My Dad’s Rose Garden

I’ve been missing you.  Have you been missing me?  A tornado blasted through and it wasn’t just the normal end-of–school-year stuff.  My super-old pop took a turn for the worse.  So I spent some time with him.  He passed away last Thursday, June 7th at the ripe old age of 86.  He was worn-out, at least the body but his mind was pretty good and we had some laughs and some cries.  I learned a lot in that week, so much I could pack a month’s worth of blog posts. 
A Stand-Out
We, my six siblings and all our family and friends, are celebrating my Dad this weekend.  He was an avid gardener and as a tribute to him, we are going to gather in his backyard to enjoy his creation.  Brilliant flowers are exploding with fireworks color, a perfect time in the Rocky Mountains for a garden party.  And from the floral celebration, our plans for Dad blossomed.
My big brother had a big idea.  “Let’s do a song for our Dad.  Rick Nelson’s 

“Garden Party” is perfect.  And Francie-Pants, you can rewrite the lyrics.  I’ll strum the song.  Maybe your guys can play bass and drums.”  Cross your fingers we pull it off with Partridge Family finesse.  Below is my contribution.  (My Dad also loved Mickey Mouse, Crossword Puzzles, Books and God.)

A Favorite
Dad’s Garden Party
We’re going to a garden party to reminisce about our old friend
A chance to share old memories and tell our tales again
When we get to the garden party, we’ll all share our names
All friends and family, we loved him just the same.
CHORUS
But it’s all right now, his days on earth were sweet.
Ya see he’s going up to paradise;  he lived a life complete
People came from miles around, everyone is here
Greg E. brought the guitar, there was music in the air
 ‘n’ over in the corner, much to our surprise
Mickey Mouse is a-sittin’ tall; waving his goodbye
CHORUS
But it’s all right now, his days on earth were sweet.
Ya see he’s going up to paradise;  he lived a life complete
Lott-dah-dah-dah,
lott-in-dah-dah-dah
Grand kids help play this song, on a Friday morn in June.
We’ll try ‘an sing along; we hope we stay in tune.
Dad said “go with merry times, do it just for me”
What a surprise, all sibs agreed, it was meant to be
CHORUS
But it’s all right now, his days on earth were sweet.
Ya see he’s going up to paradise; he lived a life complete
Lot-dah-dah
Lot-in-dah-dah-dah
Dad he loved his crossword, his flowers and The mighty Good Book
Sparkling blue eyes like a movie star, girls still turn to look.
So we’re going to a garden party, man he really worked hard
Talk of memories with all the gang, we’re gonna love his yard.
CHORUS
But it’s all right now, his days on earth were sweet.
Ya see he’s going up to paradise;  he lived a life complete
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