Thoughts on my Pop-Pop
This Tiger stuffed animal was given to me by Michael on our first date, from the New York City Toys-R-Us before their unfortunate bankruptcy. And for years, I completely overlooked the fact that my grandfather had a unique fascination for tigers. Growing up as a boy, I would see dozens of beautiful tiger photographs on their living room walls. And a few in the guest bathroom; sometimes causing terror when closing the door and seeing a ferocious tiger staring back.
Since receiving the tiger stuffed animal, I have always carried it in my backpack when going on trips or when away from Michael during the beginning of our long-distance relationship. Even this year when I was going through an incredibly difficult mental health breakdown that led to dark thoughts. But all through that time, there was an inner strength of resiliency and good spirit that helped keep me alive.
Spirituality has always been a struggle with me, even as I grew up in Catholic school. But I love thinking of the belief that my Pop-Pop’s loving affection for tigers imbues his own spirit in the stuffed animal that Michael gave me. Thinking about my grandfather’s long 90-year life, I came to the realization that we all have the power to change the world for the better. He used his fitness and teaching abilities to inspire not only his own kids but countless students to become better people.
Given his physical education prowess as a gym teacher and father of seven, Pop-Pop was always on his feet, hitting the pavement or track. There was no question that his stamina could push through any struggle, as he trained for and completed a marathon in his 50’s with his two sons. He has run countless local races, with many ribbons and pictures in his basement gym. A second-generation immigrant from Italy, he married his wife, Catherine McConomy, in Philadelphia before moving his growing family of seven to a suburb of New Jersey. Through twenty years working as a physical education teacher in the Delran school district, he has altered the lives of not only his children but countless students with his positive guidance. He passed away last year near the end of October, culminating ninety years as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, neighbor, coach, and avid runner. His life has imbued a positive force in everyone that has met him, as well as those who only know his reputation as “Mr. Pal”.
My Pop-Pop, Charles Palladino Sr., is an amazing person. And I am eternally grateful that I was able to share a little of his life. As our family understood from watching my grandfather’s wonderful trait of showing his emotions, we should never be afraid to cry and be vulnerable. That openness is a wonderful and powerful gift of humanity. The empathy required for that trait opens so many possibilities to happiness and positive change in others. Our family and everyone that knew him will always remember and cherish the memories. And we will always feel grateful that his spirit left an amazing legacy on the world. And we can all use our own gifts and strengths to improve others just the same.
Rest in peace, Pop-Pop. You deserve it. 💕
