He would've been 76 today, my Father. He passed away in 1995. I was fresh out of college and unsure what I wanted from life, My old man left his family & a confused twenty something with no idea how to go about life without the benefit of his wisdom. We survived. We had to. Things were sold, my siblings pitched in, I got a job. Life went on.

I believe he knew his time was coming. During the last few months of his life, he'd have everyone over to attend church on Sundays and spend the whole afternoon together. The grill would be right outside, he and my mother next to it.preparing food for all. He'd sing in his impressive baritone, channeling Sinatra or Martin & even Crosby much to our delight since we seldom hear him do so.

One particular evening, he picked up a guitar and sang Edelweiss to us at my youngest sister's request. I've never heard the song before that. Turns out it was one of his favorite songs and I never knew. For the last time, I listened to him express his feelings to his children with all the love he could muster through that one song.

I miss my old man. I really, really miss him.