21st
10 Dads: A Dad's Day Tribute
10 dads I wish I was like. In no particular order.
1. My Brother in Law Kevin. He has the patience of an old Golden Retriever. He should be sainted for the amounts of estrogen he’s been made to endure after a life with only one son, three daughters and…my sister. He loves his kids. Cries at their graduations and is the first dad (aside from my own) who had an impact on me.
2. My brother Dennis. I never figured him for the fatherly type growing up but he happens to be one of the best. He endlessly challenges his super smart daughter’s incredible brain and spends hours playing catch with or at Nationals games with his baseball-obsessed son.
3. My brother Allen. He lost his wife last year and finds the strength to get up every day and push forward for his 10 year old son. As the oldest brother he’s always looked out for me in a protective father-like way. Damn near old enough to be my dad :)
4. My friend Petey. Has fought for and gone through hell for his children. Has two beautiful girls. I have a special place in my soul for dads with daughters.
5. Luke Brindley. 1.2.3.4 kids. FOUR kids. He became a dad at an age when I wasn’t even thinking about leaving my parent’s basement. His freakish talent runs deep in his offspring. His oldest boy could and might be a force to be reckoned with in this business of music.
6. My studio comrade and friend Jared Bartlett. You can’t love your children more than he loves his. You might love ‘em as much but you can’t love ‘em more. The man glows when he talks about either one of his kids. He’s the real deal.
7. Dr. Alan Wayne. Pediatric Oncologist. Hero. Loves life, his wife and his two beautiful daughters. The kind of guy who changes your life in one conversation. Did I mention that he’s a pediatric oncologist??
8. Mike Simons. I never met him. I never will. If, when i’m gone, my daughter talks about me the way his son talks about him I will have left this world a better place than it was when I got here. He very obviously was a great dad.
9. My girlfriend’s pop. You are a patient man :) You are also an impossible act to follow…You’re a great hang. Thanks for the man-dates to movies she wouldn’t go see and for the hours of profound political and historical conversation.
9.5 Ryan’s stepdad Jeremy. How many split family fathers actually get to say that? I used to dread the thought of a step father, now I couldn’t be happier to have him in her life. He is the best-case scenario :)
10. My dad. My dad can tell a story. His voice is lower and slower now, the tales take longer but the punchline is always worth the wait even when it’s the 10th time you’ve heard it. He is a flirt, a gentleman and he knows everything. He’s a yellow dog lifelong democrat from the heart of Tennessee. He and his old Gibson guitar are my earliest memories of wanting to make music. He loves his grandkids and will make the 200 foot trip that takes him 30 minutes to go down to the river and fish with them (even if they only stay for five). His comic timing is impeccable and he always unashamedly says something inappropriate. He hasn’t been perfect but always did his best. He’s a damn good dad.
There are many more. Too many to name..Prescott, Stilson, MF, Murphquake, Lavesy…
This is just a small salute to dad’s on our day.
Happy Father’s Day


