Letter from Dad
The letter you save ...
An older man, now in his sixties, rediscovers a letter he had saved over 25 years ago. It is quite possibly the only letter he had ever received from his dad. There were tons of phone calls and birthday cards and unforgettable visits. But letters ... this may have been the only one.
Now, all these years later, we reflect on the wisdom shared through pain penned like a shared soul poured out upon lined paper. Through the magic of technology, those touching, encouraging, and compelling words have become one of the best songs AK has produced.
Lyrics -
Letter From Dad
(Spoken, low & warm — like reading from an old envelope)
12/17/99
[Verse 1]
Hi Son,
I sat down with your voice still ringing in my ear,
Ten minutes passed before I found the first word.
You called me from the middle of an honest fear,
And son, I'm thankful that you trusted what you've heard.
Mom and I have loved you both since the day you came,
Always wanted better than the easy way.
But love alone won't steer a lost and drifting name,
Maybe you’ll find that compass in the breaking day.
[Pre-Chorus]
I kept two bits of wisdom by my bed through all pain of cancer —
Simple lights to follow when the nights were cold and strange.
[Chorus]
God won't give a burden you can't carry, son — what power, what grace.
We're bigger than the storm that tries to take our place.
Hold on to those two truths when the world turns its back on you,
You can stand up, you can start again — you'll make it through.
Yeah, you can stand up, you can start again — you'll make it through.
[Verse 2]
You kept your vows, you stood where many turn away,
To some, they're just words that help them get along.
But you wore yours like armor every single day,
A guiding line of how to live right when the nights get long.
You're three thousand miles away but standing next to me,
I trust you won't do anything to break our home.
Don't drain the tears from Mom and me — let mercy be,
'Cause wounds they heal and life keeps rollin' on.
[Pre-Chorus]
Tracey, Mom and I — we love you no matter what you do,
Emotions fray, egos break, but time will stitch you new.
[Chorus]
God won't give a burden you can't carry, son — what power, what grace.
We're bigger than the storm that tries to take our place.
Hold on to those two truths when the world turns its back on you,
You can stand up, you can start again — you'll make it through.
Yeah, you can stand up, you can start again — you'll make it through.
[Bridge (spoken over soft guitar, then building)]
I don't know how to close this letter, son, my hands are worn and weak.
You gave so much for a love you thought was true — and now you feel used, thrown away.
What terrible pain. Get help, go deep, do the soul work —
With time and truth and moral guiding, you'll find the best for you.
[Instrumental break (steel guitar / low piano — mournful then hopeful)]
[Final Chorus (lift — vocal full, steady)]
Remember — God don't give a problem you can't meet, it's true.
Remember — we're greater than the things that fall on you.
Be proud you kept your promise when promises are few,
Stand tall, son, find your center — Dad believes in you.
Stand tall, son, find your center — Dad believes in you.
(Spoken, intimate, very low)
I wish I had greater mind to offer more, but if I do, I'll throw it down on paper and send it to you.
Forever — Dad.
[Outro - instrumental]
The letter that inspired ...
12/17/99
Hi Son,
For the first time I'm writing a letter that I don't know how to begin. The numbness and hurt of your morning call is making it very difficult to find the words I am searching for. I sat here for about ten minutes before I wrote the first word. I'm so thankful that you felt secure enough to call us in the midst of an emotional nightmare.
Mom and I have loved the both of you and have always wished the best. But love alone can not direct those who have lost their moral compass. Maybe this will be found in the days ahead.
Over the three years of fighting cancer, I kept two bits of wisdom in my mind. I'm sure you have heard these before.
#1. God never gives us a problem that we can not deal with. (what power!)
#2. We are greater than anything that can happen to us. (what power!)
Your challenge is much greater than mine was and it will take a you type of person to accomplish these bits of wisdom.
You should be very proud that you have always kept your marriage vows. To some they are mere words to get them where they want to be and have in life; to others the vows have a much deeper meaning and are a guideline an how to live a moral and meaningful life together. Unfortunately, many times, these views are not compatible.
You are three thousands miles away standing right next to me. I trust that you will not do anything that would completely drain the tears from mom's and my bodies. That would sincerely Challenge my life's meaning. Tracey, mom and I will always love and need you no matter how torn your emotions and ego become. The great thing about emotions and egos is that they eventually heal and life goes on after so much pain.
I'm at the end of this letter and don't know how to close. I know you have sacrificed so much for a successful marriage and now feel like you have been used, abused and thrown away. What terrible pain! With professional guidance, in-depth soul searching and moral guidance you will reach a decision that will be the best for you.
I wish I had a greater mind to offer you more in the way of moral support. If I get a brain eruption I'll throw it down on a piece of paper and send it to you.
Forever,
Dad
