Leaders And Their Fathers - A Tribute To All Of Them From Their Sons.

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Whether we are business leaders, community organizers, military commanders, statesmen, crime-fighters, cartel patrons, teachers or doctors, something about our fathers -- either their absence, or their shining example, or their negative example, or their words uttered, or their living vicariously through us -- bore a powerful influence on who we are, and who we have become.

My father, long passed, was a frustrated, troubled man -- lonely, occasionally delusional, fearful, prone to feeling "destined for mediocrity," had his moments of anger with me, but he also had his moments of saying to me, quietly, while putting his arm around my shoulder (which was a great leap for him...he was not physically demonstrative of affection, and was even afraid to trust in it when it was offered him), "You're a special guy, son. You're going to accomplish great things. I just know it." He suffered from emotional problems, and later in his life, from a series of small but increasingly debilitating strokes. He'd had a terrible childhood. I was his hope for redemption, immortality and his pride and joy.

I was often ashamed of him, with his cliches and awkward manners...his inability to bond with others. I know now that I was his best friend. I know now that I had to be a father to my own father, and was hardly up to the task. I love him. I curse myself for those times when I opened my inexperienced mouth and said, "Don't let me turn out to be a loser, like him."

I beg his forgiveness. He gave me much.

Here's a photo of him from 1966:

The letter which follows was his favorite. He laminated it. You can click on it to see it in a larger size and a higher resolution. It was written to my dad in 1966 by Harold L. Bache, the founder of Bache & Company which has since evolved into Prudential...

Now, to the music...

I dedicate this video recording of the very haunting "Song For My Father," to my late father, with love. I also dedicate to all of my friends who have lost their fathers: to Gary Alexander, To Adam Kovitz, To Harlan Sparer, To Stuart Kroll, my cousin Stu Schulman, to my late cousin Steven's two daughters ... to all of you with respect.

Please listen to this amazing song.  Click on the hyperlink:

Relax, and let it touch your soul...

SONG FOR MY FATHER - Written and Performed by Horace Silver
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLdm1yuoU_Q


Note: The famous opening notes were used in Steely Dan's "Rikki Don't Lose That Number."


*And by the way, my dad's favorite song was a version of "Twilight Time" recorded by the Three Suns. Click and listen. In my father's disturbed and frustrated life, this piece of music (on an old vinyl 45 rpm) was his small glimpse into heaven, and what dreams may come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KP2Wlp4mabo

I love you dad. Part of you lives in me.

-Doug


Radio DAZZ!

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Radio DAZZ is produced by Douglas Castle

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