"But more importantly, I think he remembered how very close I was with my own dad, who had died in 1997"

In this quote, Richard Marx touches on themes of memory, familial relationships, and the enduring influence of previous connections. The expression "But more significantly" recommends a shift in focus to a topic of greater psychological significance, which in this case is the shared history and psychological bonds with his dad. This shows a recommendation of the depth and importance of those early life relationships and how they continue to affect one's point of views and feelings long after the individuals involved might have passed away.

Marx reviews the closeness he showed his daddy, emphasizing the significance of these paternal bonds in shaping his experiences and potentially his own identity. By discussing that his daddy passed away in 1997, he is providing a temporal context, acknowledging that regardless of the passage of time, the psychological impact of losing a liked one remains potent. It underscores the idea that the relationships we create with relative are fundamental, leaving long lasting impressions that continue to resonate throughout our lives.

In addition, the act of remembering his father suggests a sense of nostalgia and perhaps a longing for those valued interactions. There is an implicit understanding that the memories of his dad are not simply separated recollections but are weaved into the fabric of his being, influencing his existing relationships and perspectives. This reflection might also serve as a pointer of the value of valuing the moments one show enjoyed ones while they are still present, as these moments become valuable memories that provide comfort and guidance in the future.

Overall, Marx's quote communicates the extensive effect of familial bonds, the permanence of memory, and the method past relationships shape our understanding of individual connections, continually influencing our emotional and relational landscape long after loved ones have actually left us.