27 Comments
User's avatar
Steven Christenson's avatar

A loving description of our dear dad to whom we bestow a multitude of accolades!

Artful Monk's avatar

He was something else! 🙏💔

Nathan christenson's avatar

We had an amazing childhood with the guidance and unguidance of those two lovely parents.

Artful Monk's avatar

Mostly unguidance…

Susanne Kennedy's avatar

Such a loving and beautifully drawn portrait! 'Is it good?' conveyed so much x

Artful Monk's avatar

Thanks for reading Susanne, especially between the lines…🙏😘

Rachel Christenson's avatar

These are familiar words, but it was great to read them, myself. If he had met any of the musicians you mentioned that may have been so different from Dad, I have no doubt he would have come away from the meeting saying, "Well, that was a pleasure meeting him! Such a nice fellow!" Dad was always himself! May we all be that:-)

Anna AF's avatar

The gospel according to Doubting Thomas!

Agen Schmitz's avatar

so hard to say no thank you to Haircut 100…

Carol Schumacher's avatar

One of my favorite stories about your dad was the one about the short, hairy bride that he mistook for your future wife - Hans told it well. 😜

Artful Monk's avatar

That’s a classic! He could’ve freaked but he embraced!

Carol Schumacher's avatar

Beautiful, T. We have the plaid family picture at the cabin and treasure it. ❤️

Kinger's avatar

I have read and reread this 3 times. Each time making me laugh and nod to your dear ol dad. I love reading your writings. So good. Well said. Cheers with a glass of red wine and 2 ice cubes in it.

Artful Monk's avatar

Thanks Kinger 🙏 So many layers to Big Paul and here’s to 2 ice cubes! 😂

Mark “Burlington Iowa” Bentler's avatar

Amen my brother

Mark

Steven Christenson's avatar

Neige chiming in: this is a beautiful piece, T! Poignant and with just the right notes of funny ❤️

Kip Webb's avatar

Thanks for sharing this love note to your dad--while I never knew him, your prose has brought him vividly back to life.

Artful Monk's avatar

Thank you Kip! 🙏💔

Jeff Johnson's avatar

So awesome Thomas!!! I just laugh when I think of your dad… always cheery, warm, and so very thoughtful, and a big greeting…. BARKY!!! What an amazing man.

Artful Monk's avatar

Thanks for reading BARKY!!!! As a third cousin, we’re all family…❤️

Anne of Seattle's avatar

Aw, this is so so good—every crumb. ❤️

Also reminded me of the fine hippie cuisine at the Blind Faith Cafe in Evanston. Did you or your dad ever dine there?

Artful Monk's avatar

I forgot about Blind Faith Cafe. I’m not sure if I ever went with my folks but had I remembered, I certainly would’ve thrown in yet another weird reference…😳 Thanks for reading as always! 🙏❤️

Daniel Spitzer's avatar

Reading this piece- I laughed a lot, was reminded of people & memories I love, and was warmed from my heart.

Thank you. Daniel

Artful Monk's avatar

Thanks for reading Daniel and I’m happy your heart was warmed…🙏❤️

Dan Nelson's avatar

What a beautiful tribute to your dad Tom. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece. I learned many things about you father and mother that I never knew , but his humor was definitely one thing I remember well :) Your dad was an amazing person I'm glad I got to know him too. Peace

Artful Monk's avatar

Thanks for reading and for the kind words Dan. A lasting legacy of humor is one we should all aspire to. “The day I lose my humor is the day the Chinese government wins.” - Dahlia Lama…🙏❤️