Late in Februrary of 2018 I wrote this guitar piece to cope with the overwhelming emotions stirred from my Dad’s failing health. Coming to grips with the mortality of a loved one is a lot to process. A year and a half has gone by since his passing and I felt a tugging to engage with this song again, playing it every chance I get. It seems right to re-record it as a rememberence on his birthday. Happy birthday, Pops! I love you!
Below are the words I wrote when I first recorded this song.
My Dad recently passed away. During the weeks leading up to this time, friends and family came without provocation to see him. I know in his final days he was happy to be surrounded by loved ones spending time with him, just being themselves, and caring for him in every way and any way they could.
I have so many amazing memories of my Dad throughout my 50 years. Most recently I’ve been combing through old photos on slides and seeing what life was like before I can recall any memories. And ya know what? There are no surpises at all. He was always a loving and caring father.
Forty plus years ago not everyone had cameras at their disposal the way we do today. So these pictures are precious. Unstaged moments, captured on film that exposed images in only the way old film cameras could. They’ve elevated these memories to near movie-like status. That magic of film lends itself well to the memories of growing up - telling a story as though you’re watching it in a movie.
I’m happy to let these memories take over and encompass my thoughts. I’d go as far to say that they should do that on a regular basis so as to stay in touch with those thoughts and feelings and in a way, stay in touch with him.
I love you, Dad. I always will. And I know you know that.