On this date 16 years ago, Craig passed away.
He had been sent home from the hospital when the end was inevitable and when I tried to call him, he had already fallen into a coma.
A few years later, my sister-in-law, Sharol Ward, told me that his wife, Joy, said that at the end, he acted like he saw his departed grandmother, Lee Ward, who was welcoming him. I don’t know how these things work, but that is such a wonderful vision that I certainly hope it was true.
It is fitting that I remember Grandma Lee at this time also, since she and Craig are linked in this way. Of course, it wasn’t too much longer before my parents passed away also.
Today’s theme is “Once A Day” and I want to dedicate it to all my departed loved ones, Grandparents, parents and — of course — Craig.
I first heard this song in a rendition by Jimmy Dean (yes, the sausage man). Most don’t know or remember that Jimmy was a country singer long before he got into the sausage business — and he was a pretty good singer, too. He had a variety show on TV in the early 60s. He also did some acting — he was in “Diamonds Are Forever” and played a character with double Ws in his name (Willard Whyte). Strange how I would remember that.
But the original hit record was by Connie Smith — for 50 years it held the record for a #1 hit song lasting 8 weeks at the top of the charts. I think you can see why when you read the lyrics:
When you found somebody new I thought I never would
Forget you for I thought then I never could
But time has taken all the pains away until now I’m down to hurtin’ once a day
Once a day all day long and once a night from dusk till dawn
The only time I wish you weren’t gone is once a day every day all day long
I’m so glad that I’m not like a girl I knew one time
She lost the one she loved then slowly lost her mind
She sat around and cried her life away oh lucky me I’m only cryin’ once a day
Once a day all day long and once a night from dusk till dawn
The only time I wish you weren’t gone is once a day every day all day long
Yes, I know that feeling. And that is what a good country song does — state the way you feel so you can tap in to it at any time.
Craig had a mighty respect for clever wordplay and country songs were the best examples.
“There’s one in every crowd, for crying out loud
Why was it always turning out to be me?”
“If I can find my mind now, I guess I’ll just leave”
“My Pappy was a pistol — I’m a son-of-a-gun.”
It’s only natural that I salute him with song. I know that’s the way he would want it.