To: You – From: Dad – Re: Music

Today we listened to some music. When I say “we” I’m including the cats. I guess I’m including the fish too. In fact I guess they were just as much a captive audience as you. We played music for the better part of two hours and you jostled and punched and hiccupped and flipped and flopped. We played soft music; we played loud music. Mama picked a few, but Da mostly played the part of the DJ. Mama was a good sport, putting up with my over-caffeinated hijinks.

Hey buddy, you best be prepared. I’m going to be one of those dads who’s going to want to know why you dig the music you listen to. I’m not just going to shrug and shake my head and wonder. I’m going to really want to get into your head and I’m going to keep asking questions until you say something brilliant. I may be probing to make you think, and I’ll be proud when you say things that make me think too.

Your mother has a beautiful voice. I love music, but I’ve never been disciplined or skilled enough to fancy myself a musician. And while I daydream about you picking up the drumsticks or the trumpet or the guitar to bring some culture into our little home, I know that’s a path you’re going to have to pick on your own.