What About Bill…
Posted by Cindy on August 29th, 2007
There are 3 very special people who came into my life since entering the wide world of music. Three individuals who I’m not only particularly fond of, but also each of whom inspire me on a daily basis.
However, let me digress for moment.
Today after the gym and a leisurely “Forget the Alamo” adventure, I continued on with my usual Wednesday routine, stopping at Subway for a mini-turkey on wheat. Just as I arrived, about 6 or so women followed in behind me obviously on their lunch break from work. Following them was a man, probably in his mid-50’s in shorts, a pearl-snap shirt and cowboy boots. He went directly to the back of the store and into the men’s restroom. All the while, the surly, rude, jackass behind the counter took a break from gossiping with his co-worker, not to wait on the 7 customers who stood before him, rather to yell at the top of his lungs “NO KENNY!” “KENNY GET OUT!” “NO KENNY, NO DRINK TODAY!”
Kenny, it seems, is homeless. I figured since the Subway dicks knew him by name, he was pretty much a regular fixture. The whole thing was so odd and disgraceful and humiliating that I sort of went brain dead for a few seconds. Wait! What just happened? The guy can’t get a freakin’ drink? Have some compassion man, it’s not like he was panhandling out front or bothering anyone. Kenny was just thirsty and asked for help.
Since meeting Hal Samples, getting to know him and the work he does, I’ve come to understand more about the world of the homeless. Now I’m more aware than ever, and certainly more empathetic. There have been many times that I’ve been a few bucks away from having no money. There was one time in my life that I can admit that I did hit rock bottom. However, no matter what kind of mess I found myself in or what state of finances I endured, I alway had somewhere to go and/or someone to turn to. I had my family. I had my friends. I am lucky. Because if I didn’t have a patient father who was willing to bail me out of trouble a time or 50 or good friends who let me crash at their place on occasion, I could have been just like Kenny.
I found Kenny a ways down the strip center. Thankfully the boy-child had left a cup full of quarters in the car, which I gave to Kenny. I wish I had had some cash on me, but I rarely do, so I gave him what I had. I apologized for the asshole at Subway, gave him the money and wished him luck. He never uttered a word…however…I’ll never get the sound of the only words I heard him speak back at the sandwich shop…”what, no drink?”
I drove home furious at the world. Furious at the supreme assholes at Subway. Furious.
Then God shot me another break. I had an email waiting for me from Bill Holston. Today Bill’s essay was featured on the KERA Segment, “This I Believe.” Today he read it on the air. Today, upon hearing his essay “This I Believe, Servitude“, he made my fury subside and my heart warm. I made a vow to myself after listening to Bill’s essay that I’ll drive past that strip center every day that I can. I’ll look for Kenny and I’ll do for him whatever he needs doin’ or give to him whatever I can. It’s the least I can do, but more importantly it’s my responsibility.
He’s a good man, Bill is (and he’s got that amazing kid)…and I thank him for everything he does and for being my friend.
Please listen to his inspirational words.
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I was trying to find some audio that fit the mood on this here post, and came across the Spune Back to School bash promo podcast I put together last year…kinda fits my range of emotions today…don’t mind my blather on it, just click it for the great tuneage.
2006 Back to School Preview Podcast
Playlist:
Glen Farris – “Don’t Fail Me Now”
Electric Mountain Rotten Apple Gang – “Cluck Ol’ Hen”
Warren Jackson Hearne – “Ain’t You An Evil One”
Blood on the Moors – “Blood on the Moors”
Saboteur – “Bitchin’”
Doug Burr – “Should’ve Known”
Deadman – “Storms”
Sorta – “85 Feet and Falling”
Black Tie Dynasty – “Tender”
August 29th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
wow, those are very kind words Cindy. I’m so pleased you found my experience to be inspiring. It’s everything I hoped to accomplish with them.
And to be included in a list with Hal Samples and Reid (I bet Frank’s on that list too! That’s the problem with lists they can always go on and on. , well now that’s pretty sweet too.
blessings on ya,
bill
August 29th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Very nice tribute to one of my favorite people. Who I also would never have met were it not for my somewhat recent involvement in this wide, weird world of music in Dallas. One of my favorite memories regarding The Amazing Bill is when he and I kinda joined bloghands and shouted down an incredibly mean-spirited, closed-minded idiot on Unfair Park a few months back. (Ah, the good ol’ days when I could read Unfair Park…)
He’s a very inspirational dude. And his kid is one of my heroes. Can’t wait to hear the clip when I get to a computer that will allow me to.
You said it best: “He’s a good man.” I think that’s the highest aspiration for any of us, myself…
August 30th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Bill is the greatest. His blog changes my mood and attitude for the better almost daily.
August 30th, 2007 at 10:24 am
Not to get too off-topic, I just read today that Bill Clinton has a book coming out next week about philanthropy and civil duty called “Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World.” I think I’ll at least be audio-booking that one… http://tinyurl.com/2nmyge
August 30th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Philanthropy or philandering…?
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
August 30th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
thanks for the nice words danny. you are aok your ownself. I notice Clinton’s book mentions Paul Farmer, author of:
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder (Paperback – Aug 31, 2004): an other book which I highly recommend is:
Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time
Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin (Paperback – Jan 30, 2007)
Both books do a great job of describing the difference one person can make. Think of what you did in confronting Amazon about animal fighting Danny.
bill
August 30th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Probably not the best example, as Amazon hasn’t really changed anything. But I guess I did make a few people think twice before ordering stuff from them, so I do know what you mean…
August 31st, 2007 at 2:19 am
i love you
August 31st, 2007 at 2:32 pm
“Wild about Bill, and Cindy!”
Bill is the real McCoy! Showing people compassion, dignity, and respect are what make this world a nicer place. Unfortunately there’s a deficit of compassion in the wealthiest nation in the world, and it makes me a little embarassed. ok, a lot!
The neocons(cheney, bush, kristol, etc.) have spent nearly 1 trillion dollars on a brutal, entitled, and openly corrupt war.
This sort of thinking trickles down to the at Subway asshole!
Can you imagine the good things that could be done to help the homeless, build schools, take care of our veterans(makes up nearly 1/3 of homeless), etc?