When I was a very little girl, my family had a big black rocking chair in our living room.  I don’t remember much about any of the other furniture in our living room from way back then, but I remember that big black rocking chair very well.  When I had a hard time falling asleep my daddy would rock me in that rocking chair and sing songs to me.

He would sing Rock-a-Bye Baby, I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover, How Much is that Doggy in the Window and Trailer for Sale or Rent.  I remember how he sang loudly and his voice sounded happy.  He was a man with a big, happy, loving and friendly personality.  My dad loved music and he sang his songs with personality.  To this day whenever I hear one of those songs I think of my dad.

My dad loved music and he would randomly burst out in song as he went about his day.  He also whistled.  I remember learning to whistle when I was a little girl and feeling proud of myself when I finally figured it out.   I looked up to my daddy and I thought it was neat how he whistled  and I learned to whistle so I could be like him.

Dad also loved to listen to big band music, to Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Dean Martin and others.  During the last few months of his life my sisters and I took turns taking care of Dad during the day.  His body was weak and feeble.  His mind was tired and confused.  His demeanor was always loving and appreciative.  But he didn’t do much, say much or even move very much.  In an effort to bring him some little bit of pleasure I would turn on some of his CD’s so he could listen to the music he so enjoyed.  And then my Daddy would perk up and he would sing along to the songs as they played and his voice sounded happy and he sang with personality.

I’ll never forget the big black rocking chair.  In that chair I learned about how much my daddy loved me and I learned that music can bring joy and happiness to life!

I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover

I’m looking over, a four leaf clover,

That I over looked before.

One leaf is sunshine, the second is rain,

Third is the roses that bloom in the lane.

No need explainin’, the one remainin’

Is somebody I adore!

I’m looking over a four leaf clover,

That I overlooked before!