Dear Dad,
These 18 years that you have guided me through have been rough but have also taught me some very valuable lessons. You took me from just a baby to a little girl who idolized her dad with everything he did. I was a daddy’s girl and a little tom boy. You got me toys that you knew I’d love. Fire trucks, tanks, toys for the dirt; I had it all. We played silly games like taking each other’s noses, wrestling, poking back and forth, and I will never forget the hugs I used to give you before you left for work. Haha I legit wiped my nose on you every time but made it seem like a cute hug instead. You knew though, you always knew. But one of the aspects about you that I loved the most was your music.
You raised Sam and I on the “oldies” as you taught us to call it. Lover boy, Twisted Sister, Metallica, Johnny Cash, Journey, Chicago, Foreigner, Jackson 5, ACDC, Van Halen; the list could go on and on. You had so many guitars and basses that it was fun trying to guess which one you would pull out to play on each night. Sometimes you’d even grab the acoustic fender guitar you had on display to play while Sam and I folded laundry. You’d play silly songs like the one from the “whip it” commercial.
Camping was especially fun because we all knew you would bring a guitar for campfire songs. I always knew the night would end with s'mores, talking, and then some sweet music getting strummed off your finger tips and through your guitar. I never told you but it was one of my favorite things about camping. Also I remember how annoying “Sweet Home Alabama” got for Sam. You were in a band at the time and that song got played at least five to six times. I rather enjoyed it but I guess it grew old on her.
But now that I’m 18 and getting ready to leave for college, your music has almost like deteriorated. You still play here and there but the collection that you used to have of guitars and basses has gone down in numbers. You sold some of those beloved guitars for me and Sam. For your children and the life you have.
You took a few steps back from something that you love. It pains me to see something so amazing that you gave to us, be the one thing that you gave away to help us have a better life. You love those instruments yet you sell them because you love us more. And Dad, I am so thankful for everything you’ve given me. If I could go back in time and help you so you could keep them, I would. You gave me the gift to go out and get what I want and need.
You taught me how important music is in life and I took that knowledge to do what you do. Instead of playing a guitar or bass, I decided to play a saxophone. You were there for me through all my musical decisions and so on. Please just never give up on what you love. Always play on, listen on, and stay happy. You know what music does for people and I will forever teach this same aspect of life to people I meet and my kids as I too grow old.
Love,
Your Daughter
