R.I.P. Uncle Mel

My cousin Julie made this for her father after he passed away this month. My Uncle Mel was one of the most kindest and honorable men I've ever known.
May you continue to watch over us all from above, Uncle Mel!

Richard... r.i.p.

Another good man passed away... the brother of Michael (previously passed) and Debra. They're mom? Wow! She's much like my mom... such strength and so strong. God bless her heart to have raised and loved two boys and a daughter with such pride and honor.
Peace, love and harmony to you and your family Richard... you now are where you should be and have earned your wings!
My love always...

This song was one that Richard played for me one night. He rarely showed his pain or sorrow but when this song was played he had tears in his eyes. "Say Hello to Heaven" has a whole new meaning to me now.

In Memory of my Father... Oct 31, 1934 to July 6, 2009

This is one of the hardest posts I have ever made. How can I not know what to say about a man who raised me and taught me so many things? Maybe once I stop crying the words will find their way.  Music has always been an avenue for me to feel and relate my thoughts so why stop now?

My dad passed away after a long battle with lung cancer on July 6, 2009. There are many things I will always remember and hold close to my heart about my dad and one is when he played this song for me and my son, about ten years ago. There was a look in his eyes which was sad yet proud and is one of the values he taught me and I will always honor... to remember the "little man". 

I lost another friend

Wow... how sad and hard life can be... I lost another friend. But I can't even begin to imagine how someone feels to lose his two brothers in one month. Two words, of many, to describe Davy were also used to describe one of his favorite musicians, Todd Rundgren... "perpetual adolescence".

Steven, I wish I could tell you something that would help you, but I can't find the words. Rags and Davy had hearts of gold which only could have come from a true heart like yours. I wish I could say something to make you feel better, but my tears are the only expression I have. And this song...

Being a musician himeself, with a big heart, it was hard to pick one song to dedicate to him. So, I went with my heart. I chose "This Is Your Song" by Ronan Keating.

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

I will miss you, Michael...

"Evening Cross" by woodsy

The world lost another beautiful soul on July 14th, 2007. I can't seem to find the words to describe how much he touched my heart so for now I'm leaving it up to one of his favorite bands, Guns N' Roses.

My dearest Michael, thank you for sharing your kind and sweet heart with me. I will always cherish my memories of you and hold you near and dear in my heart forever.

I dedicate the following Guns n Roses song, "Don't Cry" to my friend Michael...

 

  

To Johnny Cash... my belated "Thank You"

A long overdue "Thank You"

The following is a letter I wrote to Johnny Cash to thank him for the picture I have of him and and his wife with my son. Unfortunately, the day I finished and was going to mail the letter, he died.  My mom told me to mail it anyways, but I didn't. I felt so sad and so bad that I didn't send it sooner... way sooner. Lesson learned.
I sent a copy of the letter and picture to Roseanne Cash and she gave me permission to post it. (Thank you, Roseanne!) So, here is my long overdue "Thank You" to a man I will NEVER forget.

September 1, 2003

Dear Mr. Cash,

I have waited much too long to write you this "Thank you" letter. I'm not one to write letters and I am very sorry it took me so long to write this one. It's hard to put into words what I have to say, but I know it's more important to say something than to have said nothing at all.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for graciously accepting my request for a picture of you and your wife at the Salt Lake City Airport Thanksgiving weekend of 1989. The picture has been on my family's piano ever since. My 18 month old son was upset and crying from a long plane ride and I was scared and surprised when you kindly responded to my request for your picture by saying, "With the baby, of course!" Nervously, I placed him in your lap and immediately he calmed down. Wow! Thank you for that, as well! My son Cody, is now 16 years old and continues to amaze me with his wholesome, admirable character and calm spirituality.

My condolences go out to you and your family for the loss of your beautiful wife. I can only imagine how much you miss her. If it's of any help, I remember the day my close friend, Candy, passed away and what she said to my son, who was only five years old at the time. She said to him, "Please don't be sad. Soon I will have my wings and I will be with you always, watching over you forever."

Mr. Cash, I can not tell you how much your music has carried me through life. I feel honored and blessed for having met you and your wife. Thank you for giving me a memory I will cherish forever.