I Still Can't Say Goodbye

When I was a little girl, my daddy always wore a felt hat which was fashionable at the time.  Daddy was a handsome man who always dressed up when Mom and he went out.  Even on Saturday nights when they went to the Humpty Dumpty for groceries he wore a suit and that hat.  You won't see that these days.  I proudly remember how elegant he looked and how secure he made me feel.  I found these old photos of my dad in his summer hat, but the hats I remember most are felt winter hats.  I can still see him adjusting the brim just so so in the mirror. 

Not long ago we watched a Chet Atkins special on PBS, our favorite station, (did I tell you we are retired?).   He sang "I Still Can't Say Goodbye" and brought me to tears.  I wasn't the only one.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVSHdwWzLo4 I found this link and I hope you have a chance to watch and listen and remember.  Watch the audience.  You will be moved.  Everybody should have a daddy like mine.  I still can't say goodbye.

I Still Can't Say Goodbye
written by Bob Blinn and Jimmy Moore

You know, every time I look in the mirror I see my Dad
I think that's why this song means so much to me

When I was young
My dad would say
"C'mon son, let's go out and play"
Sometimes it seems like yesterday

And I'd climb up the closet shelf
When I was all by myself
Grab his hat and fix the brim
Pretending I was him

No matter, how hard I try
No matter, how many tears I cry
No matter, how many years go by
I still can't say goodbye

He always took care
Of Mom and me
We all cut down a Christmas tree
He always had some time for me

Wind blows through the trees
Street lights, they still shine bright
Most things are the same
But I miss my dad tonight

I walked by a Salvation Army store
Saw a hat like my daddy wore
Tried it on when I walked in
Still trying to be like him

No matter, how hard I try
No matter, how many years go by
No matter, how many tears I cry
I still can't say goodbye