(Continuation)
So as the kid sits down beside me, he buckles up, and completely looks str8 ahead...well, sort of. You know, faced str8, but looking through the corner of the eye. He was definitely anticipating some interaction; he just didn't really know how to break the ice, or, was it the fact that he was doing something people twice and/or three times his age doesn't often exhibit at times? Was this 8 year old kid showing respect AND self restraint? Whatever the case was, Pope had to speak to the kid, if only to make sure that he wasn't in a shock induced coma. Pope asked the kid how was he, in which he replied, "fine." Pope asked the kid his name in which he told me (and Pope doesn't remember it as he writes), then I introduced myself in which he immediately respond, "I know who you are." I mean, this lil 8 year old was very intelligent, witty, and respectful. Long story short, Pope had yet to have any sleep within the past 20 hours so he informed the kid that Pope would be heading to Nevaland (to sleep) when the plane takes off, but Pope wanted to make sure that he left a lasting impression on the kid. Pope didn't want the kid who had been so respectful and patient to think that Pope was snubbing him. Pope then took out his iPhone, open the iTunes video gallery, and asked the kid if he'd liked to watch a movie, to which the kid responded "yes." Pope turned around and informed his mother of his decision to which she thought it would be awesome if Pope would allow him to do such a thing on Pope's personal iPhone (But seriously, the kid was running the show anyways.) Pope gave the kid his phone, placed it on the movie, and then went off into Nevaland. Upon landing, the movie was just ending. It was perfect timing. When getting of the plane, the attendants and even the captain all thanked Pope for being a true professional about the situation. The kids father and sister (who Pope didn't know was aboard the plane) was thrilled over his son's and her brother's experience, and they all felt that their trip had already been worth while and that if they never make it to Disney Land, it would be okay with them. So they took a picture with Pope, and then Pope gave the kid an autograph pic, and a Dinero Buck. His family celebrated as if they had just won the fast money round on Family Feud.
So let's do a quick recap of the 2 part PSW: Pope no sleep, 2 hour delay, bag issues, problem with bag, man wanna beat up Pope, more bag problems, man really wanna beat up Pope, the man is really asking for a pimp slap, Pope sits, kid sits, brief interaction, Pope gives kids movie on his iPhone, plane lands, autographed pic and Dinero Buck, family celebrated like they won Family Feud.
The point of Pope sharing this story is simple; one must always be on alert and aware of their action as you never know just WHO is watching you, or more importantly, looking up to you. Your actions can either have a positive effect, or negative effect on your peers. Just imagine what could've happened if Pope had of went into Pope mode on that rude dude? Do you think the kid's mother would've allowed him to sit by Pope? Would that kid have even wanted to sit by Pope after such? The flight attendants and even the captains may have had a different view about YOUR Pope, and wrestlers in general, even if one may have considered Pope's retaliation justifiable. Bottom line is that Pope is very happy and proud to have represented the "Wrestling Community" amongst the mass THAT day, because many people got off the plane with a totally different view of how "WRASSLERS" carry themselves.
This truly was an eye opening experience because Pope still wonders what it may have been like if he took the alternative way of dealing with the rude dude. Because of this experience, Pope's patience and tolerance have grown to a new level. The funny thing is, the kid and his parents were all thrilled about the lasting impression that Pope left on their son, when in all truthfulness, it was the kid that left a lasting impression on Pope!~ PHS
**CAYDEN (His name just came to me) if you ever get a chance to read this, THANKS ALOT PAL!**
Mon, 01/18/2010 - 11:00pm | 
Elijah
