Phone Antics

This blog makes me so sad...yet happy. I know in the future it won't make me so sad, but that is why I have a hard time posting. I've not done my fair share of posts, but it isn't because I don't want to. I usually sit down to look at this blog and end up in tears. I miss Dad so much. I miss all the funny things he used to do like answering the telephone "Burseman Industries." Or acting like an answering machine after you say hello. But the best way Dad would answer the phone went a little something like this....

*Ring* *Ring*
Dad: Hello
Dana: Hi Dad!
Dad: Hi AMY!!!!!!! (With a very excited tone)
Dana: It's Dana.
Dad: Oh....hi Dana (with a very disappointed tone)

Then he'd just laugh and laugh. I miss that laughter!

From James Price

Bruce and I loved to sing, especially Elvis. We would always sing "Are you Lonesome Tonight" and "The Wonder of You". The day after he died, I was picking up my suit from the cleaners for the funeral and listening to "The Wonder of You" in my car. When I got home I just sat in my driveway and cried.

Before He Was the "Burseman of Matthews", He Was "Mr. Hannon" by John D. Swanson

I have a lot to be thankful for these days. My beautiful wife loves and supports me regardless of how ridiculous my behavior. It has been a very eventful Fall-Winter 10. I lost a man I respected and loved without contention or regret. He was just like a father to me.
There were two choices in the Hannon household: EAT OR DON’T EAT!!!! If you insulted Mrs. Carol’s cooking the Burseman would pull the leg from under the eight seat dining room table and swing it at you.
Carol Hannon fooled me into eating fish, but also introduced me to cinnamon toast. I love and respect and admire the entire Hannon family so much. Dan was my first friend. Dan is a true friend who never forgets and always forgives. Amy was like my big sister. She taught me how to behave and once fed me dog food when I said a curse word.
Dana (Hannon) Palos was my first wife. We were married in front of hundreds by a magician. She was also a close and dear friend to my sister Carrie. I will always remember the times we had together as children. It was pleasant and memorable and I will look back upon those years fondly for the rest of my life.
I love the fact that I swam in your pool before you did. I love the fact that THE BURSEMAN loved my father because he is not an easy man to love. I write this letter to the entire Hannon family. Mum, Heath, Carol, Dan, Amy, Dana and your spouses and children. I promise to be your life long friend and companion. Please do not lose touch with the Swansons. I want our children to know each other and I want them to understand what true friendship looks like.
I love you all very much and hope to see you soon.
Love,
John Swanson

Here We Go!

Woo Hoo! The Steelers are going to the Superbowl! I just can't help but believe maybe Dad had a little something to do with it. I'm sad that he cannot be here to cheer with us, but I'm sure he will have the best seats in the house. Here is the 2010-2011 version of the fight song. You know you love it!

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE TERRIBLE TOWEL, OF THE UNITED STEELER NATION. AND TO THE FRANCHISE FOR WHICH IT STANDS. ONE NATION, OF DOMINATION, INDESTRUCTIBLE, WITH THE ABILITY TO CRUSH YOU ALL!

From James Price

A memory of the Burseman:( I'm so glad that I contributed to some of his quotes) "I brought you some Irish whiskey! You show me some respect!"

A Playoff Prayer

Our Father, Who Art in Pittsburgh , Football Be Thy Game. Let Mendenhall run, 6 Super Bowls Won, ...On Earth as it is in Heinz Field. Give us this Day a playoff Victory, And forgive us our penalties, As we defeat those Ravens who play against us. But lead us into a victory, And deliver us to Texas ! For thine is the D-Line, the Polamalu, and the Harrison. A-Ben. GO STEELERS!!!!

UPDATE: STEELERS 31 RAVENS 24

Memorial Tattoo

One night Dad and I were talking about my tattoos. He said that he wanted to get a tattoo of a heart with " B + C". I wasn't sure if he was serious, but if he were to have some ink, that would be the perfect sentiment of his life, a display that he loved Mom.

It is out of love that I get my tattoos. It is my sentiment of my life. I have an Eagle for love of country. A Cross and Crown of thorns for my love of Christ. I have Chase and Molly, because they are my world. I got the Tiger Lily for Dad. My Dad instilled these great values in me.

People have asked me why I got a Tiger Lily. The Tiger Lily was my dads favorite flower. Even when Dad was alive, the sight of that particular flower would bring him to mind. At the funeral, we were all in agreance that this would be the perfect flower in the arrangment from us.

I hear people say that they get memorial tattoos so that they will always have there loved one with them. I can speak for my family and say that he will always be with us. Anyone who reads this blog can tell that we have more than 58 years worth of stories and memories. It is in these memories that he will always stay in our hearts.

As for my new ink, it is a statement of the love I will always have for Dad.

How Dad Would Often Answer the Phone:

"Is this the person to whom I am speaking?"