For my Pappa. You are not forgotten. Ever.
Posted in Video, Other, Music on February 16th, 2007 by Eric FranklinMy intent in this post is not to bring things down and I promise to return to our normally scheduled programming shortly. Several days ago was the 3-year anniversary of my father’s pre-mature passing. Those who know me know that this was a huge and horrible moment in my life. He was a bright, talented, funny, and honorable 50-year old man. I expected to have many more years to spend with him.
I remember living in the country when our TV was a house decoration with few fuzzy remote channels. As a result, we listened to a lot of music. I remember spending nights in front of the record player with Neil Young, CSNY, Leo Kottke, Jimi, and early Stevie Ray. Most of all, I remember my dad’s searing renditions of “Needle and the Damage Done” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” His voice was beautiful, powerful, and darkly soulful, which is probably the main reason he sang “Danny Boy” at the funerals of so many friends and acquaintances.
So this post is really nothing other than a shout-out, with a link to some videos of one of our favorite artists. The first one (above), I’m not even sure my dad knew about. The second one you have to click through this link or the Amazon one lower down. Amazon has posted a link of Neil playing “Needle and the Damage Done” from the timeframe of the music we used to enjoy. It’s the song my dad used to teach me about drug use, granting me the freedom to do anything I wanted but standing like a guidepost along the way, honestly depicting mistakes he had made.
It may be better to “burn out than to fade away” but it’s really hard on the ones you left behind. I miss you every day, Pops!
February 16th, 2007 at 9:48 am
Son-What a touching tribute to your dad who was a remarkable person in life and continues to leave his legacy even with his death. You resemble your dad a lot with your remarkable-ness! You have really stepped up to the plate these last three years with your brothers and our family situations. Your source of strength is amazing even through your pain and suffering. Know that you are never alone. I will always be grateful for our immediate family and the closeness and the bond that we share (through the good and the bad!) I will always consider myself a very lucky person to be a part of the “Franklin” family and for teaching me what it is like to part of an incredible family and for sharing their lives, their love and their laughter. We have many, many fond memories! Much love to you always dear son, Momma CYK