I’m supposed to celebrate my birthday today. 24 doesn’t seem like such a mile stone. The fact that it’s the second birthday I’ve had without my Dad…that is much closer to my heart. May 31st was the 2 year anniversary of his death, and June 3rd would have been his 49th birthday. So birthdays for my sister and I just aren’t the same anymore. We were still overwhelmed with grief when we celebrated 19 (Becky’s birthday is June 8th) and 22, and now… 21 and 24 just isn’t what we expected. I’ve tried to explain to Chris the reasoning behind my desire to not make a big deal out of today. I have my family and friends, I got a few gifts, and that’s really all I want.

So Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to Becky, and a special Happy Birthday to you too, Daddy. I miss you, and I heard this song tonight and of course thought of you. It rings true for us, doesn’t it? How many times did you buy me a ticket home? I wouldn’t be who I am without you. Love you, always.

That’s My Job Lyrics
Conway Twitty

I woke up crying late at night
when I was very young.
I had dreamed my father
had passed away and gone.

My world revolved around him
I couldnt lay there anymore.
So I made my way down the mirrored hall
and tapped upon his door.

And I said “Daddy, I’m so afraid
how will I go on with you gone that way?
Don’t wanna cry anymore
so may I stay with you?”

And he said “That’s my job,
that’s what I do.
Everything I do is because of you,
To keep you safe with me.
That’s my job you see.”

Later we barely got along
this teenage boy and he.
Most of the fights it seems
were over different dreams,
we each held for me.

He wanted knowledge and learning.
I wanted to fly out west.
Said, “I could make it out there
if I just had the fare.
I got half, will you loan me the rest?”

And I said “Daddy, I’m so afraid,
there’s no guarantee in the plans
I’ve made and if I should fail,
who will pay my way back home?”

And he said “That’s my job
that’s what I do.
Everything I do is because of you
to keep you safe with me.
That’s my job you see.”

Every person carves his spot
and fills the hole with light.
And I pray someday I might
light as bright as he.

Woke up early one bright fall day
to spread the tragic news.
After all my travel, I settled down
within a mile or two.

I make my living with words and rhyme
and all this tragedy
Should go into my head and out instead
as bits of poetry.

But I say “Daddy, I’m so afraid,
how will I go on with you gone this way?
How can I come up with a song to say
I love you?”

That’s my job, That’s what I do
Everything I do is because of you
to keep you safe with me.
That’s my job you see.
Everything I do is because of you
to keep you safe with me.