maybe off topic.....maybe not

[Keith Newell]

Tomorrow is fathers day and I have lost my father and Grandfather. I have 4 grown Kids...one in the Marines right now...has 1 year to go. I was building mandolins today in the shop and had the radio on listening to Fiona Richie in the "Thistle and Shamrock" show on NPR....

I stopped for a second because this is hard but maybe all can rethink a few items. My Dad wasnt there for me on any but 2 concerts I did in High School playing the Viola and French Horn. I also could play many other instruments but thats moot point. He loved Country music and at that time I wasnt interested. He was a real craftsman and I followed his footsteps without trying or wanting to in life. I have accomplished much but he lived 1500 miles away so we talked little. He died from Cancer about 8 years ago and the fathers days get harder....
I wish he could have heard one instrument...one I made but he wasnt around. He was a fine Gunsmith and I know he would have nodded in apreciation in what I've learned over the years.
#This time of year isnt about me and my kids, its about me and my heritage and how I may have treated my Dad and Grandfather. I didnt get the chance to say thanks. I really didnt...
#I guess the only way to say thanks is to give my kids a chance to do so by being there....god this is a hard evening.

[Jonathan Reinhardt]

Please don't distress yourself - sometimes the best thanks we can give, and could have given, is to be ourselves, and to be all we can be at the moment. I don't doubt that your father was happy to have you as a son, just as you are.

[TonyP.]

I hear you, and I, in a different way share your loss. Unlike you though I've lost almost everybody in the last 10yrs except my Dad. The hardest was my Grandpa. He died about 6 months ago. Long before my Dad said anything or even seemed to pay attention to my playing my Grandpa always acted like it was his most special treat. The hardest part about all this is I've become the "mandolin player for the dead", having to play at all these people's funerals but Grandpa's was the hardest.
My Dad was always pretty distant hard working guy and if he had anything to say it was critical. That's why I didn't learn to play an instrument until I left home. It's hard enough to learn how to play without being criticized at the same time! The first band I was in we played at the house and his comment was, boy the bass sure makes everything sound a lot better!
It's funny how we all get locked into relation to different people and there were several of them between me and my Dad. The first change was when I moved out. That got his respect. He'd always given me a little respect because I always had a job and payed my way through hi-school and college. But not until my Mom died and he got with a woman who had a therapy background did he really change. Now he tells everybody he meets that are musicians that his son is a mandolin player and inventor. He seems more connected to all us kids than he ever did.
I say all this because if your Dad hadn't left the planet so soon, time would have worked all this out. I have had other relatives that I didn't get things worked out with that died before it was settled. I think the statement you said about what he did and how you followed in his footsteps as a craftsman is the bottom line. You didn't get to hear it from his lips, but you've gotta know he would have been button popin proud of you and your work. Please just don't dwell on what is gone and be here for your kids. You are reinventing your heritage with your Dad's and Grandpa's passing. It's a lonely business becoming the elder ; ) If they were like my Dad and Grandpa you didn't get much of a chance to say thanks as it would have been awkward. Being a good father,husband, provider and doing an honest day's work with your hands was all my Dad and Grandpa ever wanted of the men in my family.
Happy Father's Day my friend and pick 'em a tune in remembrance.

[Scotti Adams]

..my spin is a little different...as I sit here typing my little girl, KayLee, is between my feet...see..this is my first Fathers Day is 15 yrs..Ive got a son who is 15...that my Mother hasnt been here...she died suddenly 7 weeks ago yesterday....Mom had four grandSONS....she always wanted a granddaughter....my wife and I was able to give her one a little over a year ago....its just so sad.....so many unanswered questions of why mom had to go so soon at 57. She love KayLee so much. Happy Fathers day to all of you....spend time with all your loved ones....

[Karen Kay]

Keith
I had the honor of playing at a gathering after a wedding in Lawrence last night. I played your mandolin on several songs. Perhaps your dad heard some of that. You never know, ya know?
Thanks for your craft and sharing your thoughts.
Richard

[Clyde Clevenger]

My Dad died 20 years ago. I don't miss him. The only thing he taught me was what not to do, by example. It worked, I raised 4 great kids who still think I hung the moon, and they will pick with me. Two of 'em turned into pretty good pickers. I like Father's Day.