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Topic: Your Buddy" Brett Day |
Donna Dodd
From:
Acworth, Georgia, USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2003 7:42 am |
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I had the opportunity to spend some time with a wonderful steel guitar family this weekend. Many of you know Brett Day and his very supportive mom and dad from Greer, SC. Brett’s story is amazing, and I’ve suggested he document it to be pitched to various music and education trades. He plans to do this within the next couple months. And if any of you have any media connections, let me know!
His journey has been a long one – one of which includes a trailblazing struggle that impacted South Carolina’s education system. Here’s just a peek into what I know about how he came to play steel guitar . . .
Brett and his twin brother were born 21 years ago. Shortly after their premature birth, Brett suffered a brain hemorrhage that left him paralyzed. Medical professionals said he would never walk or talk. His mother said they decided from the beginning that Brett would LIVE his life, and not be shut inside. And that he has done!
Twenty-one years later, Brett is walking, talking, singing and playing steel guitar. He first picked up a steel guitar bar just a few years ago, and stretched his crippled hand in a way he never had. He fell in love with the steel guitar and EVERYTHING about it. Brett’s strength and enthusiasm are amazing.
Bill and Linda Ferguson were active steel guitar mentors for the family. And Bill has had him on the Saluda, SC show a number of times. He’s also a very good singer!
I have not heard him play or sing. But I spent a lot of time with him this weekend, and sat with him during Joe Wright’s show Saturday night. When I told him about Joe’s “Magic of the Music” CD and a song he wrote titled “She loves me; She loves me not”, That certainly wasn’t news to Brett. He smiled really big and informed me it was the first selection on the CD, and he loved it too. He had the time of his life meeting so many people AND playing a Carter in the Carter Room. He played "Who plays what kind of steel guitar" trivia with the Derby folks Saturday night - The guy KNOWS his stuff!! 
As Tommy and I were preparing to leave the hotel Sunday afternoon, I spoke to one of the young bellmen about the hotel staff’s general impression of the steel guitar convention attendees. He emphatically assured me of their sincere enjoyment of our group's yearly return. The Bellman was 21 years old. For some reason, I mentioned Brett and the welcome his family received, as well as the strides he had made in spite of medical predictions. He stood silent for a brief time, then told me his 18 year old brother was just paralyzed in an ATV accident two months ago. He is still in the hospital with a spinal injury. Brett’s story had given him hope – and he told me so.
The Day family inspires me to set my standards higher, not only as a member of society, but as a supportive parent. I know many others have also been touched by this family. We are blessed to have them in ours!
Donna & Tommy Dodd[This message was edited by Donna Dodd on 03 September 2003 at 08:47 AM.] |
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Stoney Stonecipher
From:
Knoxville, TN (deceased)
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Posted 3 Sep 2003 8:31 am
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| I agree with Donna. Brett is a shining light to the steel guitar world. I meant to get around to hearing Brett play, but you know how it goes at the show. I hope Brett attains all the success he wants to and wish him all the luck in the world.......Stoney |
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Gary Walker
From:
Morro Bay, CA
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Posted 3 Sep 2003 9:33 am
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| That's a wonderful story and answers the question, "What are families for" and the steel community is a fine family, thanks for relaying that to us. |
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Bill Ferguson
From:
Milton, FL USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2003 9:51 am
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Wow, the Day family. Words cannot express the inspiration I have received just being friends with this wonderful and courageous family.
Linda and I had the honor a couple of years ago of surprising Brett (His mom and dad made sure he was home)at Christmas with a box full of "steel guitar goodies".
What a blessing we received when I knocked on Brett's bedroom door, after standing outside listening to him on his steel, and saw his eyes light up when he opened the door.
Now don't get me wrong, the surprise was great for Brett, who told me it was his best Christmas ever, but more so it was the best Christmas of our lives just to spend the time with the Day's.
Brett has overcome many obstacles and will continue to do so with the untiring support of his family and now the support of our special "steel guitar community".
And to Brett: Keep on picking that Emmons.
We Love You and your family.
Bill & Linda Ferguson
"Oh yes, you are welcome in the sound booth or on stage with me, anytime.
Edited to add a pix of Brett (white shirt with headphones)
 [This message was edited by Bill Ferguson on 03 September 2003 at 12:57 PM.] |
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Larry Miller
From:
Dothan AL,USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2003 2:25 pm
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| One day,I want to meet Brett. You go Brett!! |
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Paul King
From:
Gainesville, Texas, USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2003 2:45 pm
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| I have never met Brett personally but have corresponded with him by e-mail. Brett has definitely made a lasting impression on me and I have the deepest respect for him as a person and a steel player. I would love to watch him play and meet him in person. I am sure he could teach me a lot about life itself and the struggles he has. He sure makes my problems seem small and distant compared to what he endures daily. Brett, you hang in there and hopefully one day you will be playing some of these shows. I look forward to seeing you in the near future...Paul King |
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Jerry Roller
From:
Van Buren, Arkansas USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2003 3:02 pm
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Brett has promised me a tape of his playing and I am still waiting on it. It should be coming about any time now. 
