Can we pretend that airplanes are shooting stars?
Life was never perfect growing up. Even to this day, it probably won’t ever be perfect but he made it seem that way. That picture there to the left, that’s my dad when he was 18 years old, taken when he served with the Royal Lao Air Force / US Air Force Ally. I get my singing abilities from Momma C, but from my appearance, to my demeanor, to my lifestyle… it comes from the inspirations of my dad. He carried an aura around him that even in the darkest times, he’s able to make light of all situations.
In 2008, my dad lost a hard fought battle to cancer. He was my hero; strong, humble, noble, inspirational, everything that I hope to be as a person.
I wrote the remix to Airplanes to honor is character, to immortalize my memories of him. I didn’t think I would get emotional but I was wrong. This song took every bit of strength for me to record in studio. I listened to this song nearly everyday for 3 straight months after it was recorded. It helped me regain my strength because the thought of the way he lived, brings him back every time. Anyone that has recently lost a loved one, I hope this helps you through.
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June 23, 2011 - 10:24 pm
Same as here for me! I lost my father when i was 13 and steady trying to find my future but you’ve made me stronger realizing that i shouldn’t give up on my life and keep it moving! I hope to meet you one day in life and talk to you.
April 25, 2012 - 8:40 pm
I spent 18 months as an advisor to the Royal Lao Air Force. They were, and are, the least known heroes of the Vietnam War.
An American fighter pilot flew 100 combat missions within a year, and went home. Between missions, he lived in airconditioned comfort with an officers club. He went on vacation out of country at least once during his year.
An RLAF pilot flew 100 combat missions, and typically began another month’s operations. Between missions, he lived in a thatch hut. We had movies projected on the living room wall, and a little bar in the corner; this was the RLAF officers club–when we invited them in. The RLAF officers never went on R&R.
And while we Americans tended to bitch about almost everything, I never heard an RLAF pilot complain about anything.
I am glad your father lived through his service. Most RLAF pilots did not.
April 26, 2012 - 9:29 am
I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Thank you for honoring the RLAF soldiers as well. This really means a lot.