Spirit Magazine - May 2013 - (Page 80)

The song was listed as “Tell My Father,” which neither of us had heard. You not only sang in tune, but with a conviction and emotion that was foreign to me until that moment. “Tell my father that his son didn’t run … or surrender. That I bore his name with pride … as I tried … to remember … you are judged by what you do, while passing through.” My eyes burst with tears as I tried to catch my breath. The rest of the choir joined you, and the words continued to strip me bare to the bone. The song was a ballad about an American Civil War soldier, telling an unknown messenger to tell his father that he wore his blue uniform—the same dress uniform I wear today—with pride, that he bore the necessary sacrifice, that he had become a man, and that his father should not cry for him. I could see you belting out the words with great emotion as you glanced at us periodically out of the corner of your eye. Laughing and crying are more like cousins than strangers. They’re how honest human beings respond to a life they allow themselves to love. Did you really understand the full meaning behind the song? Your solo contained words and ideas you’d heard from me on countless occasions, particularly since my diagnosis—to be strong and courageous in the face of the unknown, and that you are judged by your actions in life. And of course you knew my passion for soldiering, but did you also remember my intense interest in the American Civil War? Or was that theme just coincidental? You were always quiet about your emotions and thoughts, particularly with the cancer, and I desperately wanted to believe you were communicating directly to me through song. “Tell him we will meet again … where the angels learn to fly. Tell him we will meet as men, for with honor … did I die.” It was the last song of the concert. I didn’t know what to expect from you as you quietly approached me with a stoic look on your face. I tried to keep it together as I reached out to you, without a word, and quickly pulled you tight into my chest as the tears uncontrollably filled my eyes again. I felt your body softly jostle a bit in my arms as you gently cried, squeezed me just a little tighter, and said, “I love you, Dad.” I chuckled out of embarrassment. I rarely heard those words and had never heard them spoken with such We’re looking for a few ordinary people with extraordinary hearts. Are you ready for a positive change? Join our unique franchise community that believes in The Power of Love® and has an equally strong focus on the bottom line. Receive substantial financial and emotional rewards. • Help seniors live independently in their own homes by matching them with other loving, caring, compassionate seniors • Provide non-medical services such as light housekeeping, grocery shopping, companion care and more • Serve one of the fastest growing markets – the Boomers and their parents • Easy startup backed by our marketing expertise and management support • Be part of our strong community of like-minded social entrepreneurs Join our unique franchise partnership. Do good and make money.® E-mail us today! opportunities@seniorshelpingseniors.com www.seniorshelpingseniors.com ©2011 Seniors Helping Seniors. Each office is independently owned and operated. All trademarks are registered trademarks of Corporate Mutual Resources Inc. http://www.seniorshelpingseniors.com http://www.seniorshelpingseniors.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - May 2013

Spirit Magazine - May 2013
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
Break out of the martini mold
Get cozy in Colorado
The Numbers
Watch your back for ninjas
Discover a secret strength
Learn a key to longevity
Wise Guide
Think like a lady
Business
Pick up a trick from Penn Jillette
Cross time zones with confidence
The Great American Vacation
Plan your next great escape
The Summer Wins
Dear Matthew, Joshua, & Noah...
Your Adventure In Orlando
Life Adventure In Orlando
Promotional Series: Spirit of California
Promotional Series: Spirit of New Mexico
Calendar
Fun!
Make a May flower
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Route Map
Terminal Maps
Rapid Rewards Partners
Flight Service
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - May 2013