So I’m way late on my Dad’s tribute here (and I promise, it will happen… it needs time), as soon as I get on a good roll scribing, I break down. Understandably, since we couldn’t have been closer. I guess I’m still trying to wrap my head around my dad pulling an an Irish exit this past September 8th (he would have laughed at that). One minute he’s having breakfast, feeling good with his family and the next minute he takes a nap and doesn’t wake up. I know, I know, I know… we should all be so fortunate to go peacefully and pain free in our sleep but it still rattles the hell out of you. Today, my dad would’ve been 87 and if you had seen him before he took that infamous nap, you would have thought he had at least another 5 years left. But, like his beloved father, Antonio and his best friend/brother, Vincenzo, 86 is the magic number. I know to most, 86 is a long life, it is. But we are talking about my true north… sunshine here. You see, besides us both being the same sign and year of the rat, my dad just got me. The world was more secure with his wisdom, positivity, and “easy like Sunday morning” attitude… direct quote from my cousin. We never had a conflict in our whole time. In fact, the only time my dad rattled me was when I got the call on September 8, 2023. The tears are relentless (especially when the Amazon commercial with the 3 old ladies sleigh riding is on the telly), so I’ll wrap it up for now, proper tribute soon.
I wish everyone who stops by here a safe and fun-filled holidays. Enjoy each minute with your family and friends, if it’s one thing we must never forget, life is meant to be lived. I apologize that my writes here are mostly somber tones due to the huge loss of my brother, Anthony… my husbands unfortunate knock on heavens door, and now my dad. It’s safe to say my cup has runneth over. Writing here helps my sanity. Out of respect to my dad and brother, I will have more comedy and lightness here. In the meantime let’s take a moment to pray for the souls in Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, and Russia. Turbulent times, way too turbulent. In all my years following and now working in politics, it is stifling scary out there. My dad grew up during World War II, bombings on his family’s farm in Italy. He had great empathy for anyone with war at their doorstep. Never forget how blessed you are if you never have to deal with violence unto your family. Ever the optimistic, like my dad, I’ll leave you with some of the music we listened to on the last road trip we shared this past June to his house at the beach. Sei il migliore, Papà, di sempre!
Happy Birthday / Buon Compleanno Dad! As usual, I’ll be talking your ear off (for the rest of my days) 💛
Previously played on Little Mountain, FM
Country Boy (You Got Your Feet In LA), True Grit, Gentle On My Mind, & Rhinestone Cowboy – Glen Campbell “What a tenor and talented musician.”
In My Life, It’s Been a Hard Days Night, Got To Get You Into My Life, & Yesterday – The Beatles “I remember when they came to the US, my God they not only put the barbers out of business but they changed the music world. Not the best singers but they could hold a tune and harmonize well… and write excellent songs”
Watching the Wheels – John Lennon “What a heartbreaking tragedy… I remember watching the news… “
I Wanna Be Around – Tony Bennett “Good old faithful”
Melissa & Midnight Rider – The Allman Brothers “I always liked this group”
The Best Thing That Ever Happened & Midnight Train To Georgia – Gladys Knight and The Pips “Unique sound and always good”
Reflections – The Supremes “Diana could sing”
Release Me, Am I That Easy To Forget, The Last Waltz – Engelbert Humperdink “The best tenor of his generation”
Rio Bravo – Dean Martin “Another perfect buttery singer, solid baritone.”
My Rifle, My Pony And Me – Ricky Nelson & Dean Martin “One of my favorite westerns”
Never Can Say Goodbye & Shake Your Body – Jackson 5 “Such a talent cut short, what a shame.”
Always On My Mind – Elvis “Best American singer of his generation. Tony loved Elvis… “
Through the Years & Islands In The Stream – Kenny Rogers (feat Dolly Parton) “Love them both, timeless talents.”
Accidental Bohemian 