We asked Jack how he came up with the lyrics for “Angel in my arms” and he replied that he wrote the song before he had girls of his own.  He simply learned by watching the relationship his wife had with her father. 

Here is the rest of the Interview:

Now that you have your own daughters, have the words in the song gained additional meaning to you?  

It’s been an amazing experience to see how vividly the verses of the songs have come to life.  From the way my breath was taken away when I first held each of my girls and my boy, to the excitement of following the school bus on the first day.  I’ve been overwhelmed with how the song comes to life.   I have to admit, I’m thankful that my daughters already know that I’m an emotional guy, because I know I’ll be balling my eyes out at each of their weddings.

You were inspired by your wife’s father and I’m curious, how did her father step up and support her?  

My wife’s mother passed away from cancer when my wife was only 5.  My father in-law did the best that he could to keep everything as “normal” as possible.  I believe the environment he created and the love and respect he showed my wife is what made her the wonderful, caring person she is today.

What were some of the ‘little’ things that meant a lot to her but might have been just a ‘given’ or ‘normal’ to him? 

While working a full time job and taking care of my wife and her older brother and sister, coaching little league and taking care of the house, my father in-law still found the time to attend nearly every sporting event and school activity.  I believe his support is what enabled my wife to become a New Jersey State Champion in Track and Field, Captain of the Track Team, Basketball Team, Soccer Team and graduate at the top of her class.  The example that he set in the formative years of my wife’s life has carried on in the way my wife and I raise our kids.  We’re both so thankful for that. 

His actions were everyday normal “Dad” things for him yet they had a profound impact on my wife.

Did he give her any words or nuggets of wisdom? 

My father in-law is a pretty quiet guy but his actions speak louder than any words ever could.

He would always help others.

My wife often talks about the times she and her father go anywhere in their home town.  There’s always somebody coming up to her Dad and thanking him for coaching or encouraging them in their life. 

His selfishness and love for his daughter, my wife, made it very easy to write Angel In My Arms.

Any particular actions that made an impact on her?   

He made her a priority in his life which validated her importance.  That’s the security that every child deserves to have.