13 Comments
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Silvio Castelletti's avatar

Awesome piece, Tai. So intimate and beautiful and well-written. And such a precious memory.

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Tai's avatar

Thanks for your comment and consideration in the earlier stages of this piece, Silvio!

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Claire Lauren's avatar

I had many feelings arise as I read this - I pondered the frailty and preciousness of time and how great the love between parent and child can be. Very touching, thank you for sharing.

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Tai's avatar

Thank you for reading and sharing your observations, Claire.

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Helen's avatar

OMG such a sweet and moving tribute to both your father and music! And can I also mention that: one, you own an Estonia 190 grand? That's just so dope in and of itself. I can only image how much your father cared for the sound of the music, and your development as a musician, by the choice of this special instrument.

Two, love the mentioning of Red Dog Saloon! That was a fun joint in Juneau! Did they already have the bar sign "if you have standards, then lower your standards" (or something along those lines) back then?

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Tai's avatar

I do not recall that sign, but we were enjoying several rounds of shots playfully called "duck farts" while enjoying the house performer at the time. After some liquid courage we negotiated a sit-in performance or two. Thanks for the comment, Helen!

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Rick Lewis's avatar

Very touching. Your dad sounds like a beautiful man.

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Tai's avatar

He really was. Thanks, Rick.

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Yehudis Milchtein's avatar

It’s Friday night and I thought I’d take a few minutes and catch up on my friends’ writings. I didn’t know you’d make me cry.

You’ve got a gift for feeling life.

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Tai's avatar

Awww. Thanks for reading and your tears, Yehudis. Many tears were shed during the writing of this piece, despite the passage of time. Grief really does move in waves. I was taken aback at how cathartic this piece was.

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Oscar Obregon's avatar

The most beautiful piece I've read from you Tai. So moving, intimate, profound.

We're all graced by you committing these precious memories to words.

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Tai's avatar

Thanks so much, Oscar. It's strange really, how I feel a sort of meta-grief, grieving the loss and fading of memories. Even though the details are losing their lustre, the feeling persists.

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Oscar Obregon's avatar

That meta-grief is very interesting, had never thought about that but makes complete sense. And I think what you're doing, putting the feelings into words, is the best remedy for it

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