Did you ever stop and think about all the people who've inspired you over the years? These people plant little seeds of encouragement in your soul, and before you know it, those little seeds start to develop into fresh ideas of their own.

A good while ago, I received a call from Dan Chabek. For those of you who may not know, Dan was a columnist for the Lakewood Sun Post whose timeless columns about Lakewood history were later compiled into the book Lakewood Lore, available from the Lakewood Historical Society. Dan's encouragement to me about writing my own Lakewood columns came at a time in my life when I really needed a boost. I was stunned to read about his passing on January 29th in Julie Kreuz's article about Dan on page A2 of the Lakewood Sun Post (2-7-08).

Sometimes, all it takes is a phone call like the one Dan made to me to change a life. I will never forget the kindness of Dan's call. Our family's hearts, and I am sure those of all Lakewoodites, go out to the Chabeks in this time of sorrow for them, and for all of us.

So this is a column of thanks: to remember Dan, and all those mentioned and unmentioned, who have taken the time to help me with my own life.

As I sat down at this computer, my mind began to wander. I started to reflect on all the wonderful people who have helped me to achieve success. Of course, I would have to start with my parents, grandparents, and loved ones, but with my dear late mom in particular--who wanted this great computer to come into our home in the first place so that our family would have something to pass the time with when she, herself, passed on. Dad, too, has been a great inspiration and guide. His smile and eagerness to help others have helped me by being a wonderful example for who I try to be today.

I also have a warm memory of my first guitar teacher, Ken Turocy, who gave me a fantastic foundation with that instument. I also thank all the other teachers in my life who helped me with so many things. To Murray Saul, and WMMS, my thanks as well for putting me on the air in the 1970's to talk about being a person with hearing and speech difficulties who, although I was a qualified teacher, was unable to find a full-time teaching job. (In the early 1970's, I, and a great many others, helped to raise awareness for people having exceptionalities, resulting in the federal law P.L. 94-142 that established education rights for those with special needs.)

I wish I could thank my first employer, Bill Hoca, God rest his soul, for giving me a chance at a first real job in a music store. Bill and his wonderful wife, Kathie, were instrumental in helping me develop my skills with people and instruments at the former West Park Music at Kamm's Corners. A special thanks to all the great folks in all the music stores who let me buy their castoffs and unused parts bins so I could learn about guitar repair. To Hideo Kamimoto for his super book Complete Guitar Repair: Hideo, you're the best in the world, as far as I'm concerned. Regarding the late Ernest Tubb, Dude Sizemore, Lee Phillips, Frank Tichy, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, and Barney Kessel, I miss them all so much. I would like to thank them again for their time, talent, advice, and examples in the world of music. To Mark Ward, Joe LaRose, and Dave Trowbridge, thanks for helping me find out more about a famous fiddlin' grandfather I never knew. Time is indeed the most valuable gift of all, and you all gave of yourselves freely and beautifully.

To those at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Thanks for giving me the chance to work with the Hall's guitars, and in so doing, become a small part of rock and roll history myself. Thanks as well to Norm Isaac and Cy Sulak, the other two "guitar guys" who worked with me. You helped make it all happen! I thank Dennis Chandler for his great knowledge. As for the late Robert Lockwood Jr., I wish I could thank him again for our jam sessions. My dad and I still talk about sitting in with that great man. To Todd Andersen, my Lakewood guitar pickin' buddy, attorney, and king of the Brawley Guitar: I don't know what you do better, legal briefs or luscious guitar licks!

To Hartley Peavey, Charlie Kaman Sr., Amalia Ramirez, and so many others in the guitar manufacturing business who at one point or another took time with me: I thank you more than you'll probably ever know.

Thanks to all the people who helped me become a Special Education teacher in spite of my speech impediment, and who helped me as I worked in that field for so many years. To all my former students, and to those now at Garfield School, for whom Dad and I volunteer with music each week: You are what it's all about! Always remember...no limits, ever!

I give great thanks to Bobbie Stone of Folknet's Continuum, Marc Wayner of Guitar Digest, and of course, Jim O'Bryan and Anne Palomaki, and the Lakewood Observer crew, for encouraging me to write. I also thank, of course, Dan and Marge Chabek for their great encouragement. As mentioned, I've discovered that I enjoy writing and now make it a significant part of my life.

A special thanks to all of you for putting up with my columns over these last few years. I appreciate your compliments as well as your suggestions. You are why we writers write, after all!

There are countless more people in my life, and I suspect, in your own, who probably could use a whole bunch of thank you's. I've started that job now and I'm glad that I did before some of them passed on. For others, it was too late for me to do so.

As you've seen, many people helped me to sit here and play my music and write these words. The places I've been, and the people I've met along the way, provide me with a storehouse of wonderful memories. You can have many memories, as well, when you find an activity that you love to do, and especially when you find someone to help along the way. The gifts that we all share with each other can go a long way towards keeping the pulse of this city strong!

Why not start by encouraging someone else today? All it takes is a phone call...