I have  a song that my boys and I play in our band (Atlas Falling). This one is a ballad, and everyone who hears it loves it. It's titled "Call Me In The Morning".

I wrote the song one night staring at the inky woods behind my house. Since my health went to hell I spend a lot of nights not sleeping. But, more importantly, music has become something that has pulled me through.

There are songs that have saved my life.

Many songs written by other people-- all rattling around my distracted globe-- well- I sing them, and they pull me through.

I wrote this song in about five minutes-- words, music, and all-- as a way of thanking others for the many songs they have written to get me through. Maybe my own song will someday be one that others sing when they are in so much pain they can't sleep.

Enjoy... J

Morning surprised me again
Been counting the darkness since a quarter to 10
I've done my best to lose my shoes
I've solved some crimes, but I rejected all the clues
Thoughts don't want to be alone tonight
The picture's blurry, but I'm sure it's right
God, what is it in my veins
Makes me break the bridle and begs you to take the reins

Sing for me
I'm as low as I can be
The sound sets me free
Sing for me

You showed me love I can't ignore
Then, all my weaknesses showed you the door
Angels conjure in the rain
Or, is it sunshine
I guess it's all the same
My dreams are stronger than time
Following me underground, no matter how deep I climb

Sing for me
I'm so low I'm on my knees
My pain makes me need
You to sing for me

Our hurt drags us to the stage
Where we crawl around
And try not to act our age
We write our pain down in words
With a shout and a whisper
I'm sure that we'll be heard

Sing for me
I'm so low that I can't see
The sound sets me free
Sing with me

My youngest son (Boy #5) did as many young toddlers do last night in that he had a complete meltdown due to:

1) Fatigue

2) A mandatory teeth-brushing

I was able to help him get out of the tailspin by telling him and Boy #4 a story about a Lion who scares everyone away each morning by a loud roar. But, one day a chipmunk (my kids tolerate incongruities like the fact that chipmunks are not native to the African savanna) fails to flee because he has a question for the lion. They end up becoming friends, and all of the other animals follow the chipmunk's lead. Soon, the whole lot of them are all great buddies. When I finished the story, Boy #5 was asleep.

I treasure these simple experiences. They are the best part of being a dad.