Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
|
Posted 23 Sep 2004 10:30 am |
|
After 61 years of wishing to visit a Hawaii, the trip finally materialized. After 30 years of wishing to go to Hononlulu to take a lesson or two from Jerry Byrd, I finally made it to the island but Jerry was having some serious health problems so the lessons failed to occur. Jerry pointed out for me that I had picked the worst ten days in his life, or atleast the last 33 years, to visit the place, looking for music lessons.
As the wife and I struggled down the escalator to the baggage claim area....we were both feeling a little like ducks out of water. Two thousand five hundred miles from home and knowing absolutely no one except JB
who was temporarily incapacitated. We were the last two off the plane that must've carried at least 300-500 passengers, all in a BIG HURRY, and as we neared the bottom of the stairs, I observed "a stranger" on the otherside of the glass door who seemed to be paying somewhat closer attention to us than anyone else on the island. I have no idea how Ron knew who we were! Strangers in Paradise, yes. Perhaps it was our "lost and bewildered expression on our faces"?
Sure enough, it was Forumite Ron Whitfield, who greeted Sally and I with a broad smile and happy, pleasant attitude. He presented Sally with both a big Aloha HUG and a truly beautiful Lei. Of course, I too, received a big, brotherly, welcoming hug from Cousin Whitfield.
Ron helped us to plan a workable itinerary
and phoned on a regular basis to make certain all was going well, and then after a full days work, he still managed to join us during the evening hours while we took in some truly fine music. Then, on our next to the last day, Ron served as personal tour guide for us as we drove around the island, explaining the highlights and history of all that was before us.
Ron showed us his beautiful little Rick Bakelite 8 string and I'm very sorry that I didn't get to hear him play it.
Ron then directed us to Harry's Music Store where Jerry Byrd taught lessons for so many years. A highlight of my visit.
Ron is one of the kindest, most sincere and conscientious person I've met in a long, long time. I'm lucky to be able to call him "friend" and the Forum is lucky to have him as an active member.
From Sally and I, THANK YOU RON, many times over! Aloha...........Cousin. |
|
John Pelz
From:
Kettering, Ohio, USA
|
Posted 23 Sep 2004 1:06 pm
|
|
Hi Ray,
Welcome back. Altho returning from Hawaii might be a bit of a let-down for you, I have to say that it's nice to have you back, 'cause I'm jonesing for some new tunes at The Jerry Byrd Fan Club site!  Sounds like you had a great time in Hawaii; we've been able to monitor some of your goings-on, thanks to posts here at the Forum.  Anyhow, good to have you back; you'll have to fill me in on the details of your trip... |
|
