Jan
That is so fantastic - one of the best I've ever read here on Chordie - or anywhere in fact.
To me poetry is about painting a mental picture and moving the soul and emotions - which you have outstandingly done !

I am a huge gardener - and as I am getting older and my kids have left - I have not diminished my garden for the very reason you included -   it's not the garden - its the life. 
As I garden - it is a time of reflection , a time of stress relief, a time to be creative, and a time to absolve problems. I had my 3 year old grandson over a couple of weeks ago  and we picked beans - not to harvest but to find different colors - and we just threw the beans back into the soil. The last two times since then - as soon as he has arrived - he wanted to go to the garden - I would plant a hundred gardens just to continue being able to that over and over again !

Thanks for sharing this wonderful literary piece - it should become a song.

As Phill pointed out - we all have meaningful songs that touch our hearts in remembrance - if I was a musician and was capable of playing a set - I would always include the song "Leader of the Band" -  Whenever I do play it on my guitar - it always brings tears to my eyes as I remember my Mother and my 6 older brothers. 

Thank you so much - I love this piece!!
and as I am typing right now happy tears are streaming down my face. 
Jim     

p.s.  This should be submitted to some book company - it really and truly is awesome - kids should read this in school.  I am going to give a copy of it to the English teacher in the school where I teach - it's that good!!

Heck Bill
-  I am off key every time - I stink at singing!
there is no machine available to make me sound good !! 

Jim     

Russell
I did same thing on my Epiphone LP - had a guy fix it and although the cosmetics weren't perfect - it played just as well as when new.
and on a side note - I almost replicated your move yesterday.... I was reaching for something and bumped my stand - it went over - but fortunately landed on the dog bedding and softened the blow. WHEW !

Hope it all works out for you

Jim

Richard
That was terrific ! 
I amazed every time one of you here on chordie can do something like this. 
I certainly wish I had your talent.

Although I too have never heard the song, I really don't need to hear the  original -
your version works just fine for me!
Well done, my friend!

Jim

not me     

Good job fellas - sure is a sad song     

Richard
He has way more talent than I will ever have regarding  staying on beat.
He has a very nice voice. I don't know how you kept that kazoo in your mouth so long

I am envious of you -those are special memories you are forging - can't ever be topped by buying any toy or video game.
The time you spend with your son like that is preciously  irreplaceable.

Congrats - enjoy -  and never stop !

Jim     

Bill- I had the same question about the fret thing !

I loved the comment down below:

non - guitar player - " man , I gotta start playing guitar"

guitar player - "I might as well stop playing guitar"

 
Thanks for sharing
Jim     

Sorry Graham

'm sure it was much more than the just the music.
Thee never are words for such events other than may care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. I wish you better days

Jim     

Peatle and Bill

Great find. Excellent music.
McKinley story is a sad one ... the injury from the gunshot was so unfortunate as it not only went through stomach - it hit liver , pancreas and actually was never located.
McKinley also had a heart problem and was way overweight.  It was the gangreneous infection and other complications that eventually killed him. Thomas Edison the great inventor had sent an x ray machine - but some how a part was missing and it was useless.

I encourage everyone to listen to the song by Steve and Ainsley -  posted on their site  www.apiranamusic.com that Peatle provided - called       All The Lights -        It is excellent - but I gotta say _ JAN YOU SOUND JUST LIKE HER --  that's why I keep telling you you need to get in a studio!

Thanks to Bill and Peatle for this great thread
Jim     

Phill very nice - but I am going to travel the other road -  I like your layered versions.

I hope you do this with the full ensemble - I know it would be fantastic!!

you are on a hot streak - keep em  coming my friend!

Jim