Pop-Pop's Birthday

Herman Forrest "Bulldog" Drummond Jr. was born today. If he were alive he would have been 91 years young. He died in February 2006. The General Assembly passed a resolution in his honor.

My Pop-Pop was basically my father, having pretty much raised me after my father left my mom and I when I was 2. He was - and still is - an inspiration to me. A former FBI agent of 23 years, number 13 on the Newport News Police Department, a boxer, professional football player, noted professor and teacher ... he lived a great life.

What I remember about him is his warmth, compassion and the love he shared for me, my mother and his wife of more than 50 years, my Nanny. Each day I ask myself: What would Pop-Pop do?

I have so many fond memories of him. One that I think of each day as I play with my children is one that scares the daylights out of Kerry ...

Pop-Pop would always take me on his trips to see friends, colleagues and relatives. Traveling the back roads of Tidewater, he would put me on his lap while driving at a pretty good clip. Even though I was only 3, 4 or 5 he had me take command of the steering wheel, with his hands right beneath mine to make sure that I didn't lose complete control.

To this day, I clearly remember him letting me steer our way across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to visit my relatives on the Eastern Shore. Here was me, a little 4-year-old guiding a 1970s model Chevy across a narrow span of road. Scary, no. I had my Pop-Pop there the whole time. He was instilling in me confidence and determination. It's a gift I am so thankful for.

Happy Birthday, Pop-Pop. We all love you and miss you.