Nashville

My father once took me to the Grand Ole Opry. There, I saw Mel Tillis perform “Coca-Cola Cowboy” and I can still remember it. 

Hendersonville, Tennessee—I’m on stage playing music within spitting distance from Nashville.

Nashville.

Before today, I’ve only been here once in my entire life. I was a redheaded seven-year-old at the time. My father worked a few years in Spring Hill, welding column splices that would one day become a General Motors plant. 

I visited the GM plant today. A non-descript iron continent. My father called it his greatest achievement.

My father once took me to the Grand Ole Opry. There, I saw Mel Tillis perform “Coca-Cola Cowboy” and I can still remember it.

The stage lights, the barn-themed set, men with white hair and cowboy hats, playing two-step rhythms.

Afterward, we bought ice cream. We sat on a bench looking at neon lights.

My father said, “All my life, I’ve only heard the Opry on a radio. I think I like it better on a radio.”

I hardly remember the rest of that night. But I do remember fiddles, pedal steels, corny jokes. And I remember feeling happy.

So, I’m here. I’m thinking about life, and how short it is. For Joe Six-Pack like me, this is as close to heaven as I’ll ever get.

My father died when I was twelve. I hung drywall and laid tile at seventeen. I cut lawns, threw sod, and planted shrubs at eighteen.

At twenty, I played guitar in a small Baptist church. At twenty-one: I played in beer joints and all-you-can-eat catfish buffets.

I guess what I’m trying to say is: I’m happy. I mean really happy.

Today, I’m on a stage with my friends, playing guitar not far from my father’s greatest monument.

In the audience, I see a little redheaded girl with pigtails.

She looks so happy.

I’m singing with my friends. The same friends I’ve played music with for many years. They’ve seen me grow up. They’ve helped me become me.

Fred, on the drums. He knew me when I was a college kid, when I played at the VFW.

Tom, on the upright bass. He played with me at the grand opening of a used car dealership in Panama City, Florida, once.

Patti, on fiddle. She led symphonies before she joined our ragged outfit.

We aren’t a great band, I’m not going to lie. I’ve seen and heard better. We’re all right.

But we’re together, by God. And we’re in this town. And that counts for something.

And even though I’ll probably never be here again, I’m here now. With my wife. With my father’s beat-up guitar.

Yesterday, my mother told me she’s proud of me. My wife kissed my forehead this morning and said the same thing.

I don’t know why I’m even writing this. The last thing you care about today is where I am, or what I’m doing. And you probably didn’t want to read more about my late father—I write about him too often.

But, I guess I just wanted to thank you, whoever you are. Thank you for reading what I write. And thank you for your kindness to me.

I didn’t mean to cry while writing this. But you can’t win them all.

This General Motors plant makes me damn proud.

116 comments

  1. Donna Hart - September 24, 2017 3:08 pm

    I think you are wonderful because you write from your heart. A lot of people don’t even know where their heart is.?

    Reply
  2. Jeanie Crutchfield - September 24, 2017 3:09 pm

    Keep writing about your dad. And keep playing your music. That is what makes you happy. I love reading any and everything you write. God Bless You.
    Jeanie

    Reply
  3. Catherine - September 24, 2017 3:11 pm

    I really enjoy the stories about your father Sean. It tells about the man’s life, not the last verse. You have made me remember every one of us have a story. Not every chapter is good or easy, but it’s all a part of our stories. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Monica - September 24, 2017 3:25 pm

      Beautifully said!!

      Reply
  4. Lilli Ann Snow - September 24, 2017 3:12 pm

    For everything you wrote and everything you held back, maybe for later, I say, “Thank you, Sean.”
    Your joy is multiplied by each of us who read about it and feel the light shining from your eyes as you smile.❤️✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

    Reply
  5. Phil McLaughlin - September 24, 2017 3:15 pm

    I guess I never get tired of hearing about your father, or the people you have come to meet, and your travels are easy to follow. Your daily post is something I look forward to.

