You probably think that I’m going to share some insights on the country legend or maybe his rowdy son but your wrong. The Hank I’m going to tell you about is one who I’m much closer to and familiar with.
than either of those Hanks. We lost a music fan last week. Since I rebooted my semi amateur music career in the early aughts, I’ve had a companion listening to most of my practices and rehearsals. The same goes for my singing and mandolin playing partner, Linda. Our dog Henry liked the music we played even if we weren’t liking it ourselves so much sometimes.
Henry, or Hank, as we would affectionately call him greeted our fellow band members every Tuesday and Thursday evening for about 8 years. The greeting was loud barking as each member arrived which was quickly followed by an individual hello. Hank would then settle down on the floor in middle of our circle for the rest of the two-hour session. When the spirit moved him, he would begin to howl while we were playing. I contend it was because he was trying to join in and not a critical commentary on our music.
The howling soon passed for band practice but continued often when Linda was woodshedding with her mandolin. However the greeting bark and the rest of the greeting protocol continued until the band broke up a few years ago.
What never changed however was Henry’s desire to be close to us while we played. Practice, jams, new bands, old bands, he always wanted to be part of the action.
When the rules changed allowing dogs at Grass Valley, Henry was in the first class of canine participants. He always followed the rules; no barking…… or howling, just happy to be with us, particularly when we were sitting and jamming (and talking) with friends at our site. (I wanted to post a picture of Henry and Linda at our Grass Valley campsite a few years ago but was technically deficient in getting it done. If you’re interested check out my Facebook page for the photo.)
Obviously, he was much more than a musical or bluegrass companion. He was our family and intermingled thoroughly in our life since we rescued him 16 years ago. He was our friend and companion through all our life’s travels in those years. Healthy as heck for most of his life until some old age arthritis crept in making it difficult for him to travel much but still alert and active until the end when his (and ours) luck ran out. Personally, I’m not much of a hereafter kind of guy but rather more of a string theory guy. I like to think that last Wednesday Henry moved to one of his alternate universes where he is running, playing and just hanging out with us. Also he is very likely howling at his favorite mandolin player.
Thanks for for bearing with me this month and giving me the opportunity to talk about my good friend and companion Hank Williams. I hope to be back to witty and humorous self next month.
