Words do not really do justice to the experience. When I get home, I’ll post some pictures. Suffice it to say… we had an unforgettable experience surrounded by like minded people. Tomorrow, I drop Zach off in Arlington and then ride home. Looks like I might hit some rain.
That’s what rain suits are for…
Ah, I played along to that song hundreds of times, whenever it came on the radio and my dad had the clarinet ready for duty.
He actually went out to the record store and bought me the single of that song.
Every day, dozens of times I would play it as it lays on the record.
It made him happy and I wanted him to be happy. To make him happy and feel better.
But, I still kinda’ blew at playing clarinet.
Which just brought back a memory to me:
I learned to play a bit of clarinet when I was in grade-school.
Never much liked the tunes they taught me in school, nor the clarinet:
had to suck on the reed to moisten it, tighten it onto the ligature…
But I liked to play my clarinet along to current songs on the charts, of my early days.
I excelled at playing “Judy In Disguise”.
“Memorial Day Weekend: The Run”:
Another great chapter for the book that Jorma may write some day.
My dad served in the Korean War. He made it back home, so Veterans’ Day was big
in our family home.
Before he left for service, he played clarinet, sax and trumpet. He loved Big Band music.
Back home, after the War, he lost his ability/lung power and use of his hands and fingers. So — there went his musical talents and skills. He still loved to listen to his Benny Goodman records.
He was never the same after that War but I didn’t know him before,
being any other way.
Just as “my dad”, who tried his best to fit back into society.
At least, back then; there were Housing Projects built in NYC for returning veterans.
These days, many Veterans from the War in Nam and those after, are homeless. They don’t get the respect and help that they need and is due to them for their service to our country.
Dear Jorma.
Thank you for sharing your travels with us!
Happy Memorial Day to you and yours!
Stay well
Cyndy
It’s Memorial day today and I feel a huge debt of gratitude for all the young men pictured in today’s paper who died in recent conflicts; as well as their brave forefathers. Without their sacrifices we would not have our bountiful nation as we know it.
Glad you are having a good time with your son Jorma. One of my favorite songs Precious Memories. “As i travel on lifes pathway know not what the years may hold. As i ponder ; hope grows fonder ;precious memories flood my soul.” Be safe coming home.
Eeasy and safe Jorma!
safe travels jorma