Tell My Father

The tears were flowing tonight.  There was a special musical moment that touched the deepest places in my heart. During the choir concert, the boys choir performed a song called, "Tell my Father." It is about a soldier who is going to die, and he wanted a message delivered to his father. The boys were asked to invite a father-figure to come and sing with them.

The father of my children now dwells in heaven, so that was a painful reminder at first. Those missing-father moments do sting. After a little sadness, Daniel knew who to call.

He may not share his last name, but this man has been a true father to Daniel, and all my children, since Charles passed away. When my kids need a father, who do they call?

Tyson.

Daniel asked Tyson if he would come and participate with him, and be his father-figure. Tyson let us know he had little experience with singing, but he was still happy, and eager to do it. He took time out of his busy life, to go to the rehearsal and the performance, to support Daniel in his hour of father-need.

Tyson is a superhero.

During the performance, I was so moved by the words, and the message of the song. I could hardly stand it, I had to bite my lip really hard, so I didn't breakdown. Sammi let me know after the performance that she had to leave and go to the bathroom to dry her eyes -- she was sitting in the front row with the other choir.

You will notice in the video that there is a beam of light, and an empty spot, right next to Daniel. He said he noticed the light next to him while he was singing, and he started to cry. Charles would not have missed that moment for the world.

I cannot watch this video without bawling. I simply can't do it. I look at Daniel, Tyson, the light, the other boys, the father-figures, I think of Charles, and my eyes just fill with tears. Sammi and I watched the video together, and we held each other with our teardrops freely falling. The song has layers of meanings, and each time it pricks me in a different way. Oh, and Tyson was wearing one of Charles' ties.

Men are powerful.

Fathers are powerful.

Sons are powerful.

I am keenly aware of the value of a good father, and righteous men. We have been blessed to know such tremendous men in our lives, and I am forever grateful. My children need the example of good men in their lives, and we have been blessed by being surrounded by the best.

Press play if you want to cry. Daniel and Tyson are in the middle of the screen, on the back row...


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Tell my Father Lyrics

Tell my father that his son 
Didn't run, or surrender
That I bore his name with pride 
As I tried to remember
You are judged by what you do
While passing through
As I rest 'neath fields of green 
Let him lean on my shoulder
Tell him how I spent my youth
So the truth could grow older
Tell my father when you can
I was a man
(Verse) (Repeat)

Tell him we will meet again
Where the angels learn to fly
Tell him we will meet as men
For with honor did I die
Tell him how I wore the Blue
Proud and true through the fire
Tell my father so he'll know
I love him so
(Chorus)
Tell him how we wore the blue
Proud and true like he taught me
Tell my father not to cry
Then say goodbye