    Reply
  6. karen - September 24, 2017 3:18 pm

    Hear, Hear, Sean of the South!

    Reply
  7. Sandi in FL - September 24, 2017 3:24 pm

    Sean, write about your Daddy as often as you want to. Your obvious love for him is refreshingly wonderful. If a reader tires of it, that’s their problem, not yours.

    Reply
  8. Leia Lona - September 24, 2017 3:24 pm

    Thank you Sean for this gift of your stories, especially today on my birthday.

    Reply
    • Sandi in FL - September 24, 2017 4:02 pm

      Have a very delightful birthday, Leia!

      Reply
  9. Jennifer M Moon - September 24, 2017 3:25 pm

    Sean, I love your stories and especially those that include your Dad. It’s pretty awesome that you still have all of your great memories that were made with him. I’m sure he’s smiling down from heaven and saying how proud he is of you.

    Reply
  10. Kathy in Abaco - September 24, 2017 3:26 pm

    Thank you, Sean! I love everything you write.

    Reply
  11. Tawanah Fagan Bagwell - September 24, 2017 3:28 pm

    I thank you for baring your soul to us. It is wonderful that you can see the building your father built. Not everyone has something they can see of what their parents did. Keep writing about him and keep on writing. We are reading!

    Reply
  12. Frances - September 24, 2017 3:30 pm

    On a Mississippi Sunday morning, I thank you.

    Reply
  13. Susan Hammett Poole - September 24, 2017 3:30 pm

    Sean, you should be happy, you should be proud, you should cry ~ you are being real with your readers, and we love you for it. Bet that little red-headed girl in the audience reminded you of yourself as a kid, huh?

    Reply
  14. Ben Martin - September 24, 2017 3:34 pm

    Thanks for coming to Hendersonville. We really enjoyed listening to you (real country music). Please come back. I appreciate the autographed book and having my picture made with you.

    Reply
  15. Alice cowart - September 24, 2017 3:35 pm

    It’s the everyday journey that can speak to me the most. We love the way you share your life and hope you won’t change the way you do it! Haven’t tired of hearing about your father either. Keep being the light you are.

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  16. Marion Pitts - September 24, 2017 3:35 pm

    Please keep your stories as they are-a part of you! Love reading about your family experiences! Nice way to start my day !

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  17. teachenglish67 - September 24, 2017 3:39 pm

    This could be words to a song….a song most would listen to and possibly identify with. Thank you for the memories……it brought up some of my own.

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  18. Roxanne - September 24, 2017 3:41 pm

    Don’t apologize for what you write. We read it on purpose. Keep it coming. You are doing all kinds of good in the World, and I think, had he lived to see you today, your dad might say that YOU are his greatest accomplishment along with your sister and his grand girl.

    Reply
  19. Holl Loper - September 24, 2017 3:43 pm

    Sean, I’m going to be 63 this year. My father has been gone since 1978. I cried last night thinking about him. MISS him so much. Mother is 88 and has Alsheimers. I pray to him and God every day for guidance. Never stop talking about your Daddy! Keep his spirit alive.

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  20. Roger Harrelson - September 24, 2017 3:58 pm

    Sean, I’m 61 years old with 3 girls and 5 grandkids, and last weekend they were all here at my house. We played and ate and just enjoyed one another, but I lost my mom and dad over the past few years and when I read about you and your dad it makes me think , how I wish my grandkids and my youngest daughter could have met my mother and my grandkids my dad. It would have been a great time. I pray that we will all be together again one day of the Lords willing and the Creek don’t rise! That’s what my dad would say. So keep writing about your dad and south Alabama, cause that’s where I’m from too. Red Level, Alabama.
    Thanks again
    Roger Harrelson

    Reply
  21. Lynn - September 24, 2017 4:09 pm

    Keep ‘me coming please.

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    • Lynn - September 24, 2017 4:10 pm

      embarrassing! That was supposed to be keep’em coming!

