I have your eyes, your ginger genes, But they’re just lovely perks. I also have your steely strength, When seeing how life works.   I have your same tenacity, Your loyal, gen’rous heart, I have your love of music, Of reading and of art.   You taught me "When you do a job, do it to perfection." Through you, I understand fair play, Integrity, direction.   The greatest words you ever spoke Were “You are just like me.” For that was always my life’s goal And what I strived to be.   I treasure all that you bestowed, But one part is too loud: The silence reigning since your death. (Do I still make you proud?)       Recognized Author Notes This man took me to piano lessons and dance classes every week for thirteen years. In addition, he took me to voice lessons for six and to every play and musical rehearsal I was ever in. Even when I was old enough to drive myself, he said he didn't want to lose that time we got to spend together in the car to and from. He was tough and exacting, and he had high - but fair- expectations for all of his children, but he had them for himself, as well, and always set a great example. When I was sixteen and wanted to stop taking piano lessons to concentrate solely and exclusively on my voice, he said, "Vocalists are a dime a dozen. But a vocalist who has the same level of acumen with a piano that she does with her voice has a shot at career in music." And look at this: here I am, fifty years later, gainfully employed not as a vocalist, but as a piano teacher. Go, Daddy!! And thank you for absolutely everything. SO proud to say I'm Bill Saxman's daughter.

© Copyright 2025. Rachelle Allen All rights reserved. Rachelle Allen has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.