A lot of people have loved this picture, so I want to share the story behind it.
Milton West was my childhood neighbor, but to me, he’s always been “Mr. Chip.” He worked at DOW Chemical until retirement, but his greatest work was the way he shaped my life.
I grew up without a father, and that was hard. But God surrounded me with good men—and Mr. Chip was one of the best. He taught me the value of education, showed me how to care for a yard, reminded me to treat my mom with respect, and—most importantly—he showed me how to see people for who they truly are, beyond appearances. So much of the man, husband, and father I’ve become is thanks to him.
This past May, my wife and I welcomed our son, Bob Wayne Shugart. When Mr. Chip and his wife, Shirley, met him, they instantly fell in love. They babysit him, and we visit often. Not long ago, Mr. Chip told us he wants Bob Wayne to call him “Pop”—because that’s his grandson. Naturally, we needed a name for Shirley too, and we settled on “Lolli.” Together, they’re Lolli Pop.
I’m so grateful my son will grow up with Lolli and Pop in his life. If he learns even half of what I learned from Mr. Chip, I know he’ll grow into a kind, strong man.
Every day, I see people say that race relations are worse than ever. I don’t believe that. Stories like this one prove love and kindness are still alive. This is just one story from little ol’ Victoria, Texas—but I know there are millions more like it across our country.
Credit: Cody Shugart
