Hi Dad. I hardly know where to start. You know, I was raised to hate you, but I just never was very good at hate. When I was 16, I tried so hard to find you........and again and again over the years I tried to find you. All I knew was your name, that you were a musician and an Indian from WI. Still, I couldn't stop looking. I didn't know that since our last name was so odd that you used a different one professionally. You wouldn't believe all the silly things I did. I looked in phone books in every town I could find one for. I searched for 35 years. Then I found my first clue. Our name in an old, obscure history book about the Revolutionary War. The man was Indian, so I thought, why not start there and come forward. It worked Daddy. I know more facts about you than you did probably. How I wish I could tell you. I have your genealogy back to 1680. All your ancestors were chiefs and heroes. Even today one of our cousins is tribal chairman.

Guess what? In 1995 I found Woody and Diane. My brother and sister. They both say I am the one who looks like you. And you should see my son! He is the spitting image of you! Diane's son looks like you as a teenager. We are all great music lovers and Dad, I'm an artist just like your sister Leora. Would you believe that she and I lived in the same town for 30 years and didn't know each other? I have met her children though. They are great. Woody and Diane and I meet as often as we can and are very close.

A couple of years ago, a man in Scotland contacted Woody looking for information about you. He is writing a book about the connections between jazz and country music in your era. I didn't believe it at first.

Then..........because he sent us tapes of two of your songs, I believed it. Twilight Melody and Taproom Stomp, both foxtrots. You can hear the jazz in those songs. What impressed me more, was you can hear the joy in those songs. Dad, you may like to know that all three of us know that you really did try to help. Even though our Mother's said differently, we have read the letters where you sent money. I have lots of facts about you. Not ALL, of course, but a LOT. I didn't know YOU, until I heard that music. The day that they came I slid them into the tape player with only a mild curiosity. But I was stunned as the notes touched me. I played them over and over and over. It was the first time in my life I KNEW who my Daddy was. I understand about who you are Daddy. I think you would be happy to see all three of us together, at least after you got over the shock. Diane's Mother died, and you know I guess that Woody's mother died only a month after you. You died exactly one month after my first child was born.

I don't know what else to say. Maybe someday we will meet somewhere. I have this fantasy since I found where your grave is of coming to Los Angeles and playing your songs for you. I wish I had more of them. I know there were many others. Stranger things have happened. I just wanted you to know that I know you. I understand what a talent you had and what you felt like you had to do. I am glad you gave it your best shot.

Well, anyway, it's almost Valentine's Day, Dad. I just wanted to tell you that I love you anyway.

Happy Valentine's Day. Angelia