“Loss of my Father: Anonymous”

I first heard “How Could Anyone” at a friend’s memorial service four years ago. The beauty of the lyrics struck me and a memory of it remained with me but I did not know who sang the song.

Earlier this year, my dad died (17 April 2002). Just after this happened, I was talking over my loss with a friend. My dad was passionate about music, especially jazz and he played saxophone, clarinet and trumpet. Because the conversation I was having was very much connected to my dad’s love of music, I happened to mention the song that had been played at our mutual friend’s memorial all those years ago. We had, strangely, never discussed this before. It turned out that she was able to tell me the singer of the song and, from this, I found your web site and ordered both Songs For The Inner Child and Bread For The Journey.

I have found Songs For the Inner Child very comforting at this time. My father was an amazing person and a lot of my identity came from him. I have now lost a huge part of my life with his passing and the part of me that forever remained a child is now completely bereft because my dad is no longer here.

My mum is still alive and I love her dearly but our relationship is on a different level to the one I had with my dad. He was the one I turned to when I needed help; he allowed a part of me to remain a child. Your songs have reached my “inner child” and provided solace. I admit that, at the moment, I listen to them, often with tears, but your voice and music are helping.

When I first heard, “Return Again”, I took the lyrics literally on a spiritual level. It was as though it was a call to my dad to return to where his soul came from. Bread For The Journey can also be taken as a spiritual metaphor – the journey being our final one to our soul’s rest. I have taken many things from your songs and am finding a form of peace within the melodies and lyrics. Don’t know if I shall ever truly regain peace within but I thank you for helping.

Dedicated to ‘Pops’ in eternal gratitude for Ella, Louis, Billy, Glenn and ole blue eyes himself – you will always be a legend to me.

Name withheld upon request