The Power of Popcorn

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Power of Popcorn, The

by: Eckerson, , Source Unknown

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I crept up to the door and knocked.

I was scared -- just a little -- but far too excited to pay the fear

much attention.

A gruff voice bellowed (just another part of the routine), " Who is

it? "

Quietly, I whispered, " It's , Mr. Hoag. "

" What do you want? " he yelled. (As if he doesn't already know.)

Larger than life is the image that approached the back door. His low,

raspy voice bellowed out of his warm, smiling face. A smile is all I

needed! I am instantly reassured and feel welcomed. In a matter of

seconds, I lead my gang of four or five neighborhood kids and two

brothers through the house to the living room.

There it was -- the complete set-up. Two chairs, facing each other,

on either side of the square iron floor register. In the center of

the register sat a huge, yellow enamel wash basin filled to the rim

with fresh hot popcorn.

Mr. Hoag knew the way to my heart was through my nose!

I was the undisputed most dedicated popcorn lover of the whole group

of kids living on the hill. The aroma filled the air and caused a

magnetic attraction... kids and snacks, a natural combination. There

was no better smell on earth than Mr. Hoag's home-grown, fluffy,

white kernel popcorn. On a little wooden stool sat a stack of white

paper bags.

One by one, we took our turn sitting on the chair opposite this grand

man, chatting with him while he fills our bag.

He listened to each one of us with great interest. Whether we told

him our troubles or victories, he listened intently. Our words were

important to him. Our opinions mattered to him. He never made fun of

us or what we told him. He said few words but we knew we were valued

and worthy of this man's attention. After all, he took the time to

make us popcorn and to listen.

We each gave him a heartfelt thank you and a warm hug, even the boys

did! Well, except for and . They were the older ones and Mr.

Hoag acknowledged their " big-boy " status with a handshake.

On the couch, at the other end of the living room was his beautiful

wife, grinning as she watched the parade. Although they had no

children of their own, Mrs. Hoag, an English teacher at my school and

Mr. Hoag were child-friendly folks. They loved us and we could feel

it. Cared for and strengthened, we confidently ran off, treats in

hand.

I'm not sure what we loved more... the popcorn, or Mr. Hoag! I do

know that I was a scapegoat for my peers at school, with their

childish and often painful pranks. My parents loved me and suffered

when I came home crying from school. They told me of my worth and

encouraged me as best they could. But, typical of a child, I thought

they had to say all that!

They were my Mom and Dad and had to love me.

So, heavenly backup was provided and my self-esteem was restored

nightly, by a 75-year-old, ornery, teddy bear who knew the power of

popcorn. He used that delicious treat to show how he cared for not

only me, but for all the neighborhood kids.

I am so thankful that this wonderful man took the time and effort to

make a difference in our lives.

Showing interest, acceptance, and love took so little time. But the

affects will be with us for a lifetime and with our children, too.

* So, pull up a stool here and tell me all about what you feel, think

and hope for.......and have some popcorn.