Dad's Traits

One of dad's traits that I admired was his natural music ability. My father lived for his music. He played 28 instruments, was the musical conductor for different entertainment groups, composed music, recorded music, and had some fame locally and in Japan.

He did not like to hear me play the piano because I was an undisciplined player. I tended to play according to my mood of the moment. I changed the beat and rhythm of the music without reason, other than it seemed right to me. I knew how to be technically proficient, but I never felt the music. I could not play by ear, as he could.

I had no contact with my dad from age 5 (my parents divorced) to age 16 (my parents remarried). Between themselves, they decided that my brother and I would not see him anymore. They believed that we would only get confused. A clean break (to them) seemed like the best way to go.

My father was an honorable man where finances were concerned. According to the divorce decree, he was supposed to pay child support until we were 18. He never missed a payment. In addition, when my brother went to college, he continued to pay child support for him.

I knew this was an unusual trait for the times.