I Sure Do Miss My Dad

I'm so glad I learned to play banjo in time for dad to get to enjoy it. Just look at the exuberance of his listening pleasure. Seriously, one of my last memories of dad was from after grandma died. I was about to head back to Ithaca he had just laid down on the couch for a nap and asked somebody to put on the cd I had recorded of some tunes for him. Maybe he didn't know I was right there with my banjo and could have played live.
I haven't learned how to sing and play yet, but there sure are a lot of tunes tempting me. One is by Fred Eaglesmith who has found the best way to describe many situations. Here's an example (the song starts at 7 minutes, the story before it isn't one of his best): I Sure Do Miss My Dad.

I Sure Do Miss My Dad

Dad got to meet his last grandchild (right?) and all but Willie and Henry will have fond memories of him the rest of their lives. And I'd like to say that wouldn't have been the case if he hadn't quit smoking almost 20 years ago.

I Sure Do Miss My Dad

What a wonderful couple. They had nine very lucky children, stayed sane, and still enjoyed a life together that most of us can't imagine.

I Sure Do Miss My Dad

Dad took care of us in a way no other could. It usually involved a good bit of teasing or a stern voice. Later he helped with the grandkids as well. He also made sure his mom was well cared for until her death just a month before his.

I Sure Do Miss My Dad

A great guy deserves a bunch of great friends and neighbors. For years there was a well-worn path between our house and the Robbin's. Later when the Murphys bought our old house a true friendship blossomed with them.

I Sure Do Miss My Dad

He and mom would go to our athletic events seemingly every evening, year-round. Whether it was leaving the store for 15 minutes to go watch Pat fault on a long jump attempt, or driving two hours to give Jim some coaching tips, we knew we had support.

I Sure Do Miss My Dad

Dad and Don Nash bought the Kingans Pharmacy in Westfield after they finished school. They ran it together for over 30 years.

I Sure Do Miss My Dad

Mom and Dad met in college at the UB School of Pharmacy. The fact that she picked him (as she claims) when she was one of a few females in a class with 100 men says a lot about his character and her intelligence.

I Sure Do Miss My Dad

Three generations of McMahons. Dad with his dad, TC or Mick, and TC's parents. I only have a couple memories of TC who died when I was three. Funny, one involves him teasing me about which church we should go to.

I Sure Do Miss My Dad

Here are a couple shots of Billy. It's clear from these that polio didn't diminish his spirit a bit.

I Sure Do Miss My Dad

One of my all-time favorite pictures of anybody. What a sweet kid.

Sign of the Times

Theses signs have been spotted in Ithaca. Maybe somebody will take note, and action.