      Reply
      • TN Lizzie - September 24, 2017 7:04 pm

        Lynn, Sean keeps us all coming back for more. And God’s got enough grace to cover a typo, especially on a Sunday that wouldn’t be here if the prognosticators had been right about the end of the world happening yesterday! 😉 Since we woke up breathing this morning, let’s just accept it as another day that the Lord has made. Let’s all be grateful!

        Reply
  22. Judy Riley - September 24, 2017 4:12 pm

    Sean, write about your father anytime the mood strikes you…it’s okay if it’s often. I believe this helps you cope with the tragedy no happy, young child should ever have to endure. My father died suddenly at age 46,(heart attack) I was already married. with children and lived in another state. My brother was 15. He has been married three times. He has never recovered. He is now an alcoholic and lives alone. I have learned that a person does not “recover” from a tragic loss….you just learn to cope. I know this first hand as I lost a 16 year old son in an auto accident…but God is good…I have 6 grandchildren and one G-grandchild….God is good!!

    Reply
    • NovaLee - September 24, 2017 4:20 pm

      ❤ And, yes, we do care…your words comfort our lives?

      Reply
  23. Helene Mewborn - September 24, 2017 4:13 pm

    Because of the fine GM Saturn plant at Spring Hill, I benefitted from your dad’s work!
    Thanks! It never hurts to be appreciative of your mother and father!

    Reply
  24. Becky - September 24, 2017 4:13 pm

    Thank YOU, for writing.

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  25. Anne Holcomb - September 24, 2017 4:24 pm

    And thank you for being such a wonderful soul.

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  26. Randall J Bailey - September 24, 2017 4:28 pm

    I look forward to your column every day. You can write about whatever you want, I’ll very likely tear up.

    My brother-in-law was a high school drop-out who had worked for GM for years in a plant in mid-New York state when the Saturn plant first was envisioned. GM asked for applicants throughout their plants but only accepted the cream of the crop to move to Spring Hill. My brother-in-law was chosen early, was moved and living there before ground was broken. Most certainly worked with your dad. They were all immensely proud of that factory.

    Reply
  27. Patricia Byers - September 24, 2017 4:34 pm

    when you write of your dad, and your dog, and your mom’s pearls, and places in the south with strange sounding names my heart smiles. when you write of the people of the south, who have to be the most genuine people put on earth, my heart smiles. sometimes when you write, my eyes overflow. often they overflow. few other writers have that effect on me. thank you for writing. you are a gift to so many of us who read you.

    Reply
  28. Richard Cotton - September 24, 2017 4:50 pm

    Sean, I am new to your writings and I am really enjoying every word. I grew up in South Alabama, but after college at Auburn, work took me to Baton Rouge, LA where I have been for the past 43 years. If you ever get down AL State Highway 55 south of Andalusia, AL check out the folks in the Stanley Community. You know you are there when you see Judson Baptist Church. Say hello to Mr. Glenn Sightler and Mr. Harold Elmore for me. They are just two examples of the finest people in the whole wide world. I will keep reading your work and if you ever play in Baton Rouge I will come to hear you and your band. Just give me a “heads up” on the time and venue. May God bless.

    Reply
  29. George - September 24, 2017 4:53 pm

    I start everyday with your stories. Please don’t stop writing about your father as it always brings back memories of my father. You hit home runs everyday.

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  30. Renee brown - September 24, 2017 5:02 pm

    Lived in Hendersonville 3 years, 1983-86, Saunders Road. Son was born there. I remember when the plant was built so guess we lived in area same time. Who knew. You keep writing about your daddy and all your wonderful southern experiences and life. We’ve all been there and love the memories!

    Reply
  31. Nancy - September 24, 2017 5:07 pm

    I can’t wait to get your email and see what you have to say to make my heart smile every day! Love that your happy and when you write about your Daddy. I love you Sean!

    Reply
  32. Agnes Spurlock - September 24, 2017 5:12 pm

    I just found your blog and I love what you write. I write a blog and used to beat myself up because I couldn’t write as well as others, like you. I no longer compare my writing. It’s not great, but it is me. I read so much between your lines and love the pictures you create with your words. Keep on doing what you’re doing.

