Several years the Hopper family gathered in Montgomery, Alabama for the wake of my aunt Gertrude. It was one of the few occasions that the extended Hopper family was together. It seems that funerals have been the reason for our coming together. Problem is there are getting fewer of us.
As Hopper kin we were taught respect, especially to women, children, the elderly, and especially toward people that are not able to care for themselves. Hoppers do not mind stepping in when there is disrespect.
At the funeral home a young boy walked into the chapel wearing a baseball cap. My uncle Cliff jerked the small boy around and told him to show respect for Aunt Gertrude and yanked the ball cap from his head. The young boy tried to resist but Uncle Cliff “got his attention” and the embarrassed lad skedaddled.
The young boy was not part of the Hopper family but that did not matter. Uncle Cliff in a few brief moments explained to the young man to have respect. Hoppers were taught not to wear hats in church, something that amazes me about today’s culture. It is amazing how many men and boys wear caps at the table. That was a big no no at the Hopper table or when we had the honor and privilege to dine at a restaurant. The legendary Coach “Bear” Bryant would not wear his famous hound’s-tooth hat in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. He said he was taught not to wear a hat inside.
Wearing hats inside has to be the product of a generation that knows not a father. Shame on a society that dad is absent and the media that glorifies the buffoonery of the stupid dad. It is the breakdown of family which was ordained in the Garden of Eden.
When I attended the University of Montevallo in the 1980’s, a male student wore a hat into Dr. Morgan’s history class. Dr. Morgan politely asked the student to remove his hat. The student was indignant and refused which did not fare well with Dr. Morgan. Dr. Morgan told the student if he did not remove the hat that he had to remove himself from the classroom.
The student said that the reason for the cap was he did not have time to comb his hair. Dr. Morgan reminded him that it was his classroom and to remove the hat or get out. The student removed his hat and would have made Alfalfa of the Little Rascals proud.
As a returning adult to the University, I tried to be kind and courteous toward everyone. One day I held the door open for another returning adult. As she approached, she began to use some very ugly language. She told me that she could open the @#$& door her @#$& self and did not need a @#$& male chauvinist pig to open it for her.
I said, “You are welcome. My mamma told me to be a gentleman every chance I got and to hold a door open for a lady. Undoubtedly, you’re not one. Have a great day!”
It is amazing at the number of people that smile when you show them respect. One day a friend said, “I notice that every time you speak to a child you lower yourself.” I told my friend that I get down looking them in the eye. I show them respect.
Recently in Wal-Mart, a little boy was checking his blood pressure. Filling out his info on the machine he asked me how to spell Michael. I could tell that he had special needs, so I took time to help him. We enjoyed sharing with each other. I went over to another aisle and another special needs boy said, “My name is Tommy, what’s yours? His mother scolded him. I smiled a big smile and said Bobby.” His mother smiled a big smile. Both boys helped make it a great day. I told my wife if a third special needs child spoke to me it would be a special word from God.
I’m thankful the Hoppers continue to teach and show respect.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another Romans 12:10 KJV
“Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:32
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Such a lovely and inspiring post, Bobby. Children are amazing. Children with special needs are precious. God bless you, thank you so much for sharing. Warm greetings from a 68 year old retired lady living in Montreal, Canada.
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