"Man O' War" Eric Bachmann

This song was on a mix CD that my friend Rachel had made for me years earlier. I had always liked it, and I had enjoyed Eric Bachmann in the past (see: Crooked Fingers). But when I hear this song my mind goes back to September 13, 2014.

One day earlier, our first child was born. The days leading up to her birth were terrifying and stressful, and we had spent every moment stuck in a hospital room. I hadn't slept much the whole time so by the time Afton encouraged me to go home to get real sleep, I couldn't resist.

The morning of the 13th, I got up early to drive back out to the hospital. Just as I was heading south on the Loop 202 freeway towards Gilbert, this song came on. No, the words have nothing to do with fatherhood or family (as far as I know). But as I watched the sun rise and have its rays hit the open land, I was overwhelmed with awe and gratitude. The female vocals of the chorus were angels wishing me hope for the future. Eric's voice is worn, like a wise man who has seen that people can be better than their weaknesses.

In that moment I knew everything would be alright. I knew I had found happiness in the form a tiny little person.

And that I would forever have the honor of being in her life.