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  33. andoro16 - September 24, 2017 5:54 pm

    Sean, you made me smile.

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  34. George Jacoby - September 24, 2017 5:55 pm

    I’m proud of you, too, Sean, and I love hearing about your daddy. We’re all proud of you… <3

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  35. Lynda - September 24, 2017 5:58 pm

    You are amazing, Sean. Love your writing. Keep up the good work.

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  36. Lori Q - September 24, 2017 6:09 pm

    I live in Nashville Sean–a transplant from the great state of Texas. And I just want to say– you make me proud. Your heart, shared through your writing, never ceases to move me. To me truth, love for family and friends, and telling those folks you love them is what matters most. Have too much fun playing in your lovely band in Hendersonville. Thanks for being happy and reminding us all how truly easy it is–to just be happy and grateful for the life we have and those that are in it. Lastly, hats off to your daddy. God Bless, Sean

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  37. Jane Padgett - September 24, 2017 6:09 pm

    I have never read even one of your articles that I have not loved. Your articles are the first thing I read every morning, only after my Bible readings. Your writings are fun, inspiring, funny, and yes, they even make me cry – and that is OKAY! I thoroughly enjoy them so please keep them coming!

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  38. Peg - September 24, 2017 6:17 pm

    As you SHOULD be proud!!!!

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  39. Lew Najor - September 24, 2017 6:26 pm

    Hey , thank you . Been busy working in Texas with the recovery efforts and I miss home ( Brewton , Al ) same hometown as your lovely wife. Talked to my youngest daughter this morning in a month. Was very nice as I relate it to the read from a few days ago about the dad who gets no calls / texts from son at college. Still wanna get you to play at the Oaks Cafe soon. Keep it going and enjoy your thoughts.

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  40. Connie - September 24, 2017 6:45 pm

    Keep writing. About your daddy and your momma. Your wife and her momma. The friends who have always been with you and the friends you’ve made along the way. You speak to all of us every day and I’m so thankful I get to read your words.

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  41. Charles L.(Chuck) Scott II - September 24, 2017 6:53 pm

    Good Day Sean, and I can tell it was a good day you wrote this! Always happy to hear whatever you have to say, in most cases its a great uplift for MY day!

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  42. Kathy - September 24, 2017 6:55 pm

    Keep writing from your heart. Ever since I saw you at The Waters in Montgomery- I look forward to your gift each morning as I read your blog. You have such a gift to bring home so much what we all think about just don’t have the gift to write is so beautifully! I look forward to seeing you in Montgomery again on the 2nd of November!
    Keep on writing…. your thoughts and your heart!

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  43. Bill Turner - September 24, 2017 6:56 pm

    I’m thankful for your writing. I believe most of the stories about your late father are right on time.

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  44. Judy - September 24, 2017 7:05 pm

    Thank you! Sean. You are real…you are honest. And you are gentle. So many of us need some real, honest gentle in our lives. And you give us that – and you do it so well. Thank you!

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  45. Shana - September 24, 2017 7:12 pm

    Thank you for sharing these memories. Thank you for sharing your life with us. We do care.

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  46. Laura - September 24, 2017 7:24 pm

    You can’t turn off feelings and memories and it seems the craziest things set you off. For you, the GM plant, for me seeing a young woman changing a tire by the road. I have only had to change a tire once in my life (I have been saved that duty by kind hearted men (some young, some old and a few who looked a bit rough but were kind nevertheless). My Daddy taught me to change a tire “’cause you never know when you might have to do it”. So every time I see that, I remember him – and every time I see anyone square dancing and kicking their foot in the air, or any time, I see a lone man in a fishing boat, and so on. You make me feel sad and happy and good! Thank you Sean!

