get some good children and get a family-based business!

peace, Villager

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

Lovely. Your children are as lovely as you are.

Mz. SassynKlassy said...

This is the kutest post ever. You know it's amazaing when you can share your life and knowledge with someone else. It's not that many fathers out there that take the time to be readily in their children's lives so I commend you for that. Visit me sometimes

Mz. SassynKlassy said...

This is the kutest post ever. You know it's amazaing when you can share your life and knowledge with someone else. It's not that many fathers out there that take the time to be readily in their children's lives so I commend you for that. Visit me sometimes

Anonymiss said...

You're most def a great dad. This post really touched me.

Miss Toya said...

All I can come up with to say to this is "awwwwwwwww". :-)

rainywalker said...

Children are wonders and always leave me amazed. Keep on loving them!

Miriam said...

Sweet! May you have lots of joy from your children! And lots of profit from your store!

Big Man said...

I got a number one son.

I'm kinda hoping for number two when my wife pops out the little one, but I'll be cool with a daughter.

Little girls are a trip though.

Anonymous said...

The best post.. On top of that i understand what you talking about lol.

Kayta Hackman said...

Oh how beautiful! You are definitely a blessed man.

I hope I make my papa this happy.

paisley said...

and why wouldn't they be amazing... they got you all runnin' around in them!!!!

they are ever so fortunate to have a dad that loves them like you do....

Anonymous said...

Torrance I appreciate the passion with which you deliver your post and this one is no exception. A good stand-up brother deserves such wonderful children.

Jewelry Rockstar said...

Hey your shop is around the corner from my business. My husband and I run an advertising & design agency at Studioplex. If you need any advertising let me know. Keep up the good work as father and business owner.

Pamela said...

Idea for the store - do they make like chew toys or some such thing that people would be interested in getting as a souvenier of Atlanta? Something not so expensive so it's not a big thought to buy it?

Mimi said...

Your kids are adorable!! :)

Little girls are the best!

Sauce said...

Good post to read after getting home from picking my #1 son up from his second day @ his first job.

Curious said...

I'm glad for you that you can appreciate what you have. Recognizing family and love and responsibility should mean almost everything if not everything to an adult. A lot of people have it but don't see it.

But I've said it before and I;ll say it again that little one has you wrapped around her finger and 10, 15 years from now you'll see what I mean.

RunningMom said...

I have my #1 son, still working on the #1 daughter. Little girls are so darn cute and yours is no exception. Cuddle time was always my favorite. I rocked my son to sleep every night until he was too big to rock.... now, he's almost as big as me. It goes by so fast.

I have one more year of school and then we'll see about starting that family business...

Anonymous said...

awwww, you got a sweet little angel there....

Linda said...

Awwww isn't that just THE cutest post to be put on a blog..... EVER? ;)

I still can't believe how similar our little girls are, because that's the first thing ours will say when she wakes up on a weekend. (Yeah, a total daddy's girl too..)

You really made my day with this one! :) Greetings from the netherlands!

Anonymous said...

I have a number one son and a number one daughter and, like you, I don't think that there's anything better in this world than their smiles and their laughter. Mine are 23 an 21, respectively, but, that laughter is always present.

For today, I'll let you believe that you have "the two best kids in the whole wide world". What a feeling. Peace.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

Sista GP
thanks cuz, whats being first, and i see how u get down with your kids - hats off to u as well

Lina
thank u and u should have kids if u will love them completely

Avid Writer
thanks folk, but they still takiong the test - i hope they will be

Seymone
and a fine parent i am certain u are as well maam, thank u

Bohemian Chick
yep they are a blessing

Kitty
thank u, i think so

MP
yep get u a few kids - will put life in perspective

Traycee
yep she grown, gotta keep a purse with some money's in it lol

Dallas Black
thanks my brother in Finland

uNWrItten*
i think so too

Kofi
thanks folk

L
thank u i am doing a psa to warn the world what is coming at them lol

NoRegrets
out the mouths of babes

Wes
i hope u would like mine maam lol

President Anthony Taurus
it will hit u and when u do, u will never have a love as theirs

Gorgeous Geek
thanks and yes u do, keep that 3.7 folk or else

Sheliza
mommy u know know i know about u too, im trying to leave them something, i really am thanks


BuelahMan
thanks fam, makes remember how my mindless economic banter dont mean jack, how is my sis in law?

T.Allen-Mercado
thank u sister, but u know too what im talking about

memphiz
thanks babe, i hope they see me as such


Amina
glad it made u smile sister

Tera
dont moms always feel warm and fuzzy inside lol. thank u

Diti
they would appreciate hearing that thanks

Keith
i know u do grandpops extraordinaire. thanks

Dusty
kids got the power of hoo doo


Soulstress
my thoughts exactly

CapCity
u jus wanna spoil lil momma again - lol

Villager
I know u know to dad - wish i could have seen the tripple3 overtime game


Lovebabz
y thank u my fav. Executive Producer

Silent Kandy Screamz
thank u, i cant help it, its like every day


Anonymiss
i desire to be and try but thanks u very much

Miss Toya
look at u getting all soft


rainywalker
Yes they are and I will

Miriam
y thank u sister. i hope to do just that

Big Man
LOL, yep they are and as Curious said, she will have u wrapped

KoffeeD
lol thanks sister. I changed link at bottom of page

MissAfro
Im sure u will and thanks hon


paisley
they are the world to me, even before the econmy and politics lol

nicki nicki tembo
thank you, from one proud parent to another


Jewelry Rockstar
you should stop by for some vino one day


Pamela
sounds like a great one to me, thanks

Mimi
thank u maam

Sauce
way to go proud poppaq. how is the crib?

