I keep a close watch on this heart of mine.
I grew up listening to Johnny Cash. One of the first records I owned was a greatest hits album of his. He continued to be one of the things I had in common with my dad. As I grew up and developed my own identity, my dad and I had less in common. We went through a rough patch during my adolescence, as many fathers and daughters do. I know we both hurt each other's feelings. But we continued to share a love for Johnny Cash. I bought him several of Johnny's CD's for Christmas over the years.

Johnny Cash died today. This news has saddened so many people that I know. Johnny was a symbol for the downtrodden... his rise to fame showed us what a poor boy from Arkansas can attain. His early life in the country, picking cotton, mirrored my own father's life. And both of them were able to rise above their humble beginnings and make a life for themselves.

When June Carter Cash died earlier this year, I figured it wouldn't be long before Johnny would go too. I read somewhere that he was so devastated by her death that he thought of giving up. From what I understand, they had a deep, abiding love. I guess maybe once you've had that, you don't want to live without it.

Johnny Cash will be sorely missed. R.I.P.