At some point on Wednesday, I was left alone to watch over my dad while my mom ran some errands.

It was the last day my dad was communicative, but I wouldn’t know it that at the time. I thought maybe he could join me in some Christmas carols by squeezing my hand in rhythm of the songs. It was a tall order, but I wanted to give it a semblance of a college try. Of course, he didn’t squeeze back as I murdered my way through "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night".

At the end of that mini-recital, I asked him if I was out of tune.

He squeezed my hand in confirmation.

That was the last thing my dad said to me.

I think it’s pretty damn funny.