Jerry |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 3 Sep 2003 4:30 pm
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I was fortunate enough to meet and talk with Brett while having a bite in the snack area...His enthusiasm and his determination to play this difficult instrument is really heartwarming.
We need more young people like Brett in our cause. |
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Theresa Galbraith
From:
Goodlettsville,Tn. USA
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Posted 4 Sep 2003 4:14 am
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Donna,
I first met Brett and parents at Rivergate Mall about 4 years ago. You couldn't meet nicer, supportive parents.
I'm happy to say I finally got to hear Brett at the Carter booth. He jumps in and tries and accomplishes alot. He's got an ear for music. I must say it was so nice of Billy, Ann & John to give him a grooved bar. He was so excited and I know the bar will be easier for him to handle. Also, Mike Brown was giving him alot of good pointers. Keep practicing Brett!
I'm proud to know you all.
Theresa |
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Terry Edwards
From:
Florida... livin' on spongecake...
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Posted 4 Sep 2003 5:45 am
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I saw Brett at the convention and made it a point to introduce myself and shake hands. A fine young man and an inspiration to all!
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Terry Edwards
Fessy D-10; Nash 1000
Martin D-21; Flatiron F-5
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Donna Dodd
From:
Acworth, Georgia, USA
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Posted 6 Sep 2003 6:25 am
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| I must say it was so nice of Billy, Ann & John to give him a grooved bar. He was so excited and I know the bar will be easier for him to handle. Also, Mike Brown was giving him alot of good pointers. Keep practicing Brett! |
Theresa, Yes it was very nice of Ann, John and Billy! (Mike Brown, too!)You can tell a lot about people by what they do when nobody's watching! Brett also said two Canadian players sat with them for breakfast, and discussed tuning possibilities that may help compensate for his limited motion range with his left hand. And, a couple of Forumites have begun email communications with Brett since meeting him in St. Louis. Might be why I haven't heard from him in two days! Brett, ARE YOU OUT THERE???
We sure look forward to seeing you and your folks in Saluda, S.C. November 9th (?)! Hang on to your passion and keep that beautiful light shining in your eyes!!
donna |
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Wayne Brown
From:
Bassano, Alberta, Canada
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Posted 6 Sep 2003 6:54 am
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hi donna do you have or does anyone have brett's phone number
thanks
wayne brown
c/o out west pac-seats |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 6 Sep 2003 9:29 am
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i have often thought about Brett and how he's makin' out.
Thanx to you all i know now and i can only concur that he should be an inspiration to many
Yep ! i've noticed that Brett knows his stuff too
You go Brett |
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Gary Walker
From:
Morro Bay, CA
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Posted 6 Sep 2003 11:46 am
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| It's obvious that Brett has found friends where ever he goes but none finer and more caring than the steel community. I wouldn't take for my friends in this wonderful world and it's amazing how this four-legged contraption has bonded so many from all over the world. It takes a lot of people working to do this, Scotty's convention, B0B's Steel Guitar Forum and so many others pouring their lives into it. I know of no other instrument that has the core family-following that this does and it took a young man named Brett determined to ignore a hurdle to remind us, what are families for? Thanks Brett for becoming part of us. |
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Tony Davis
From:
Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Posted 7 Sep 2003 4:46 am
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Donna....this is a wonderful post...thank you for sharing it with us.........
...and Brett!.....sure looks like you got a lot of Buddies on the Forum.....add me to that list.....email me if you like...you wont get much sense just a few jokes !!........and stick with the steel pal.......the more you pick it the better it gets !
Tony |
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Bill Ferguson
From:
Milton, FL USA
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Posted 7 Sep 2003 7:32 am
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Wayne, I will send you Brett's phone # by email.
Thanks for asking,
Bill Ferguson |
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Mike Brown
From:
Meridian, Mississippi USA
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Posted 11 Sep 2003 5:58 am
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Yes, meeting Brett and his Mom and Dad was one of the highlights of my trip. I hope that my "pointers" helped rather than hindered.
Brett's attitude is amazing considering all that he has been through in his lifetime. I commend his family for their support.
Mike Brown
Peavey Electronics Corporation |
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Brett Day
From:
Pickens, SC
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Posted 21 Sep 2003 7:29 pm
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| Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the steel guitar community and for the encouragement all of you have given to me. I am so glad to have friends who understand my determination to play the steel guitar, even though I have cerebral palsy. I love the steel guitar community! Brett Day, Emmons S-10, Morrell lapsteel,GFI Ultra D-10 [This message was edited by Brett Day on 07 December 2004 at 12:55 PM.] |
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Jim Whitaker
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 21 Sep 2003 8:17 pm
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Go Brett!!
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JIM
"Carter SD10" "74" LTD & NASHVILLE 400, Profex II "55" Esquire, "63 Epiphone, "63" Precision,
"71" Jazz
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