The McLaughlin Group Team

The McLaughlin Group Team
www.TheMcLaughlinGroup.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 358 This Old Guitar




John Denver wrote a great song titled "This Old Guitar". In this song Denver writes about the old guitar and the things the old guitar taught him.  As I sit at my parent's house tonight with the morning rushing us into a new day, I could not help but to reflect back on the life that the stud in the middle of this family photo lived and the things he taught us.  This photo is before 3 more grand kids and 2 great grand kids.  Yes, my dad is battling to live after a long bout with Parkinson's disease but most recently a massive stroke.  His will is strong but the body is weak.  Sitting next to the old stone fireplace, the stories, lessons and love echo though my chambers like a shout across the lake on a still quiet evening.  If you know the Denver song it begins with "This old guitar taught me to sing a love song" and it strums its way through some other magical lyrics.  This song makes me think of my dad.  He taught us everything!  He taught us to work, he taught us to laugh, he taught us to love, he taught us to sacrifice, he taught us to fish, he taught us to tie knots, he taught us to be respectful, he taught us to honor others, he taught us common sense, he taught us to camp, he taught us courage, he taught us discipline, he taught us how to swim and dive and as you can see, he taught us most everything any child would need.  You see, my dad was not a brilliant or learned man, but he was so much more.  Compassionate, simple, practical, kind, caring, wise and strong in body, mind and spirit.  My dad is a great dad and before he passes, this life, his life, needs the praise, he so well deserves.  My dad does not need this but I do.  His life counted, his life counts and my life, my brothers and sister and all our kids are filled with the DNA of one strong, loving and special man. Dad, we are so grateful for the life you gave us, the lessons you taught us and the life we have shared with you. You were and are that old guitar in our lives!

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

1 comment:

  1. Dave,
    Those are some of the most beautiful and real words that I have ever heard about another person, and how right they are!
    As your father, my dad's best friend, as well as Edie's little brother, Uncle Bob truly led so many of our family members in several ways.
    As sad as it is that his body is failing, it brings great joy that we all can remember and rejoice in what he has brought to our lives. From leading our football teams on the club lawn to scaring us all with the whompus cat cage we looked to him for courage and we relied on him for laughter.
    In this day and age, I can honestly attest that I have not ever heard a negative word about anything or anyone come from his lips. He is as positive a person as I have ever known, along with your mother and mine, they are in a group of their own.
    It sure seems like everyone has an "Uncle Bob". but no one has one like my uncle Bob. As much as it seems like time is running out, I want you to know that he and his family have been in the Bark's thoughts everyday and Uncle Bob has influenced our lives since the beginning.
    Andy

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