Messages to Dad: The Working Title, "In My Life"
I've been told by a few folks that the stuff I've been writing you should be compiled and put into a book. At first, I wasn't sure. I thought most of the stuff was personal, despite being shared publicly.
I've been writing to you here, Tweeting and managing the Facebook page as a way to cope with losing you unexpectedly. It's helped. A lot.
As others kept encouraging me to write more, I figured that I'd float the idea to some contacts I have in the publishing business. Well, I got a bite.
I, by no means, have anything set in stone yet. There's a lot that has to happen before this becomes a reality. While I'm working on the "business" side of it, I'e started jotting down some paragraphs as things pop into my head.
Here's what I think could be the opening to the book:
I remember when the funeral director asked my brother and I if we wanted to play a song before we all said goodbye to dad. We looked at each other and said, "Yea." I immediately thought of "In My Life," by The Beatles. A fitting tribute to a man who had a profound impact on the lives of many. We never knew just how many until the night before, at Dad's wake, as the waiting line grew longer and longer. Many faces. Many stories. Loads of laughs. Tons of hugs. Lots of tears.
As we said goodbye, and the lyrics of Lennon and McCartney rolled over us like an emotional tidal wave, I could hear many of those people that visited the night before singing a song (and band) dad loved.
I felt weak. I sang. I felt better and smiled at dad, wiping away the tears.
There are places I remember. All my life, though some have changed. Some forever not for better. Some have gone and some remain.
I like where this is going Dad. I hope you do too. Miss ya.
