On December 26, 2014 my Father went on to be with the Lord in heaven. He was the hardest working man I knew. Loved unconditionally. He never turned away from a challenge. Dad always said, "if someone ever asks you if you are capable or skilled to do a specific task and you don't know how, always say that you do and figure it out." My father was a dreamer and a visionary. Dad often shared with me so many stories. At times they just didn't seem real and a bit exaggerated. Until I heard very close family members who knew may Dad from an early age tell those same stories as memories of my Dad...
Life doesn't quite feel the same anymore, it's very much different. Even though I am peace with his departure from this life, his death is still very strange to me. He's no longer a phone call away, but a memory of conversations once had. Every time I found myself discouraged I'd pick up the phone and call him. He always had the right words to say or sometimes just him listening and not saying anything was enough. As an artist, songwriter and storyteller, it's been extremely difficult for me to pick up a pen and paper and write anything. My heart races with anxiety. My melodies don't start and others don't end. There is a huge space not being filled anymore. I wake up in the middle of the night and for a brief second feel as if this is all a dream. But it is not. Life moves on, waiting for no one. I know if he could speak to me one last time he'd say what he would always say to me. "Go on and continue doing what you've been destined to do. Take care of your family and do everything you can for them. Live out your dreams. Todo en su tiempo Yessi. Tu Dia va llegar. My kids were created to do great things."
My fathers Death has reminded me of life. Life is here, right now. I'm slowly standing up again and letting the dust settle inside. There are words to be written, stories to be told, and melodies worth coming to life. Tonight I am taking the first steps again and singing some of my songs in Nashville, TN. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous and scared, but showing up is half the battle. Next week I step back into the studio to begin working on my next EP. So much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to. Let this next journey begin. Here's to you Viejo! Love You and miss You.
JS.