It’s the third Friday of the month, the cars slowly begin to
fill the lot and the halls soon are roaming with the chatter of friends. The
gym along with other areas of this building has already been prepared for this
monthly event. Where have they arrived from? What are the stresses that they
bring from the previous month? How might this become a time to be refreshed?
But perhaps the bigger question is why are there men gathered among this group
called ‘MOPS’…Mothers of Preschoolers?
We are part of those called ‘Moppets’. We will gently and
lovingly care for their children while they enjoy their friends, their mentors
and a speaker to encourage their hearts and daily lives.
My all-time favorite picture
At 'Marineland'
You needn’t go far on their website before you discover the
reason that I consider it a privilege to fill the role of ‘moppet’. The first
line says, “MOPS is a grassroots movement that believes moms are world
influencers.” Stop! My mom, Elizabeth (Liz) Anne Jopp was definitely a “world
influencer” for this now senior man. Though her life ended some twenty-six
years ago, still the effect that she had upon my life continues to influence my
daily character. Thanks mom!
Mom, the 4 of us + Nana
I show up on those Fridays to give to these women something
that my mom never had, and something I know would have greatly
encouraged her. You see, my father decided to go onto other ventures in life
when I was not quite seven. It was mom who kept our family of four intact. The
time was the mid 60’s, she was in her early twenties and had yet to receive
either a high school diploma or a drivers license. In just a few short years
she would receive that diploma (something I had the privilege to attend and
hold the tassel until this day) and be driving herself to work, first at Inglewood
School District and later working with Aerospace as an Office Manager. Proud is
such a small word to express how I feel for my mother. She literally worked her
tail off to make the ends meet for us kids. To have had a ‘MOPS’, that would
have been priceless.
After Graduation 1968
So ladies, you thank us for caring for your kids. Well…thank
you for the daily sacrifice that you make. For yes, moms ARE truly “world
influencers”!
One of mom's favorites was Elvis...Here's 'If I Can Dream', was performed in 1968. Could have been sung at mom's graduation...for she was surely dreaming! Today, April Fools 2015, would have been mom's 73rd birthday. To her honor and memory I write this blog.
