At one point, I had thought about doing a blog on parenting, being a dad, etc. I envisioned someone Googling “How to be a better dad” and seeing my site “DadMustard” pop up on the top of the list. (My brother-in-law said, “huh, I never would have thought of someone doing that.” Needless to say, I wasn’t terribly encouraged!) I had this concept that I would write music – focusing on things I want my kids to learn or know – and then I would create questions to go along with the music. Questions that dads could ask their kids.

Of course, having worked in marketing, I wanted to do a little market analysis (ha! big mistake). So I sent my first song off to some friends and family members with the little review worksheet. I think only one of them actually tried to do what I asked (thanks Bill G.). Needless to say, I became a little frustrated and went on with life.

I haven’t really given up on the idea that I need to make the most of my time with the kids, though. Lots to teach while I got them.

Now, years later, I may not be trying to “market” that particular concept, but – even with the less-than-perfect sound of the recording – I still like what the song says to my kids, to my wife, to anyone I love.

Maybe it will speak to you. Originally, I called it The First Thing because it talks about the first thing I want my kids to know. A good friend suggested You Make My Heart Smile would be a better title. He’s probably right (Gregg usually is). So, here is You Make My Heart Smile.

It’s the first thing I recorded with my home studio gear years ago (ha! maybe that’s what the title really means) – so definitely not perfect. But I’ve given up on being perfect anymore.

In that spirit, I’ll even link here to some of the questions I had prepared for that song. At a minimum, it might make you ask whether you need to tell your kids how much you love them and how important they are to your life. Your time is limited. Make the best of it.

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She drew flowers
and birds

and a sun shining bright

Her hand held mine

She said all she could -
I love you -

and smiled

She explained the vine
and how it surrounds us

She gave me a hug

and left

me better.

–
5 July 2004
1st comment below explains what I was thinking (if you are interested).

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Time: late afternoon
Setting: my home office

Noah, age 6, enters. . .

Noah: Is it ok if I go over to [a neighbor friend’s] house to play?

Dad (flatly): Yeah, that would be fine.

Noah (stops, concerned): Are you sad? You sound kinda sad.

Dad: Not about you playing. It’s just my work today wasn’t very fun.

Noah (matter-of-factly): Sometimes school isn’t fun either. (Heads for the door)

Noah (shouting as he leaves): Love ya! Bye!

–
I could write about how cool it was that Noah was concerned. I could write about how he tried to relate to my problems. I could write about how his tone about school was so perfect – as if he were saying, “yup, some days are better than others.” Or I could just leave it all alone and let the dialogue speak for itself without comment. That’s what I think I’ll do.

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