TRIBUTE TO OUR FATHER BY KONRAD KORLEY

When I think of my dad, I think of how extra he was, from his boisterous personality to his work ethic. He made his presence known in every place he went. But also, when he liked something, he would always overdo it. I have this vivid memory of him listening to Ebony’s album when it first came out. He liked the album so much he would play it everywhere. In the car, in our living room, in the bathroom, in his bedroom, like EVERYWHERE. By the end of the week, we all knew all of the songs verbatim. He always strived to do the absolute most in all of his endeavors. I asked myself “why is he like this?” Why did he repeat this album so much? So, I asked him. “Dad, why do you listen to these songs on repeat?" He would tell me that to be successful you need to practice. Everything that you want to be successful in life requires practice and technique. Very few people wake up and are just superb at all of the things they do. To achieve this greatness, you must do things over and over again until you get it right. It is okay if things do not come naturally; you should not let it discourage you from trying. It suddenly all made sense. He listened to these songs on repeat to understand how these songs were constructed on a more complex level. From the way, the beats and tempos flowed to the meaning behind the lyrics.

I realized my dad used this mentality for all of the things that he did. He was a perfectionist and always wanted to produce the best work possible. His ability to teach himself concepts and ideas and perfect them gave him unmatched confidence. I admire all that he has done to teach me to reach my fullest potential. If there is one thing I wish to take from my father, it would be his work ethic and confidence. I know that he is still with me today, but I wish the end of his life was not so sudden. In case he does not know how much I love him; I want to take this time to express my deepest gratitude and love for you, Dad.

My only wish is that we had been able to have one final conversation face to face where we could have spoken to one another from the heart about what was really going on for us both. Even though you aren’t physically present, I will continue to talk to and seek your advice as I go through life and find my own path.

I am praying that you found peace. But as I stand here today, Dad, I promise to treat everything I do like that Ebony album. I will practice everything over and over again until I get it right. I’m not going to say goodbye. Instead, see you later. For our time together has not yet ended but rather taken a pause. So, thank you, Dad. Hopefully, we will be singing Ebony together someday in the future in Heaven.
I LOVE YOU, DAD!