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  47. Beth Andrews - September 24, 2017 7:30 pm

    I don’t usually comment, but I want you to know how much I enjoy your writings. I’m an army brat who fell in love with the south when my Dad was stationed at Ft. Rucker. I love all things southern, including the Dothan boy I married 32 years ago. Your words bring back the simplicity of growing up in the sweet, slow South. You frequently bring me to tears – and that’s hard to do – and often make me laugh out loud. Thank you for sharing your life and your thoughts – and your Daddy. Keep writing about him and ignore the one or two who complain. As you can see, the vast majority of us love him because we love you. And we really do.

    Reply
  48. Pamela McEachern - September 24, 2017 7:41 pm

    I’m just happy for you and your family and friends. I personally don’t feel there are any limits on the words and their feelings when you get to hear I Love You and I am proud of you. We all love hearing from you, it’s special. God Bless ?
    Love and Peace from Birmingham

    Reply
  49. Mona - September 24, 2017 8:18 pm

    Just so ya know, I take pride in myself that I found your writing … and that makes ME happy! You have a gift and I’m glad you share it.

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  50. Ari - September 24, 2017 8:30 pm

    It has been 3 years, 4 months and 4 days since my husband put a bullet thru his heart. Our kids were 13, 11 and 8 at that time. I hope they can be as honest with themselves about their beloved Dad as they grow into adulthood as you are in your writing. And, my only wishes are that we remain healthy and happy. Wealthy (emotional, physically and financially) would be helpful, but not a major!

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  51. Madeline - September 24, 2017 8:40 pm

    Love the love………

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  52. Claudette Jackson - September 24, 2017 8:47 pm

    Sean,
    I love the stories you write. They make me think of my childhood and growing up in the country. My daddy worked hard to put food on the table and my mama loved the Lord and taught us the things we needed to become responsible adults. There were two of us.
    Never apologize for what you write about. Our roots and our past make us who we are. Thank you for reminding me about mine.
    Claudette. Georgia girl with Florida roots!!!

    Reply
  53. Wendy - September 24, 2017 8:56 pm

    Beautiful, Sean! This made me think of my own father that I called the best in the universe. We who have such memories are so very blessed by our creator.

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  54. Lee Taylor - September 24, 2017 9:07 pm

    No! Thank YOU for convincing me some people still care about somebody besides themselves!

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  55. David Jones - September 24, 2017 9:08 pm

    I’m proud to read what you write. And I’m proud that I can call you a friend, even though we’ve never met in person. Perhaps someday we can. And perhaps someday I can take you flying, it’s what I do for a living. Just let me know when, and I’ll head your way. Best regards

    Reply
  56. Jacquie - September 24, 2017 9:11 pm

    Beautiful Sean, just beautiful. As always you take me to a place of peace and gratitude.

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  57. Linda - September 24, 2017 9:46 pm

    I never tire of you writing about your Father.I so enjoy all of your stories. Stories of what kind of man your Father was helps me understand where your passion comes from. Your stories are the very first thing I see when I log onto FB early every morning. They set the tone of my day and I cherish every word you write.

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  58. Melodie - September 24, 2017 9:57 pm

    Thank YOU! I never tire of any of your stories and always look forward to the next one, and the next, and the next.

    I, too, was a musician on the road. The closest thing to Nashville, was having our album pressed there, and hand-trucking 1,000 of them down the streets of Nashville, with my 2 sons in tow, helping. Road life is tough, and memories is what helps us get through.

    That was a long, long time ago. I beat the pavement and knocked on many doors with recordings and original stuff. We sold the albums off stage. I swear, I still must have 999 of them packed away somewhere, in a tote (or 4), full of memories. ☺

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  59. Regena Mills - September 24, 2017 10:01 pm

    I care…and you touch my soul…

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  60. Donna - September 24, 2017 10:02 pm

    Sean, please never stop writing. I love everything you write. So honest and so thought provoking. They’re all inspiring!

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  61. Martha G. Sibert - September 24, 2017 10:09 pm

    Please keep writing about your daddy, and everything else.Your email is the first thing I look for every morning. Sometimes I actually read the whole story without tears filling up my eyes.

