This is a personal post, in which my connection is personal and yet not. Let me explain. I married my lovely wife, Ellen, a few years ago. But long before I entered the picture, she had a wonderful sister, Kathleeen Vance, who died of cancer back in 1996. Today would have been her 64th birthday.

My wife loves the Beatles, just like her late sister. In fact, Kath’s outgoing message on her answering machine was sung to the tune of The Beatles’ Let It Be. In tribute to what would have been her 64th birthday, I offer When I’m Sixty-Four.

I like to think all Beatles fans get to hang out with John Lennon in heaven. Not all the time, mind you. Just when the mood strikes you-or when George Harrison swings by to jam with John. And from what I hear about Kath, she probably provides some damn fine backing vocals. Or maybe she takes lead and Lennon does the backing vocals. It is heaven after all.

Seriously though, I wish I had gotten to known Kath. And I am sorry for my wife, who misses her sister today. Love you, Ellen. And sorry for making you cry with this, but crying is good sometimes.