P.O.P. - Is it a Name? An Acronym? Both? What does it mean? …
Words aren't enough to describe what this man meant to me. In terms of the name P.O.P., it all started with my senior year math teacher, Mr. Lahey, with whom I've grown close over time. It became a tradition for the Laheys and me to have dinner once a week, which all started when Mr. Lahey asked if I could take his two daughters home one day. Dinner was always followed by a card game, a movie, or a TV show. Around 2020, Mr. Lahey was diagnosed with cancer. During this time, COVID was booming. His doctors didn't allow him many visits, especially if the visitors weren't vaccinated. Knowing this information beforehand, Mr. Lahey still allowed me to see him and his family, even though I wasn't vaccinated.
On one of my visits, as I was leaving, Lahey gave me a hug and said, “Love you, son. See you soon.” My response came naturally, as I replied, “Love you too, Pop.” From then on, there was no Lahey, only Pop. As days passed and Pop had his ups and downs, nothing changed with his character or personality. There was always a smile on his face, and he was always joking around about how cancer might be the best diet plan. On September 1st, 2021, Pop and I were planning a BBQ for the family the next day. We made a list of all the food we were going to prepare; Pop was excited to use the new charcoal grill I got for him, and as always, before I left, he said, “Love you, son. See you soon.” My reply was, “Love you too, Pop. See you tomorrow.” Now, I'm someone who stopped using social media, and as I was getting ready to leave, my momz asked if I had heard the news. I said, “No, what happened?” She told me Pop passed away in the morning of September 2nd, 2021.
I wanted something I could always carry with me that reminded me of him and one of the reasons why I do what I do. I also wanted the name to mean something to other players to implement in their training and everyday life. This is where the acronym comes into play. P.O.P. is not only a reminder of a special person in my life, but it also stands for Patience, Obsession, and Persistence. Those are three things I believe you need to succeed in anything you do in life, especially a goal you want to accomplish. You will hear me repeat these three things to you as a client until it's almost second nature. Pop leaves behind two beautiful daughters, whom I see as little sisters, and a lovely wife whom I call Ma. I know you're watching over me every day Pop and I will continue to make you proud as well as look over your family. As I'm running out of space I'll leave you with as always, “I love you too, Pop. See you soon.”