One Senior's Opinion: Remembering Dad

By day, Dad was the sales manager of a local company which manufactured wire screen. Each morning he left the house in his starched white shirt and patterned tie. At night all he wanted was peace and quiet. Weekends, however, were another story.

Every Friday and Saturday night throughout my childhood and adolescense he played the saxophone in a three-piece band. Dad was an entertainer. He loved performing. He sang, cracked jokes and put his heart and soul into the music he played. As I look through the pictures of Dad's band, I can almost hear the songs which were such a huge part of my younger years. Dad played the sax well into his eighties, filling in for local bands any chance he got.

I miss my dad. There are so many stories he told that I listened to with only half an ear. I regret not paying better attention to the bits of family and local history he often shared. If I could do it over again I would really pay attention and take notes.

Seriously, how does one learn about one's roots when there is no one left to ask? Memories are flighty. We often only remember pieces of what was said, and many times our memories are inaccurate. If you're interested in genealogy and family history, write it down, record it, videotape your family's story tellers. You won't regret it.

I will celebrate Father's Day going through old pictures, remembering the good times and reflecting on the not so good. However you spend Father's Day, make it a meaningful one.