Oct. 10, 2006

Patrick…

I’ve watched you grow before my eyes each year I received the Drumarama video tape from your dad. It’s amazing how the talent develops and manifests itself. I’m not going to tell you all the great things about your dad and what he meant to me…I know that you’ve heard the stories. I will tell you, however, about one telephone call that he and I shared several years ago. Believe it or not, we each talked about our children. I suppose it was because we each had come further than expected. I listened as he spoke to me of you and Melissa and I could hear the pride as it swelled from within his heart. To say that Tony loved his children would be a gross understatement.

Melissa, he told me, was the brains in the family… college educated, beautiful, simply an amazing young lady. Of you, Pat, he told me about your dreams and ambitions. He knew that accomplishing those would not be easy for you. He cared so much for what you wanted. Like so many fathers, he would have rather been able to make things happen for you. And, like so many wise fathers, he knew that he could only stand by and watch as you discovered the path before you. Tony loved you and was very proud of you.

As we ended our conversation, we talked briefly about drums and who was doing what. He asked if I knew who your idol was and then told me Joey Jordisson of Slip Knot. I never forgot that. For several years now, I have been playing drums with a local big band here in Des Moines…much like the band your dad played with. Occasionally, we feature a female vocalist: Kay Williams. Kay’s grandson is Joey Jordisson. I asked her if she could get Joey to personally sign a photograph for you. I wanted to give this to you as my way of helping your dad to continue to encourage you with your endeavors. Nothing will ever bring him back but his spirit will always be happy to know that you are continuing to move forward.


Best regards,