The leader of the band is tired...

Nothing will bring you back to earth quicker than the illness of a loved one.  As I type this, my father lays in a Critical Care Unit struggling for each breath.

If my life has an architecture, and can be understood as components, I'd have to say that the architect who helped me to build my hope, my faith, my family, and my love of all humanity is laying in that bed. 

As a child, I used to sing along with the radio.  I learned so many songs, I've long lost count.  One song I used to tease my father with was "Cats in the Cradle" about a father who doesn't spend enough time with his son.  But in reality, the ribbing wasn't fair.  The time he spent with me helped to make me who I am.

If I had to pick a song that comes closer to representing my feelings for him, it would be an old Dan Fogelberg song, "The Leader of the Band"

I thank you for the music
And your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom
When it came my time to go
I thank you for the kindness
And the times when you got tough
And, papa, I dont think I've said,
"I love you" near enough
The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument
And his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band

For those of you who read this, and who believe in the healing power of prayer, I ask that you say a small prayer for the healing of Dr. Anand Malik.