Daddy's Girl

Maybe it’s only in the South that a grown woman will (and is expected to) still refer to her father as Daddy, often with the same affection that she had for him as a child.  My dad’s birthday is coming up, and while I’m glad I got to see him and the rest of the family last month, I’m sad that I’m missing yet another birthday.  It’s hard to live away from family at these times. 

I am an unashamed Daddy’s girl…probably to the point of nauseating others at times.  That doesn’t mean we haven’t had our misunderstandings, arguments and times of separation. There were a number of years where things were really bumpy between us. But at the end of the day, I know that Daddy has always loved me and wanted the best for me and my sister.  I know he worked hard for his family.  I know he loved/loves being a teacher.  There came a time when – if I wanted to be mature, and be whole – I had to forgive people for real and perceived shortcomings, the offenses I suffered, and accept that person as he/she is.  This is just as true when dealing with family.  It's only then that I could work on building any kind of relationship in the present, as we are now as people.  

Both sides of my family love music and have very talented, creative people. But I think I got my music nerdiness from Daddy.  Even now, he’ll play a song and then have to share the story behind it. The general formula goes something like this: “See, this song came out in 19__.  Me, Brit (or another bff) and xxxx were [insert some action - walking, dancing, driving, whatever] and DJ xxx played this song".  Which is usually followed by some sort of little-known family, Virginia and/or Black History fact. :) And of course, there’s the occasional statement “Cheray, I need you to find this song….”  Hmmm, apparently this is what music nerdiness looks like 30 years from now - good to know. 

Anyways, even though I’ll have to read this to him long distance, or send him the link and ask Jesus to help me figure out how to help him pull it up on his computer (lol), I'm dedicating today's entry to him.  There are a few great father-child or father-daughter songs out there, I just chose 2. The other ones made me too weepy. There's one song in my arsenal that I hope to send him soon; if it goes well, maybe I'll post it here later.

 

*Is there a song that reminds you of a parent or loved one?

Monday, Monday....

Yet another hot day, and I was all set to complain about it in magnificent fashion. I woke up, quickly got dressed for work, put out the trash and got in the car and sped off, thinking hey I may actually get to work a little early.  Then I realized - I have NO shoes on. HA! I was wondering why I felt so free and summer-ry. Don't worry, I was only about 5 minutes late to work.  I definitely was "flying low" as my dad likes to put it.

I don't have anything on my mind today, no serious musings really.  And I recognize I don't have anything to complain about.  I have family and friends that love me; the AC that went out last week has been (temporarily) fixed; I'm fed, clothed and healthy.  And while I don't make a full-time living as such, I do get to spend quite a lot of time as a musician.  Honestly, my life is good. 

So, my song for today - 2 selections, in honor of the servicemen and women who lost their lives this past weekend. 

First - If You're Reading This  by Tim McGraw. I still can't get thru this song without crying. (Side note: See how one can command an auditorium full of people with simplicity - guitar, strings and lyrics that actually say something.)

Second - for their families, and for anyone else going through a tough time - You Are Not Forgotten by Israel Houghton & Jonny Lang, both artists I love.

I hope that - in the routine of our lives, forgotten shoes, bills, relationship squabbles over nothing - we don't forget those who make such sacrifices for our country.