My name is Paul and I‘m kirbysman at Allpoetry
My birthday is Sept. 26 and I’m a husband of 48 years, father of five and grandfather of nine. Also, at Allpoetry, there are 12 who call me "dad" and 14 who call me grampa. Some I have spent hundreds of hours chatting with while others, not quite so much. Yet, I love them all in a very special way. Three of them I’ve had the privilege of meeting in person and those occasions were wonderful and filled with joy and sharing.
I live in Pickerington, Ohio with my wife, Kathy, and our Weimaraner, Zoey, and have for the last five years. Before that I spent five years in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and before that, my first 58 years in the Columbus, Ohio area.
I love it here because I see deer and other wildlife close to my home. I can be in the country in five minutes, but also in the center of Columbus in about 15 minutes. It gives me the best of both worlds.
What’s close to us here? It’s our kids, four of five who live within 3 miles of our house. We’re together eating and celebrating all the time. It’s great. The fifth one is only about 90 miles away so she and her family join us lots of times too.
I spend a lot of time at the computer writing poetry, moderating at Allpoetry, and chatting with my "kids." I’m a listener and encourager and not a therapist or counselor. In any case, I just enjoy being a part of their lives and they being part of mine and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Most, but not all, of their pictures are on my AP page, and they live all over the world. A dream of mine is for my wife and I to visit them all but I’m afraid there isn’t enough time nor money to accomplish that.
I’m also an avid tennis player and tennis official. I love competing and have always done that, being active in some sport for as long as I can remember. That, along with the "kids" helps to keep me young . . . I think. Hahaha.
Author notes
This was fun!
A contest entry
- For everyone EXCEPT my favorites by daviscth.
375 points, ended December 11, 2007, 9 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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Honestly I dont know where to begin with this because this doesnt even begin to describe how a great influence you are on everyone you speak to.. youve changed a life or two im sure with youre awesome advice and great listening skills, you are an amazing person and ANYONE who gets a chance to know and speak to you is lucky.. I know I was
Malzy
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What! You didn't mention that I nag you about the hammock..
This doesn't begin to sum you up.. Let's see where to begin:
You can be found on dark nights when someone is so lonely they often feel like there isn't another soul out there that will ever begin to understand them.
You offer tireless wisdom, and laughter and give Courage in an hour of need.
And you are always available to anyone.
I do believe I am Quite Honored to call you my Friend.
Take Care Paul and Be Safe,
Cat
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I agree. : )
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Love reading your poetry.
Thank you for doing this (good idea for a Contest). Good to know you better, Paul. I think of you as Kevin's "right-hand man."
You write: "I’m a listener and encourager and not a therapist"
Doing no more than listening and encouraging was exactly what the noted psychologist Carl Rogers did in his practice! Also, he generated a following of psychologists who practice the "Rogers Method" to this day. I believe it is called "non-directive therapy," or something like that. -
Hi!
I just popped in to see what you're about as I remember seeing your pen name here and there. I'm glad that you shared your auto-bio and you shared a wealth of info. I love the game of tennis myself as it's a great way to entertain our other mind! In 2000 I just happened to be in California and took Gold in the North California Senior Games. This year I won a Gold in the Gainesville Senior Games, but there was only one other lady entered and she was older than me. I spend more time at the computer as well. joy
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again, I ♥ you. You are amazing and I love you more than anything
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Hi Paul, thank you so much for telling me a bit about your personal life. I remember us talking a long time ago and everytime I've seen you on I keep thinking I need to say hi. But as you know, time really goes fast on here. LOL
I'm having so much fun with these contests. I'm learning so much and have fast become addicted to this site.
Thanks for posting for me. cathy -
It sounds like a nice life, Kirbysman. I don't think I will ever call anyone Dad again but I'd love to call you Poppa.
Lovely write
JJJ
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