Robert Kenui Pope, like all parents and grandparents was extremely proud of all of our kids and grandsons. One memory is highlighted today because our grandson Nathan just won the 2014 Ringside World Championship Title Belt for his age/weight bracket.
In February of this year, myDarlin’ and I drove to Chatanooga for the Georgia Tennessee Games, and we watched Nathan bring home the gold medal. We were both so proud when the emcee announced Nathan as the reigning National Silver Gloves Champion. Robert, or as our grandchildren call him – Tutu Chef, sat ringside in Nathan’s corner and was there to greet him when he came out of the ring.
When our son Michael gave his tribute during Robert’s Memorial Service, he shared that Robert was always in your corner. Whether you are one of his immediate family or friend, you are Ohana and Robert always encouraged you and wanted the best of everything for you. And it is natural for us to want to do our best to make the coach proud.
Nathan placed one of his gold medals on his Tutu Chef’s chest during the Memorial Service and promised to win his next match the following weekend for him. As with life, we don’t win every time, and Nathan lost his next match. In his disappointment, his Father (my son & his coach), reassured him that it is not all about winning, but doing our best.
Today I am filled with gratitude that Robert was a coach for so many; encouraging us to do our best to meet the challenge, being there to reassure us when things don’t go as expected and celebrating our successes with us. As Mike & Nathan said about this victory, ‘Tutu was definitely in our corner.’
#KeepLookingUp
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