The book begins with a very emotional Foreword written by Carolyn Campbell, widow of Patrick J. O'Shea (father). The Forward tells the heart-wrenching story that this book is based on. Below is an excerpt from the Foreword.
Becoming a widow at the age of 25 was unexpected and devastating. One
of the hardest times of my life was when I had to tell my two young sons, Patrick age 5 and Ryan age 16 months that Daddy was never coming home again. I comforted them and myself by our faith that he is in Heaven and that he felt no pain. He died instantly at the accident scene. It was Patrick’s first day of kindergarten.
Six months after Pat’s car accident, my younger son Ryan became ill with
a stomach virus that was going around. I took him to the doctor on a Friday, and he went into the hospital the same day due to his high fever.
He passed away early Sunday morning at the age of 22 months old. I can’t even attempt to describe the devastation and loss I felt. Only a mother who has lost a child can relate to this horror. My main concern was for my son Patrick. He had lost his Dad and only brother in a six month time frame.
I told him Daddy and Ryan were together in Heaven, and now we had to take care of each other. He is all that held me together for many years. Even to this day when I feel upset or at loose ends, I call or visit Patrick to feel grounded again.
The book is designed in a conversation format which allows a deceased father and a living son to communicate through poetry. Many life lessons and subjects are covered in this book. Below are several excerpts from the chapter "Day by Day".
WILL YOU MAYBE
Never been a church going man
Never much of a religious hand
Only said a prayer or two
But I believed in you
So if you don’t take me
Please, take my wife and baby
Father
SUNDAY MORNIN’ MAN
He cuts deals all week long
Beats his kids when they are wrong
Makes his wife live in fear
Brags of the money he makes each year
But on Sunday mornin’
He puts on his best suit and tie
To further his lifetime lie
Puts on a Sunday mornin’ show
His attendance is stellar
But his heart doesn’t go
He’ll smile at you and shake your hand
He’s the Sunday mornin’ man
Son
LIFE OF A WORKINGMAN
Getting up too early, going to bed too late
Is this forever the workingman’s fate
Twelve hours a day, 7 days a week
I say my patience is at its peak
Where will I find the comfort I seek
The sorry life of a workingman
So tired I can hardly stand
No one’s willing to give a hand
Day after day till I kick the can
Father
CAREER VS. JOB
I hang with a surly mob
I have a career
But I don’t have a job
Could make more money as an electrician
Could see the light if I were an optician
Could pull some money out of a hat
If I were a magician
But things could be worse
I could be a lying politician
Or a puked on pediatrician
Money is not all I’m wishin
So when I’m low on work
I’ll just go fishin’
Tis the life
Of a struggling musician!
Son