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  62. Mary Anne Weisiger - September 24, 2017 10:27 pm

    Sean, you may have only had your Dad 12 short years. but between him and your Mom, they did a real fine job of bring up a REAL fine person! I remember riding through Johnston county in N.C, and my dad pointing out buildings he and his father and brothers had built, I wish I had paid morn attention, God bless you,Mary Anne

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  63. DeenaGrimsley - September 24, 2017 11:22 pm

    Your writings and humbleness make ME proud.

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  64. dartinia - September 24, 2017 11:23 pm

    keep writing. your daddy wants and needs you to.

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  65. Kathy Daum - September 24, 2017 11:36 pm

    It should. And so does playing in Nashville.

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  66. Marty from Alabama - September 25, 2017 12:17 am

    Does it help to know that your writings make some people cry, some laugh and some us just shake our head in a sense to say, “Yeah, I remember things like that.” And those are the times you get all melancholy remembering back then. That’s what I love about your writings – you send my mind back to the days that were simpler and I miss them along with the people. Got to go. Eyes are leaking.

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  67. Marilyn Jordan - September 25, 2017 12:20 am

    You keep writing about your Father all you want. You grieve your whole life when you lose a loved one, and it is just part of working thru your grief. God bess you.

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  68. Jack Quanstrum - September 25, 2017 12:47 am

    I hear ya, Sean, loud and clear. We do care about you and yours and love to read your story no matter what it is about. You hold strong on to your roots and that’s good. You stand for something and I am proud of you to! Peace be with you!

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  69. Sandy - September 25, 2017 12:56 am

    Enjoyed!

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  70. n. pendergast - September 25, 2017 1:03 am

    A recent subscriber, I really like how you write, what you write about, and that you are happy. Me, too.

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  71. Janeann Fessler - September 25, 2017 1:29 am

    I feel both the pain and joy in this piece. It characterizes all of your work. Carry on.

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  72. Beth - September 25, 2017 2:05 am

    Sean, your father is a part of you and you write from the heart. If anyone does not understand that or does not want to read about him, move on, but you are missing some gold. Keep doing what you do, write what you feel and help us that relate to what you have to say. You are blessed with the gift of writing and we are blessed to be able to read it!

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  73. Janis - September 25, 2017 2:15 am

    There is a space in my “pie pan of life” that perfectly receives the slices of life that you offer up! There is always room for one more…so keep them coming!

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  74. Arlene Pergamit - September 25, 2017 2:32 am

    We can never thank you enough fir the joy and humanity you bring to our lives every day. Don’t ever stop. Please. Promise us.

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  75. Janice Pogue Teegarden - September 25, 2017 2:35 am

    I still leak tears when I think about my dad. He died when I was 21 and hew was 62. Pancreatic cancer brought on by years of hard drinking. I miss him still and I’m almost as old as he was when he died. I love all your posts. Keep sharing!

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  76. jamey tucker - September 25, 2017 2:41 am

    I so wish I knew you were playing here in Hendersonville. I wouldn’t have missed it.

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  77. Michael Hawke - September 25, 2017 2:46 am

    We love you here in Dothan. May God bless.

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    • Melanie Tighe - September 25, 2017 1:12 pm

      Shout out Michael. Dothan is still home to six generations of my family. And here I am stuck in Krazy Kalifornia. Long story.

      Reply
  78. Sylvia Miller - September 25, 2017 3:30 am

    I’ve been reading your writings for a few months now…a friend told me about you. I don’t miss reading any of them that appear online. Thanks, you are gifted!

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  79. Patricia Gibson - September 25, 2017 5:09 am

    I enjoy everything you write!

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  80. JOHN PASCHALL - September 25, 2017 9:36 am

    Amen, brother!

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  81. Beth Thrift - September 25, 2017 11:16 am

    Thank you, Sean, for sharing.

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  82. Amanda - September 25, 2017 12:14 pm

    I look forward to reading your words every morning! You make each day better….and more tolerable somehow. I really appreciate you sharing a small part of your life with us.

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  83. Stephanie - September 25, 2017 12:53 pm

    I do want to hear about you. I care immensely, as I am sure do countless others. Thank you for sharing.

