Easter Pics, Tennessee Ernie, and Sixteen Tons - What a Combination!

This man is my daddy!  Isn't he handsome?  This picture was taken in front of our house on Georgia Avenue in West Palm Beach, FL on an Easter Sunday morning, when I was four, and I truly believed if he would just wait for me I would marry him when I grew up.  I said earlier in the week that I was going to use the Easter theme this week and today's is a stretch so hang in there with me.  This picture was made on Easter Sunday....but from there I am going to take a different road.  Those of you who are old enough to remember might remember Tennessee Ernie Ford.  Ernest Jennings Ford (February 13, 1919 – October 17, 1991), better known as Tennessee Ernie Ford, was an American recording artist in both the country/western and gospel genres.  My daddy sang just like him.  When I was we would be in the car going somewhere and my dad would break into "Sixteen Tons."  It would become one of my favorite songs.  I remember the day I learned to play it on the guitar and sang it back to my dad...he sat there and smiled.  Tennessee Ernie was a good 20 years older than my dad but that did not matter one bit to me.  Everytime my dad would open his mouth and that velvety smooth voice would trickle out...Tennessee Ernie was timeless.  I remember when he died in 1991 I cried when I heard the news.  I never even met the man!....but I knew my dad...and to me...they had always been one and the same.   My favorite line from the lyrics is, "If you see me coming better step aside.  A lot of men didn't and a lot of men died.  One fist is iron and the onther one steel, if the right one don't get you then the left one will."  When my dad would sing that...he would ball up his fists...smile broadly and shake them at you.  This man, the gentle giant would not hurt anyone.....but he sure sounded tough.  This is my first Easter without Him.  I am an Easter person...I will get through this holiday, his birthday, memorial day, Father's day (well...maybe not Father's Day)...but time will continue...and the memories will grow dimmer and sweeter....and evertime I hear "Sixteen Tons"...I will smile.  Happy Hump Day!