Curious
it does man, and you have said it i guess i will have to admit it. thaqnks


RunningMom
they are all special. and finisih school and get started

Kin'shar
thank u do all women say that lol

Linda
Thanks and they look a lot alike too

freedom
thanks folk, lets agree to share the wealth in greatness of our seed

Mizrepresent said...

Beautiful. Family is a beautiful thing! Kudo's to you. Lil mama is extra special!

Anonymous said...

Sweet blog! You are blessed! Kids are awesome!

Drea Inspired said...

Oh my goodness...

Just reading this post, I think I just lost the argument with my husband about waiting a few more years to have kids.

I love this...

NoRegrets said...

You know, I like gmail, but it's a pain to move back and forth between accounts. That was me with the idea for the store...

Anonymous said...

This is the best thing I've read this week! I'm sure every parent can relate, 'cause I know that my daughter is the best thing in my life. I don't know about her going into the family business though with her language disability, but she does love music! She always wants to help me teach. She pretends to teach her Barbies how to sing - it's very cute.

It's really wonderful to see someone appreciate their kids so much, and to see that those kids appreciate you just as much. That's quite a testament to what a good poppa you are.

Judy / IslandBroad said...

Very refreshing to see a man who expresses the joy that his children bring him rather than seeking praise in what he does for his children. Let me elaborate.

I work for a family law attorney and I witness men detailing what they think are accomplishments regarding their children. "I bathe them, I feed them, I take care of them when they are sick, etc. etc." Then they end it with "Oh I love doing it though." Just once I wish was I were at liberty to say "That is what a daddy does", but due to work ethics I cannot. I may be just jaded and cannot see it from their point of view but isn't that what parents do? Isn't the ultimate goal to see them being happy & successful? {shrugs}

Kudos for not trying to get praise but sharing w/ us how much joy your children bring you. Have a great week.

Rich Fitzgerald said...

Yeah folk, I'm feeling this one too.

socre8eve said...

Absolutely wonderful post...I wish you and yours all the best.

Still Patrice said...

You already know I LOVE this post, right!
I love your family unit :)

Still Patrice said...

You already know I LOVE this post, right!
I love your family unit :)

James Tubman said...

great kids man

hope i can have some little crumb snatchers like that one day

t y said...

Sounds like you're definitely doing something right. Sounds like you have two wonderful blessings in your life.

I love hearing these types of stories. Beautiful.

Anonymous said...

That's really sweet. It almost makes me jealous because I wish I could've had a relationship with my dad the way you have with your kids. I've tried, but its hard when he's always trying to do things out of self interest. I do congratulate you in where a lot of parents are failing today's youth, you have exceeded in your endeavours. Keep up the good work! :-)

Tammy said...

Beautiful. You are very blessed to have one another.

Unknown said...

Imagining the father that you are to these two beautiful children makes my heart smile. I wish more men would follow your lead.

I was blessed that God provided me with a man I loved that would also love his children.

My kids want grow up like I did leaving the section on all your official documents that says "Father's Name" blank.

You are a good man.

Peace...
Roschelle

KIKI said...

T, now that's what's up!! Reading this made me feel all warm 'n fuzzy inside. Got me smilin from ear to ear.

I feel the same way bout my lil men.

Melody.Darlene said...

awwwwe this post was really soup for tha soul!!

but quick question... what happens when u have a number 2 daughter or son?? then what?? we cant be havin favorites... or can we?!

lolol!

SjP said...

yeah - they do warm your heart don't they?

Unknown said...

What up big bruh!
you know I already got a number one son (just gotta toughen him up a bit) and working on a number one daughter. I love the ethics that you've taught your kids and how close your family is. I truly look up to you and I try to achieve that with my family. I guess I need to get a family business going huh? he's into reading and writing like me so maybe that's an idea. lol

Lena said...

This is just the sweetest and most beautiful thing.

Charece said...

Awww...we need more fathers like u today!

BOUTBIZNIS.NET said...

"i wanna lay on you daddy/Pop's I'm running the shop today"

This is an awesome example of what love and family is, every black man and woman should read this and think how they spend their day with their children. Props to you and your family, what a blessing to see your creations development into their own self with your guidance. Peace & Respect to you, my friend.

T.a.c.D said...

absolutely beautiful!

Sane said...

I love your kids and I don't even know 'em! I'm sure they're a chip off the 'ole block. Beautiful post!

Sunshine K said...

That was such a wonderful post! Sounds like you're doing a great job with your kids.

CordieB said...

Dawg. . . you're determined to make me cry aren't you? I told you about writing these touching articles. . . too much... let me grab my tissues.

Great story! Stay blessed and stay thankful! Isn't life Grand?

Peace, Light and Love to you and yours. . . CordieB.

Sister Girl said...

A beautiful piece of writing indeed !

T.

Miz Cheekz said...

i adore the posts you write about your kids. nice thing you got goin on with your fam. i'm glad you're doin your thing when it comes to taking care of your kids.