My father, James C. Bunting, was an impatient, strong-willed man…with a heart of gold filled with sincerity, loyalty, dedication, and commitment. If he said he was going to do something, he did it. He spent most of his life in a semi-truck traveling from coast to coast, sacrificing precious time with his family. He did what he believed to be the right thing to do until realizing at an older age that he regretted missing out on the stepping stones of his (six) children’s lives. No matter where he was, he always answered his phone and sent birthday cards to let us know we were on his mind. I admired my Dad for the great person he was. Even though he was a strong man, he did occasionally allow his tears to surface. He didn’t judge others and allowed other people’s judgments to roll off knowing it wasn’t his issue. I learned so much from him and feel honored to have had the opportunity to have such a great role model. My father had two strokes within two weeks of each other paralyzing his whole body and leaving him unable to open his eyes. I heard his voice over the phone for the last time on September 11, after being updated by his nurse that his condition was worsening, and before he had his second stroke. His arteries were closing up in his neck making it impossible for blood flow or oxygen to get to his brain. I caught a plane the next morning. Crying, I sang and talked to him for hours. Even though he couldn’t open his eyes, his heart monitor increased from 62 to 96 and sustained for hours. Tuesday morning, September 13, 2011, through sobbing tears, I gave him my love and blessing before witnessing his last breath and his spirit leaving his body. I was empty; my best friend gone. My mom always said I was just like my father; I can only hope to be half as great as he. I wrote this song, Daddy, the evening of my father’s passing. It has my soul. Even though it is sad, I hope you are able to enjoy it and be reminded to appreciate and cherish those people important to your life while remembering to love whole-heartedly. God bless you!! Kerry Bassinger accompanied me on the piano when we recorded this song less than two weeks after my father passed. The emotion in my voice and the tears falling from my eyes only express my feelings even more. I considered recording it again, but have decided not at this time. This song can only be heard on my website as an .mp3, but, will eventually be found on the future country music album, "Better Days."
I definitely want to recognize all of you truck drivers who give up precious moments in life so everyone else in the world doesn't have to. Thank you!
There have been many times in the past few months that I have picked up the phone to call my dad, but then remembered he wouldn't be on the other end of the line. Change is difficult and takes time to accept. Please, cherish the moments you have with those who enhance your being. Embrace the love.
I entered this song in "The Song of the Year" songwriting contest and it made it as high as "semi-finals." The contest ended May 14, 2012.
R.I.P. James C. BuntingMarch 12, 1947 - September 13, 2011
