Pep Talk: "Miss Ya Pops"

Were he still alive, Marvin Walter McIntosh, Jr., would have turned 82 years young recently, January 9th to be exact. Something happened recently in the world of your correspondent drawing this aging jock’s reticular activating system toward the man, who along with the alive-and-feisty Patsy Perry, created me.

I hope this Pep Talk encourages you to reach out and connect with someone else and do one thing: mentor them.

This tale began innocently with the idea of son Kyle appearing on our radio show, The Odd Couple: Afternoon Drive with Mac and Goodman. The 23-year-old comedy writer lives and works in Los Angeles but was in town for the holidays. He’s a big sports fan, has great stories from working in the entertainment industry, is funny and does a great impersonation of British actor/comedian Russell Brand. Kyle has worked on Brand’s variety show among many interesting stops during his early years in the business. Next stop for K-Man is a Comedy Central endeavor, The Nick Kroll Show debuting January 16th. The New York University trained lad’s a hard-working and talented young man with a bright future. I’m proud to be his father and try to let him know without letting him know. Know what I mean? Kids in early adulthood, becoming themselves. As parents, we cheer from the sidelines and hope we’re not perceived as too weird in doing so.

Kyle yukked it up with us on Mile High Sports Radio, we’re on weekdays from 3-6pm, for about 12 minutes. It was a blast. At least for this simple dude from Missouri. The dad. Does it get any better than doing something you love and having those you love along for the ride? We know those moments are precious and few, despite best intentions.

That darn thing called life gets in the way doesn’t it? Yeah, those unexpected and unwanted challenges appear when least expected and most unfortunate. Who wouldn’t want to spend time talking and having fun with loved ones? I know, some would raise their hands insisting, “I like being alone” but most, my opinion, would jump at the chance to spend as much time as possible engaged with those we enjoy. But physical, emotional and financial challenges get in the way. Unfortunate.

Which takes me back to a guy golfing buddies called, “Hacker Mac.” As I sat in studio,  engulfed in joy and banter, with son and friend, co-host Goodman, for whatever reason mind wandered toward my father. He loved to play golf, especially with his sons. Our winter golf trips to Arizona were a blast and have produced great stories I love to share when allowed. Wonderful memories.

If we had the opportunity, considering schedules and health, we would have been on a golf course somewhere to celebrate another year of the journey. The former sales executive, who worked for everything earned in life, would have struck most shots, not long, but right down the middle, while yours truly, trying to crush the ball, would have been erratic off the tee. Later, over beers and surrender of a few bucks, left to wonder, “How in the heck did that happen?”

My father grew up poor, did not have a college degree and suffered a heart attack when just 42-years-old. The father of four battled heart disease but remained active with golf and other stuff, before lung cancer took him almost six years ago at 76.

I learned many things from a man who grew up fast as the oldest boy in a poor family challenged by its father’s abandonment and mother’s death before any of the six kids had graduated from high school. A few things stand out, including, but not limited too: life is rarely fair, keep working hard, be friendly to others and no complaining. Deal with whatever ails you. Be a student, not victim, of life’s experiences.

Miss ya Pops. I hope and pray your grandson, as he grows into his own man, will learn from me what I learned from you. It was a great lesson. Not always easy to follow but so valuable. 

This week, let’s be mentors to someone - home, work or elsewhere - like my old man mentored me. I can guarantee this: we’ll be better for it and, most likely, if the mentoring is productive not destructive, so will the recipients.

Have a great week!