As a young kid, Marty and his mama spent weekend nights in rural southern bars listening to dad play with his band. As a teen he learned to play under countless hours of alcohol-induced instruction and degrading comments from his dad.
The family went through financial hardship. There was no playing catch in the back yard. No family nights huddled by the radio. Divorce left young Marty alone with his dad in a run down shack on the edge of town. Through it all, music bonded the two of them like chords and lyrics do a song.
Marty went on to become a successful musician. He played on stages around the world. It brought him financial stability. However, his greatest joy was playing alongside his dad in the smokey bars back home.
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Mind of Shoo
Mind of Shoo 
It seams all our lives we run in circles, always returning to that one place we longed for in our childhood. You showed Marty’s strength of character through his love for his father. Great story.
Dear Shoo,
A well-written, multi-layered story of the ties that bind. Good one.
shalom,
Rochelle
Touching, well-layered story. A boy & his dad. Well done.
I just noticed your by-line. ACOA. thought so. 😉
Yep. ACoA I am. 🙂
And I, as well. 😉
Not always easy but I plug along. Writing helps me understand that aspect of my life.
Why do people often love the ones who hurt them the most? A wonderful tale told extremely well.
Ah the ties that bind.
I didn’t think it was going to end well. you surprised me. Well done
Dee
Dear Shoo, A wonderful story from a brow beaten kid who still loves his dad (as usually happens). Well done! Nan 🙂
Boy do I resonate with this. Terrific.
First of all, I like this line: “Through it all, music bonded the two of them like chords and lyrics do a song.” Secondly, you’ve illustrated well that even though relationships sometimes seem, and are, dysfunctional, love is often still there and can help redeem the relationship over time.
Just want to mention, that “alcohol-induced” needs a hyphen. Just call me The Hyphenator. 🙂
janet
Thanks for the compliment Janet! I appreciate it. Let me run and make that change! 🙂
The thing I found compelling about this piece was that the precious value of time with Dad was something the alcohol and parental neglect couldn’t take away.