DEDICATION

In the summer of 2001, I contacted the American Forces Radio Network (AFRN).  I spoke with the Director of Programming for the AFRN, Chaplain, Major Thomas Russell.  We had a very nice conversation in which I gave some background information about myself and my syndicated countdown show that was already being broadcast on several dozen stations throughout the United States and Canada.  I spoke of my Father’s military service and how I would like to produce a non-commercial version of the program especially for the troops.  He appreciated my willingness to serve our troops and requested a “test” program to review.  I recorded the program and after a short prayer, sent the Priority Mail package on its way.  I never told my Dad about my conversation with Major Russell or my desire to produce a program for the AFRN, opting instead to tell him if the AFRN accepted my program.

September arrived like any other September.  I was in North Carolina visiting my Mom and Dad the second week of September.  My Sister’s Birthday is on the 10^th and my Mom’s Birthday is on the 16^th.    I was scheduled to begin my trip back across the mountains to Nashville on September 11.  I went out that morning to fill my car with gas and when I returned, the planes had already hit the World Trade Center towers.  We were glued to Fox News in utter disbelief.  My Dad, who was a decorated World War II war veteran, was sitting in his recliner with tears rolling down his face at the sight of the towers on fire and collapsing.  The tears continued as news of the plane hitting the Pentagon and the plane crash in Pennsylvania was reported.

That afternoon, as I prepared to leave, I hugged my Mom goodbye.  My Dad grabbed me and we began our usual wrestling routine.  He would always grab me and try to keep me from leaving.  Of course, he always lost.  As I reached the front door, my Mom said, “Hug your Daddy goodbye”.  I said, you don’t have to tell me that” and I wrapped my arms around him.  I backed away and said, “I love you both” My Dad said, “we love you too son” 

I got in my car and began the 600 mile journey back to Nashville.  The next morning, I got the call and heard the words that every child dreads…."your Dad passed away last night."  He passed away as he slept during the night.  My Dad always said that he wanted to go "quickly and painlessly"  and we believe God granted his request.  I immediately drove back to my hometown to help with the funeral arrangements.  I left late that afternoon to return to Nashville to record my show and pick up my suit.  I drove back to North Carolina the following day.

I have always used humor to help me get through tough situations and this was no exception.  At the funeral, I thanked everyone for their kindness during these tough days and even told a joke about a man with a terrible stuttering problem who applied for a sales position with a company that manufactured Bibles.  After only a few weeks on the job, he was setting all kinds of sales records with the company.  His boss asked, “what is your secret?”  The salesman stuttered his reply.  “Well, I approach the customer and ask do you want to buy a Bible, or do you want me to read it to you?”  That brought some laughter from the congregation.  I went on to explain that just as the stuttering salesman made the best of his speech problem, I had used that same philosophy to help cope with the loss of my Dad.  Of course, humor can only go so far.  God gave all of us the strength we needed to get through a very difficult time!  After the joke, I sang a verse and a chorus of Dad's favorite hymn, How Great Thou Art.   

A few weeks after the funeral, I received a call from Major Russell informing me that my show would be added to the AFRN program schedule.  I wish I could have told my Dad.  Many have told me that “he knows”, and I believe that to be true.  But, it’s not quite the same as telling him face to face, or watching him read the letter, which confirmed the telephone call, typed on Department of Defense letterhead.

Each week, the show is dedicated in honor and memory of my Dad, Tech Sergeant Charles G. Wilson.

I love you, Dad!  We miss you and can’t wait to spend eternity with you!