| Small things count
Back in 1988 I was traveling through Tennessee and saw a sign that directed me to Hank Williams Jr's Museum. I had a little time and thought it would be nice to take a break and check it out. It was a nice place, and had momento's of Hank Sr, and Jr including Hank Jr's. old Dodge Pickup. I was looking over some of the items for sale and come across this little stuffed bear. It had a T-Shirt on that said "I LOVE HANK". I decided I would purchase one, WHY? at that time I really couldn't say. I stopped sleeping with stuffed animals long ago. Well, I put it in the trunk and forgot all about it. A few day's later I was home and clearing out all the junk from the trip and found the little bear. I promptly put it in the closet where it sat for about 4 years. One day we were scheduled to perform at a local fair in Indiana.A few hours before the show, I thought I would take in some of the sites at the fair. While walking around I met a wonderful young lady with Down's syndrome. She came up to me and wanted a hug. I was a little confused, but oblidged anyway. She said I looked just like her favorite singer..Hank Jr. At that time..I had a Black beard and was about the same build as Hank Jr. Now Mother Nature had played some dirty tricks on me since then. Well anyway, to continue, she was so thrilled about Hank Jr, that just because I resembled him (in a small way) I was immediately her star. I asked if she had ever see Hank perform, and she had not. Didn't even have a fan photo of him. Immediately the bear came to mind. I asked her if she would be at the fair the next day. She said yes and I told her to meet me and I would have a surprise for her. After the show, we drove home and I immediately dug out the bear. Just so happened I had a couple photo's of Hank Jr. in my file. So I gathered all the stuff up and headed back the next day. When I arrived I couldn't find my new friend anywhere. I asked around and found out where she lived. I drove to her house and learned that she became ill and was unable to attend the fair. I gave the items to her mother and explained the circumstances and I could see her eyes welling up. I hugged her mother and said...this is from Hank Jr. and me. Tell her we both love her. Now I don't know what happened after that. And I really don't need too. I am sure Hank would not mind me speaking for him. I know he would love her too. But maybe, the little bear made a difference. But I finally found out why I bought it back in 1988. It was waiting to be loved by this wonderful sweet spirit. He now has a home! Jimmy Williams Check our web site at www.blueriver.net/~jadkins |