Lessons from My Father

My father passed away on January 24, 2012. We had a Celebration of Life for him last night at the university music school where he taught computer music composition since 1982. 

At the Celebration of Life, I said shared these thoughts about my dad:

Since my dad passed away, we’ve received countless messages about him, his life, and his legacy as a musician, artist and teacher.  We’ve heard him described with the words ‘genius,’ ‘mentor,’ ‘iconoclast,’ and ‘maverick,’ all of which I think are true, but probably would have made him slightly uncomfortable. To me, of course, he was just my dad. However, there is no doubt that his commitment to his work and the creative process was absolute. Growing up, I remember that many times, it consumed him.

He gave his energy to his students and his profession, but he also gave tremendous energy to his family. This energy he gave came to me in the form of some of my most important life lessons. If you asked my dad what these important lessons were, he would probably say it was that he taught me how to be a good liberal, and not to care what the establishment thinks, but that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface.

His relentless pursuit to cut through all the bullshit & noise in this world taught me not just to listen more and speak less, but to truly hear people, music and my own inner voice. To me, he was a living example that the best things in life are not things, but experiences both positive and negative. Through his experiences, he showed me the value of creativity, humility, and self-reflection.

My dad and I had a special knack at getting under each other’s skin. Because we frequently waged verbal battles of epic proportion, he taught me how to fight only for what really matters, to compromise when there is one to be had, and to never forget to say I love you.

At times in my life when I would express doubts in my abilities as a writer or a photographer, he would tell me that I am a damn professional. He taught me, as he did so many in his life that the reward for following your passion truly outweighs the price paid for all of the stumbles along the way.

I love you dad!