Meet my Dad. This picture was taken July 21, 2009 in Salisbury Maryland. The person who took the picture, my good friend Larry, passed away last year. This was the last time I saw Larry in person. My Dad was dealing with lung cancer at this point in his life. Less than 2 years later, Dad would pass away on April 1. This picture turned out to be the last picture of the two of us together.
March 13, 2011 would be the last Sunday I played for our kids ministry at my church. I asked to lead in the last song of the set. Hillsong Kids put a song out called Trust and Obey that we as a band really enjoyed playing and I really enjoyed singing it. The chorus led with an almost falsetto section that was a challenge for me but the emotion of the song always managed me to hit it.
Once the second service set was over I was able to pack my gear up and go home and count down the days until I would go home to see Dad for his birthday, which was St. Patrick’s Day.
March 14, 2011.
Two words that shook me to my core would be said.
Dad fell.
I didn’t realize just how serious Dad’s health was until I heard those two words. Dad was using a walker to get around and apparently he turned a corner at the house too sharply and he blacked out and fell. Mom had to call the paramedics to help him get back into bed.
For the next couple days at work I couldn’t think straight as I couldn’t wait to get home. What was supposed to be a short few days trip turned into an extended stay because I couldn’t leave Mom and my brother to care for Dad as he was bedridden at this point with Hospice coming to check in on him. So I stayed with Mom and would help him be situated in bed, feed him, clean him up.
13 years since all that happened. I probably will tell more of the story about that time period.
I don’t post these stories necessarily to seek answers or advice.
I post these stories to let people know the things I have experienced in my life and if anyone still wants to be friends with me after reading or listening to me go on, wonderful! I guess you could say I am choosing to peel the onion further so people can see more of who or what I am.
My Music Corner of the World 
This one hit me hard. I love my dad. I need my dad. He is almost 90.
Jen lost her entire family. It broke her. I don’t want to be like that. I probably will be.
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I’ve lost both my parents and think about them pretty much everyday. It is hard, but the memories are always there. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m really enjoying your writing John, as it’s allowing me to know the person beneath the surface. I know you as Johnny Metal, the music fan (something we have in common, and what has brought us into each other’s lives), but now I’m getting to know you on personal level, which I’m liking a lot.
Losing family members is difficult. I can’t relate on losing a parent, but I’ve lost a sibling, which has been quite difficult. No matter what, family is family, and loss is loss.
Keep these coming, John.
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