My father died nearly twelve years ago, and I find myself thinking of him more and more with each passing year. My eulogy at his funeral did not fully capture the towering presence he was in my life, and he remains so in death. I so wish he had lived to see the man I have become over these past 12 years and hope he would be proud. My friend Al Sturgeon captured my thoughts this Father’s Day, including this wonderful song from Chet Atkins:

When I was young My dad would say “C’mon son, let’s go out and play” Sometimes it seems like yesterday

And I’d climb up the closet shelf When I was all by myself Grab his hat and fix the brim Pretending I was him

No matter how hard I try No matter how many tears I cry No matter how many years go by I still can’t say good-bye

He always took care Of Mom and me We all cut down a Christmas tree He always had some time for me

Wind blows through the trees Street lights, they still shine bright Most things are the same But I miss my dad tonight

I walked by a Salvation Army store Saw a hat like my daddy wore Tried it on when I walked in Still trying to be like him

No matter how hard I try No matter how many years go by No matter how many tears I cry I still can’t say good-bye

https://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2019/06/a-bittersweet-fathers-day.html