While I enjoy all your writings, this one hit me deeply. I was 10 when my father passed and also have no memories of birthday celebrations for him. More and more I find myself deep in thought after your postings. I am so grateful to you for sharing your thoughts, intentions and helping me to become aware of things I sometimes gloss over.
Very moving words, Jesse. I like to believe--though I can't say it's so with absolute certainty--that all the things we have experienced in life are still with us, tucked away in the back closets of our minds and that perhaps, when the time comes for us to move on, all of those unremembered memories will be there for us to see in the light of awakened wisdom and experience. In any case, these things--remembered or not--did happen and are forevermore a part of us.
My own son is seven now and as we live I can't help but consider the possibility of life coming to an end and being separated (on this plane, at least) from my loved ones. We had a bit of difficulty just yesterday--it's not easy being a parent or a child--but I hope, no matter what may happen, he will have good memories (remembered or not) of these years and beyond. From your words to your father, it's clear that's what he gave to you. All the best and many thanks!
Beautiful post, Jesse. Thinking of you and your Dad, in honor of his birthday. I love the emphasis on 7 by 7, it is truly a magical, numerical way to bridge your life with his. Safe travels to you and your Mom.
Your father lives on in your music, your poetry, and all the other beautiful gifts you bring to the world—-and in your inherent grace and kindness, demonstrated so simply and eloquently in your writing and in your communications with your circle of readers. May each of his birthdays, as the years pass, bring you renewed courage and joy on this amazing journey we call life.
Sincerely,
Janet
p.s. Audrey Hepburn is supposed to have said that Paris was always a good idea. I’ve always felt the same way about writing letters. Thank you for the reminder.:-)
Oh Jesse, I profoundly adored all you’ve shared about your father, which brings back to my heart all the complicated feelings I went through since my mother died when I was 9 years old way back in 1970! You’ve inspired me to write about my mommy in my journal now, and maybe make a painting to honor her in since I’m a NYC artist! Thank you, Jesse, you always inspire me & my daughter too! We saw you play with your mom (my heroine in life!) and your brother at the Minetta Lane and we LOVED every moment of it! 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷☯️☮️
Your beautiful words about your father, especially “my heart and hands are made from part of you” reminded me that my Dad is still with me too. Thanks so much for sharing this🌺
Jesse, this is a beautiful love letter to your dad.
My dad’s birthday would be tomorrow. He was 64 when he passed away 23 years ago. A man of mythic proportions. In the 70s, he was the only dad in our neighborhood who took all the kids swimming or on sleigh rides. He taught children about nature and the animals on our hobby farm. I don’t write letters to him, but I will say “I love you, Daddy.” when I feel he has visited me in some way.
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing about your Dad. Thinking of him for his birthday - what is his name? I love the image of him taking the neighborhood kids swimming and sledding, this is so wonderful and makes me smile to imagine. Thank you again so much :)
Your letter was full of love for your Daddy and in the end that’s all that counts. I believe he’s with you and in your heart where he will be forever. Happy Birthday Fred and much love from London 🙏
My father was a bit of a goofball, but I did love him, I was with him when he passed. I always believed that night he went, because I couldn’t stop talking to him while holding his hand. He would not have been comfortable with that if he could have told me at the time.
He loved crested pigeons, I see them everywhere, in the most ridiculous places, I know it’s him, I always say “Hi Dad!” They never really go anywhere, I believe that. It’s something we can’t comprehend. Was it not said, blessed are those who do not see and yet believe. I’m not a religious person but I do like this thought.
Happy birthday anniversary to Frederick, name of care
Jayne - I really love what you wrote and especially about the crested pigeons and his visits to you. It feels so natural and comforting, just like the thought you shared ‘blessed are those who do not see and yet believe,’ - that’s us! :)) so happy to share this idea with you
❤️
While I enjoy all your writings, this one hit me deeply. I was 10 when my father passed and also have no memories of birthday celebrations for him. More and more I find myself deep in thought after your postings. I am so grateful to you for sharing your thoughts, intentions and helping me to become aware of things I sometimes gloss over.
