My father passed away several years ago, but due to red tape, responsibility issues, and general entropy, it took a while before we could bury his ashes next to his wife, my mother, Jeanne.
Burying a parent is emotional to be sure. But I don’t cry. My only outward expression is through music, so I wrote this song to honor my father, a Korean War veteran and passionate music lover. He got nicknamed “Chief” in 1976 by a neighborhood kid who thought he looked like Inspector Erskine from the TV show “The F.B.I.” because he was always, and I mean always impeccably dressed and carried himself like a confident man. It stuck because of his facial features - he always looked as if he were in charge, and he usually was.
The man was solid, unshakable and worked as hard as possible to provide. We were never in need - of anything. He did the best he could in other ways to make our childhood the envy of most. Was he perfect, far from it in many respects, but being a human is always a challenge.
He will be given a headstone soon to be placed next to Jeanne. Much to our surprise, and delight, my brother (person on the right/Kathie's left) whom I haven’t seen in many years, showed up!
There is so much more to tell, but I will just leave it here. If you have questions, please comment.
Thank you for listening!
Share this post