Topher's Story part 1

When I was a young boy, I looked up to my father in so many ways. He worked hard and made sure his family had what was needed to survive. At the same time, he showed me so many experiences. Riding on his motorcycle to field parties, rallies and ‘Toy Runs’. (‘Toy Runs’ are toy drives where people meet at a certain location, with a toy strapped to their rides, and travel, as a group, to a final destination to donate the toys and other various items). Going with him to watch him and his bandmates set up for a gig later that day. Later on, as I grew into a teenager, like many, I became rebellious. Maybe not as bad as some of the others I shared my high-school years with, but I was no angel. I tried to find my own way through those years, often getting picked on for my longer(shoulder length) hair, my darker clothing, and my tastes in music. I never really let that bother me, but, it didn’t feel good. I found myself following in my father’s footsteps, playing bass guitar in various cover bands. I was one of the only bass players in the school band for at least 3 years. I didn’t try out for that spot at first, as I had originally had my eye on one of the saxophone positions. Turned out to be a popular choice for the school band instruments, and there were too many people who wanted that position. So, I thought “My father has a bass, I guess I’ll try that!" That was the introduction to the musician life that lead me to experiences I will never forget....