Morningtown Ride

I have been missing my dad a lot these days. I mean, I miss him every day ... these days it just hurts more than usual. There was nothing to trigger it really ... Well, my car was making a weird noise the other day and in the past I would always go to my dad about these kinds of issues. Then I just really miss the sound of his voice. I miss calling and having him answer and say "Hi Munchkin!" I'm a 30-year-old woman and my father was still calling me Munchkin, or 'Munch' for short. I miss it. I miss his terrible jokes. I miss his laugh. I miss ... I just ... I miss him ...

It's almost as though it's getting harder the longer he's gone. He wasn't a part of my everyday life. We didn't speak every day. I only saw him a few times a year at best. But now I don't have a choice. And sometimes ... sometimes a girl just needs her dad.

Here is a picture of him participating in the Battle of Atlantic Sunday Parade here in Victoria in May 2008. He was so proud and so happy to be there!


I've been listening to his CD a bit more the past few days - trying to get my fix, I guess. Dad was always such an amazing musician. If I had to choose one song that reminded me of dad ... well, it's just not possible. He knew too many! But there is one song in particular, I guess, that will never make me think of anyone but him. It's called "Morningtown Ride". It's a lullaby. He used to sing it to me when I was a kid. I'd like to share the lyrics here.

Train whistle blowin' makes a sleepy noise
Underneath their blankets go all the girls and boys
Rockin', rollin', ridin', out along the bay
All bound for Morningtown, many miles away

Driver at the engine, fireman rings the bell
Sandman swings the lantern to show that all is well
Rockin', rollin', ridin', out along the bay
All bound for Morningtown, many miles away

Maybe it is raining where our train will ride
All the little travellers are warm and snug inside
Rockin', rollin', ridin', out along the bay
All bound for Morningtown, many miles away

Somewhere there is sunshine, somewhere there is day
Somewhere there is Morningtown, many miles away
Rockin', rollin', ridin', out along the bay
All bound for Morningtown, many miles away

Rockin', rollin', ridin', out along the bay
All bound for Morningtown, many miles away.

I miss you, dad. So much it hurts. I need you right now.

So if you're there ...