August 11th, 2011 Thank You. Dear Dad, I'm writing you this letter in an effort to climb over the the very tall walls of your modesty and to ease the discomfort you exhibit every time I tell you in person, just how much I love you, and how much it means to me to be your son. Now that I have children of my own I wonder what their first memories of me will be as they grow older, and look back on their childhood. I honestly hope that they don't remember just how much of this first couple of years that I have been absent from their lives because of travel for work. As tough as it is being away from Jenna, Ruby, and Betty for weeks at a time, I always remind myself of how tough it must have been for you during Vietnam. At least I’m doing what I love when I’m away. I can’t imagine what being at war, and being away from family must have felt like. My first very clear memories of my relationship with you, are from Pensacola, FL around first or second grade. You and I were at a basketball court outside of the Catholic church where I attended CCD (catholic education for kids) classes. I remember distinctly, struggling trying to make a basket and you saying "Just aim for the rim." I was in awe of the fact that you could do a “lay up,” and that you played different sports with different dominant hands? That still baffles me to this day. That was the beginning of many wonderful memories I have of my childhood and of you. Recently, my cousin Lori commented to me, that I had shown the famous "Wicks smile" when she saw me performing on The Tonight Show. I know the smile she is referring to and I am honored to possess it. You, my uncle Dean, and my grandfather all have the same radiant smile and I now recognize it in myself, and show it with pride very often. I remember some of the High School years on Bainbridge Island being a little strained between you and I. You desperately wanted me to share your love for the outdoors, and were concerned with how much time I spent watching television. I remember the frustrating nights sitting at the dinner table trying to do algebra with you. I never did get any better at math, but I actually did end up inheriting your love for the outdoors in addition to your love of travel. I consider myself very lucky to have realized what I wanted to do with my life very early on. Many people go through their lives never realizing what their calling on this earth is, or never pursuing their dreams. I've never had that problem. We butted heads in my college years for your lack of support and questioning my choice to be a drummer. As I've gotten older though, I completely understand what your reservations were and why you fought me on it. It definitely has not been the easiest road. Fortunately, I also inherited my stubbornness, and my determination from you, and that is probably why I finally ended up being able to do this drumming thing for a living. Sons always look for approval from their fathers. I want you to know that it means a lot to me that I had yours. So thanks for that. I have always viewed you has a self-made man. You led two extremely successful careers both in the Navy and in the business world. I learned from you that in order to be successful, you need to have very organized, and specific goals and a plan of action to get there. Your plans always had your family and our well-being as your first priority. For this, I also thank you. Many successful people do what they do for selfish reasons. Not you. While, I do consider myself "self-made" as well. I could have never gotten to where I am today without your help, your love, and your support. Thank you. You are a pillar of strength and honor. As a child, you were always a great role model. Honest, intelligent, funny, athletic, polite, classy, and steadfast are all terms I use to describe you. And I speak of you and think of you often. The true extent of your honor, honesty, commitment, and the depth of your soul was shown to me during mom’s battle with cancer. Many men would have folded under the deep emotional pressure, and the sheer difficulty of the situation. Not you. I want you to know how much it means to me that you stuck by mom’s side until the bitter end. You’re kind of a “go it alone” sort of guy. Never complaining, never whining, and rarely ask for help. I was extremely honored when you did finally ask for a little assistance in the last couple of weeks of mom’s life. It was also a humbling experience for me, seeing first hand what you dealt with every day, helping her battle that terrible disease. I recall carrying mom around the house in my arms, and having every step I took hurt her, and thinking to myself “This is what dad is dealing with every day and night.” I’m in awe of your will and dedication. I do understand it now though, and can relate. I love my wife Jenna more than anything, and I would do anything for her. I learned that from you. Thank you for that. There have been difficult life decisions where I could've chosen an easier, or shorter route. Maybe I could've chosen a route that was not the most ethical, or maybe it would have hurt someone else in the process. I take a great deal of pride in the fact that I lead my life in an ethical, and honest way. I had you as a role model my entire childhood and have always thought of you when difficult decisions needed to be made. Always take the high road, and do the right thing. Everyone else will follow me. I want you to know that I recognize the tough situation you are in right now. Your maladies must be extremely frightening and frustrating for you. I wish I was geographically closer to you so that I could help more with your daily needs. You are my father. You are a great man. I am so proud to be your son. Thank you for being the great father, husband, role model, inspiration, and the image in my mind of what a man should always aspire to be. I love you John Gordon Wicks. Love Always, Your son, John Meredith Wicks.