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  84. Beverly Pennel - September 25, 2017 1:05 pm

    Sean, everyone deserves to be proud of what she/he does and to hear aboUT it from someone who cares. I care that you blog about other people and how they care for one another. I have stopped listening to the daily news of divisI’ve Ness and choose to read your blog instead. You can right about your daddy every day if you want to. I know what it feels like to love a daddy with all your heart. I was so very lucky to have mine until age 92, and he was.the sweetest, smartest most loving man God ever put on its earth, even when he was yelling at me through his mind clouded with Alzheimer’s. I wish I could have shared some of those.years with you, but I am fortunate to be able to share his love and legacy with his 9 great grandchildren. My prayer is that you can do the same. Love stories are the best.

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  85. Melanie Tighe - September 25, 2017 1:06 pm

    Sean if you wrote about watching paint dry I’d read it and enjoy every word. And please write about your dad as much as you want. I lost my mom last October and it gives me comfort to read your thoughts about missing someone. You are doing just fine Sean. To use a term from my generation, keep on truckin’.

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  86. Deb - September 25, 2017 1:16 pm

    A slice of life. That’s what I really like. Someone who see the good, not just the bad. Thanks for writing. Sometimes you brighten my day, sometimes you make me think, but everytime you make me glad I read what you write.

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  87. Kim O Washington - September 25, 2017 1:40 pm

    I look forward to our daily visits, through words we connect, your written word, me reading it. I laugh, smile ,cry and thank God for all my many blessings daily. Yours too. Continue on sir! Much appreciated here in Florida.

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  88. Malcolm Schrimsher - September 25, 2017 1:46 pm

    i just started reading your stuff a few weeks ago and I can relate. I am getting ready to retire and I find my self reflecting a lot on my life. I am a pretty simple man and your writing brings lots of simple things to my memory. So just keep on writing. I few tears never hurt anyone, I have shed a few myself.

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  89. Summer Hartzog - September 25, 2017 2:30 pm

    I like you a lot, Sean, but you’re wrong. A lot of folks do care what you’re doing on a random day and want to hear about it. You seem like such a decent guy, one who chooses to see and promote the good in others. That’s rare and so refreshing these days. That’s why I like to start my day reading about one of yours. I like hearing about your life and the things that made/make you who you are – a kind-hearted optimist who has good reason not to be. I especially enjoy hearing about your childhood and your dad. Losing a parent so young is one of those things that can divert a child’s path. While I’m so sorry you lost your dad at such a young age and in such a tragic way, I’m grateful for the person it helped molded you into. God bless you and thanks for sharing.

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  90. Cecil George Smith - September 25, 2017 2:32 pm

    The Grand Ole Opry is a must see. However, I agree with your dad: it’s better on radio. Some things are better heard than seen.

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  91. Jan - September 25, 2017 2:42 pm

    Another beautiful testimony to life – the ups, the downs and the importance of living in the moment whenever possible! Thank you, Sean!

    Reply
  92. Pam Speer - September 25, 2017 3:01 pm

    Sean, you don’t write about your Daddy too much. Believe me when I write that whatever you have to say someone somewhere is needing to hear it… and, that there is something in everything you write for everybody. I just can’t wait to get to work and read what you have had to say – break time can’t come soon enough. Thanks for everything, but thank you most of all for letting me know that I am not alone.

    Reply
  93. Joyce - September 25, 2017 4:04 pm

    You make me proud to be where I am and who I am. Just returned from a trip to one of the big cities up North and I can’t begin to describe how wonder it feels to be back in my little town. Lord, I am truly grateful for my humble slice of Heaven on earth. Thanks Sean, for expressing what I can’t. So grateful for you too.

    Reply
  94. Steve Bonnell - September 25, 2017 4:42 pm

    Awesome work Sean.. Please keep up the great writing..