Tom
Very moving words, Jesse. I like to believe--though I can't say it's so with absolute certainty--that all the things we have experienced in life are still with us, tucked away in the back closets of our minds and that perhaps, when the time comes for us to move on, all of those unremembered memories will be there for us to see in the light of awakened wisdom and experience. In any case, these things--remembered or not--did happen and are forevermore a part of us.
My own son is seven now and as we live I can't help but consider the possibility of life coming to an end and being separated (on this plane, at least) from my loved ones. We had a bit of difficulty just yesterday--it's not easy being a parent or a child--but I hope, no matter what may happen, he will have good memories (remembered or not) of these years and beyond. From your words to your father, it's clear that's what he gave to you. All the best and many thanks!
Beautiful post, Jesse. Thinking of you and your Dad, in honor of his birthday. I love the emphasis on 7 by 7, it is truly a magical, numerical way to bridge your life with his. Safe travels to you and your Mom.
Here is my letter:
Dear Jesse,
Your father lives on in your music, your poetry, and all the other beautiful gifts you bring to the world—-and in your inherent grace and kindness, demonstrated so simply and eloquently in your writing and in your communications with your circle of readers. May each of his birthdays, as the years pass, bring you renewed courage and joy on this amazing journey we call life.
Sincerely,
Janet
p.s. Audrey Hepburn is supposed to have said that Paris was always a good idea. I’ve always felt the same way about writing letters. Thank you for the reminder.:-)
Oh Jesse, I profoundly adored all you’ve shared about your father, which brings back to my heart all the complicated feelings I went through since my mother died when I was 9 years old way back in 1970! You’ve inspired me to write about my mommy in my journal now, and maybe make a painting to honor her in since I’m a NYC artist! Thank you, Jesse, you always inspire me & my daughter too! We saw you play with your mom (my heroine in life!) and your brother at the Minetta Lane and we LOVED every moment of it! 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷☯️☮️
♥️💥
Your beautiful words about your father, especially “my heart and hands are made from part of you” reminded me that my Dad is still with me too. Thanks so much for sharing this🌺
Ohh this is so beautiful, thank you so much for sharing this thought. Sending good energy and love
Jesse, this is a beautiful love letter to your dad.
My dad’s birthday would be tomorrow. He was 64 when he passed away 23 years ago. A man of mythic proportions. In the 70s, he was the only dad in our neighborhood who took all the kids swimming or on sleigh rides. He taught children about nature and the animals on our hobby farm. I don’t write letters to him, but I will say “I love you, Daddy.” when I feel he has visited me in some way.
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing about your Dad. Thinking of him for his birthday - what is his name? I love the image of him taking the neighborhood kids swimming and sledding, this is so wonderful and makes me smile to imagine. Thank you again so much :)
His name is Bill.
Your letter was full of love for your Daddy and in the end that’s all that counts. I believe he’s with you and in your heart where he will be forever. Happy Birthday Fred and much love from London 🙏
Beautiful post Jesse.
My father was a bit of a goofball, but I did love him, I was with him when he passed. I always believed that night he went, because I couldn’t stop talking to him while holding his hand. He would not have been comfortable with that if he could have told me at the time.
He loved crested pigeons, I see them everywhere, in the most ridiculous places, I know it’s him, I always say “Hi Dad!” They never really go anywhere, I believe that. It’s something we can’t comprehend. Was it not said, blessed are those who do not see and yet believe. I’m not a religious person but I do like this thought.
Happy birthday anniversary to Frederick, name of care
Fast asleep in a room somewhere.
Jayne - I really love what you wrote and especially about the crested pigeons and his visits to you. It feels so natural and comforting, just like the thought you shared ‘blessed are those who do not see and yet believe,’ - that’s us! :)) so happy to share this idea with you
Very sweet, Jesse. My heart goes out to you, Jackson, and your Mom.
Happy birthday to your dad, Jesse. May he be your guiding light through the walks of life.❤️
Soulful.
Dear Jesse, we all loved and appreciated your dad and we love your mom and you and your brother too. A family that continually inspires us. Thank you!
Heartfelt and beautifully put, Jesse. I'm one who believes (as an old quote states)..."what the heart has
once cherished it can never lose." Love lives on. I'll be thinking of you and your mom today.