“When I was in Austin, there was this country radio station right across the freeway from where I lived. I would call in and get through a lot, and I got to know the afternoon DJ. One time he said, ‘You want me to come … Continue readingMusic memories keep the dream alive
“We had these talent shows every year in Anahuac. When I was a junior in high school, I decided to enter with some of my friends. We performed ‘Free Bird’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd. I played the lead part and sang. I had my Sears electric … Continue readingSinger still has that love for performing
“I’m an armchair theologian. I study ancient writings. All those things that some people have called other scriptures. As well as the Bible. I’m quite familiar with the Bible and biblical terms. I believe all churches are wrong — there is no good English translation … Continue reading‘Believe whatever you want to believe’ about religion
“I have this innate love of reading, learning and challenging authority. I read all kinds of books about science, history, religion. A lot of them are simply reference books. I have several sets of encyclopedias and history books. I don’t read one at a time, … Continue reading‘Books are more precious than gold’
“The first time I started coming to this church, I just let a few little things get to me, and I fell right back into the old me. I was having a hard time reading the Bible. I didn’t really even know how to pray … Continue readingChurch helps on way to turning life around
“After all I’ve been through, I’m fortunate to be here alive today. I’ve had heart surgery. I’ve been shot multiple times. I’ve lost close friends. It got to the point where I didn’t care about life anymore. I was done. I turned to drugs, alcohol … Continue reading‘I should be gone, but I’m still here’
“I grew up with messed-up feet. They were real club-footed, like turned in. To help fix them, I had to wear these casts that went all the way up my legs. When I was 8, they cut them down to below my knees. I also … Continue readingAfter friend’s death, ‘I just let go of the wheel’
“When I was 6, Mom took me and my brothers to this little Italian guy who played a ton of instruments. He said, ‘What instrument do you like?’ I said, ‘Oh, I want to play drums.’ Instantly, I was drawn to it. One of my … Continue readingTeacher instills passion for music in others
“My mom loved coffee. Starting when I was 7 or 8, I would make her a cup every morning. Back then, we had Folgers instant. I’d heat up the water in the microwave and mix it in. “Growing up, we always had coffee brewing. Coffee … Continue readingHer mother’s memory lives on in coffee shop
“I don’t do too much of nothing these days. Work around the house. Come out here to the park and watch the water. Just relaxing. I’m 74. Sometimes I think about going back to work. I get kind of bored. “My wife died about two … Continue readingTime doesn’t heal wound left by wife’s death