    Reply
  95. Mike - September 25, 2017 8:06 pm

    Good for you Sean!!!!! I always enjoy reading your stories, I even bought one of your books on Amazon. You see I’m kind of lost too, not lost to the Lord, but I have always been a lost. All in high weeds!!!! And I don’t play golf!!!! God bless you

    Reply
  96. Cindy - September 25, 2017 8:21 pm

    Love your stories and in this crazy world we live in, I do care about your life because you brighten mine.

    Reply
  97. Nancy Cunningham Noble - September 25, 2017 11:59 pm

    Thank YOU! It is a privilege to read your sweet stories and hear about some of your life. Your words paint such a picture that I feel like I’m there.

    Reply
  98. Glenda Mulkey Tew - September 26, 2017 4:29 am

    Love your musings, Sean. Can’t wait to read them every morning. They have become somewhat of a daily devotional for me. You make my heart smile and ache at the same time. I grew up a poor little country plow girl on the Chattahoochee River across the Alabama line in SW Ga and have strayed many miles and light years from there but still abide by what my Granny drilled into me “Don’t ever get above your raising and you have to remember where you came from to get to where you going.” Bless you and keep writing.

    Reply
  99. Katy - September 26, 2017 7:05 pm

    Sean,

    Sometimes I get behind because of life, but I read every writing you’ve emailed since I discovered your writings and your email list. It matters not one bit what you are writing about. You take me back to a better time, more relaxed and more of what I wish this world still were. Continue to write about your dad, and whatever pops into your head. Sometimes your stories bring a tear to my eye (or make me outright cry), but your stories always make me feel happier about our world and people like you being out there.

    Reply
  100. Karlton Turner - September 27, 2017 3:34 am

    Sean…I’m 51 years old and my first of three daughters is getting married in November and I find that the older I get the easier tears flow. I have decided this is a good thing. I’m sure these November nuptials will surely bring on a new floor of tears. I am ready and not ashamed.

    Reply
  101. LeAnne Storey - September 27, 2017 3:30 pm

    Hey Sean, if you are ever around the Anniston area, I’d love to come hear you play.

    Reply
  102. deckerfp - September 27, 2017 8:56 pm

    You have every right to be “dawn proud”. You brighten days of thousands of people and make us realise what’s important. Thank you

    Reply
  103. Marsha - September 27, 2017 11:44 pm

    Very proud of you too Sean, and I am glad that you cry now and then. Tears are memories rolling down our cheeks.

    Reply
  104. Claudine Provenza - September 28, 2017 4:45 pm

    You remind me of why I work so hard as a single mom with two boys, you remind me of all that’s good and amazing in this everyday life. NEVER stop writing and NEVER apologize for what hits the paper. Thank you for reminding me of the little girl inside me who wishes every damn day i could talk to my dad, and thank him for making me the woman I am — i miss his voice and 47 was too damn young to die on me. But he knew it, and gave me everything he could before he left. Now you got me filled with tears — and i THANK YOU.

    Reply
  105. Marilyn Cook - September 28, 2017 11:58 pm

    Love you, Sean. Pllase keep writing!

    Reply
  106. Mary Hennis - September 29, 2017 2:52 am

    I can relate to how you feel about Nashville and how great the feeling is to be
    there. I have two children living in the area and my son was signed with Word Records before Gaylord Entertainment bought them out. He was in the Christian industry. He has a song in a Denzel Washington movie. Sometimes, it feels like a fairy tale place to be……..glad you were able to go back and enjoy the night with your friends.

    Reply
  107. Jon Dragonfly - October 4, 2017 4:44 am

    Sean,
    From a Dad who misses his Son to a Son who misses his Dad,
    “I’m Proud of you!”

    Reply
  108. Mark Nydell - November 8, 2017 7:50 pm

    Thank you for writing what you write. I appreciate it every time!

    Reply
  109. Pam Bishop - February 27, 2018 4:13 pm

    I read what you write everyday, no matter who it’s about. Thank you!

    Reply
  110. Elizabeth Garrett - February 28, 2018 12:14 am

    I can’t wait to hear you speak tomorrow in Auburn! I’m bringing friends! I love what you write.

    Reply

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