A Grandfather’s Impact
I called my friend Andrew Bart. I knew he could answer my questions. We both spend our mornings in the gym, lifting weights. We use different gyms because we live in different states.
As we were talking, an image of the classic cartoon He-Man came to my mind. So, the next day I sent him a link of a classic He-Man episode through YouTube and designated him as, “He-Man Poppy,” because he’s a physically strong and is just as strong as a father. What I didn’t know is that he has a strong emotional connection to that very character as a result of his maternal grandfather.
Andrew’s childhood memories are not a blurry collection of events, but a series of distinct, brightly-lit vignettes. And, one of his most vivid memories are centered around He-Man, thanks to his grandfather, his beloved Poppy Arnold. He was Andrew’s hero, his best friend, and the keeper of all his best secrets. One of those secrets was their trips to an independent toy store called Big Mo’s, owned by Poppy Arnold’s friend.
Big Mo, was a close friend of Poppy’s. Their friendship was a bond built on shared stories, classic cars, and, unbeknownst to Andrew, a mutual affection for bringing joy to one little boy in particular. The store itself was a wonderland of toys that Andrew had only seen in television commercials. But the true magic wasn’t on the shelves. It was hidden away.
One day, Poppy lead Andrew behind the counter as Big Mo smiled at Andres and pointed to a large cardboard box, its flaps taped shut and a bold, black marker scrawled across its side: "ANDY." Andrew’s small heart pounded with excitement as he asked, “is this box for me?”
Big Mo cut the tape with as large smile creased across his face as an answer. And as he pulled back the cardboard, a vibrant, plastic world was revealed. Inside, nestled among a sea of packing peanuts, were the action figures Andrew had been dreaming of: He-Man, Master of the Universe, standing tall and muscular, ready for battle. Beside him were his arch-nemesis, the ghoulish Skeletor, the fanged Beastman, and a host of other legendary characters. Andrew has never forgotten that moment. It wasn't just a box of toys; it was a connection!
“From that day on, my world was made up of epic adventures. He-Man, Transformers, and GI Joes dominated my imagination. But these weren't just any toys. They were Poppy’s toys,” Andrew says. “He-Man was always my favorite, and I only had the figures and all other items at my Poppy’s house. Every Friday night was a ritual. After my grandparents' spaghetti dinner, we would retreat to the basement. There, on the carpet, the floor became the mythical land of Eternia. The coffee table was Castle Grayskull, and the sofa cushions were treacherous mountains. Poppy would sit with me, his warm presence grounding the wild battles we waged. He would make sound effects for Skeletor's evil laugh and cheer as He-Man raised his sword and yelled, ‘By the power of Grayskull!’”
Those hours were more than just playtime. They were the foundation of Andrew’s relationship with his grandfather. They shared a language of make-believe and adventure, and an understanding between a boy and his grandfather. The toys were simply a vehicle for impactful connection.
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I’m Lynn Butterfield, Real Estate & Lifestyle Expert and Television Host for American Dream TV in Northwest Arkansas. I’ve helped hundreds of Buyers and Sellers, as a real estate agent and Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker, to discover where and how they want to live and work; to achieve what I call Realesation™. That’s why I bring you American Dream TV, Both Sides of the Fence, About the Dish, Monday’s Warm Cocoa and Home by Design Magazine to stir your heart and mind. Contact me so I can join you along your own unique path of discovery.
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