Echoes of Unlived Lives: Tracing Dreams Through Generations

Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their environment and especially on their children than the unlived life of the parent. C. G. JUNG

How would I ever know how much of my life has been geared toward fulfilling the unlived life of my parents?  How much of my unlived life have I pushed onto my kids?  This speaks to desires, aspirations, and dreams that have pushed through me for a lifetime; some of which I have attained and some I’ve probably passed on to the next generation – for better or worse.

Jake Workman has my dream job.  He is the main rhythm and lead guitar player for Ricky Skaggs – a bluegrass musician.  Here is Jake playing alongside Ricky when he got the Country Music Association Award, in 2021.  And a dream it was – playing bluegrass music in the big-time, or even the little-time, it wouldn’t have mattered. .  But, alas, it wasn’t meant to be.  Like my high school friend, Ben Palmer once said, “I haven’t made enough money playing the guitar to pay for the tax on a free cup of coffee.”

I know Jake because he is laying down rhythm tracks to standard bluegrass songs for me, so I can finally learn how to play them.  I mean, I know the songs and I can strum along – that’s one thing.  To really play them, with the drive and power they deserve, while learning from one of the greats is another.  

So, where did the urge come from?  To be a bluegrass musician, that is.  My parents weren’t musicians although they were supportive of my early musical endeavors.  And my kids and grandsons aren’t musical unless revving a dirt bike counts.  So, I guess I’m living my own unlived life, focusing on bluegrass guitar, as never before, and enjoying it more than ever.