Jimmy Wayne From the Road pt. 1
published January 6, 2010
You tweeted that people are actually leaving food beside the highway for you and bringing you in to eat. Did you expect this kind of support and how has that inspired you?
Don Davis stopped alongside the road just before the TN river and gave me a bottle of milk. An older gentleman named Bill Hatley waited on the opposite side of the same bridge for me to cross, with a thermos full of fresh brewed coffee & donuts that his wife sent him out to give me. The Broadway Diner in New Johnsonville TN wouldn't accept my money; said thanks for what you're doing; hope you enjoyed the breakfast. Judy Dobsdon in Camden, TN paid for my dinner. Valory Music Company president Scott Borchetta donated $50,000. Collins Food Mart let me charge my cell phone in the back. From the big cities to the small towns, USA, everyone has proven their willingness to "meet me halfway". I've been so inspired from day one by the amount of support this project has generated. It makes me want to walk around the world now!!
What is the most touching moment of your journey thus far?
The most touching moment was when a fireman stopped alongside the road in an old truck; I could tell he was a country boy by the way he looked me directly in my eyes and then shook my hand with his strong weathered hand and said "I brought you a water; thanks for what you're doing." I knew that he could have spent that two dollars on bread or milk for his wife and kid waiting in the truck; instead he gave it to me. That act of kindness brought me to tears later that night while I was in my sleeping bag. I even slept with the bottled water to keep it from freezing.
Have you allowed yourself some conditional extra days to make the journey? Obviously, the weather has affected the pace and the number of miles you’ve walked.
My goal is to walk to Phoenix AZ. I assumed its gonna take a minimum of two and a half months. There's no deadline; it's just when I get there. I'm not in a race.
How do you feel like your days and nights are similar to those when you were growing up, and how has this experience been different?
As I've been sleeping outside I've been thinking about many different situations I experienced as a child. One in particular was the time when mom couldn't afford to pay the power bill and all of a sudden the lights would go out; there wouldn't be a warning. You could be in the bathtub one minute and then next you'd be in the dark. I remember Mom setting the groceries on the front porch in the winter so the milk wouldn't spoil, then throwing wood into the wood heater, trying to at least keep the house heated. We'd even heat bath water up on the wood heater. There's so many memories that cross my mind out here. The difference between now and then is that I now have a choice. I have options unlike the kids who are living the same lifestyle I did as a child. I can pick the phone up and ask someone to pick me up at any given time. These poor kids don't have options; that's why I'm so passionate about project "Meet Me Halfway." I want to help the helpless.
What have you been doing at night, when the day’s walk has ended?
After I walk, I journal as soon as possible. I don't want to forget anything. Its hard to stop and write during the day when I'm walking. I have to keep moving in order to stay warm. I can't expose my hands to the air more than a minute without them freezing, especially when it's in the teens and twenties. [Keeping a journal] has always been a part of my life and I think I'll look back on this experience and be very glad I wrote it all down.
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11 Comments show all
JC says:
Jimmy Wayne has to be one of those most unselfish people on the planet, with a heart bigger than Texas.
Jan 07, 2010 at 12:03 am ESTWhat he is doing to bring awareness to the kids in foster care who age out of the system is amazing and commendable.
Thank you Jimmy Wayne and God bless you!
Peace
JC
katie says:
JIMMY WAYNE IS THE NICEST PERSON I have ever
Jan 07, 2010 at 9:32 am ESTmet. In 2005 I was going through one of the worst times of my life. I had just lost my dad to a massive ceriBRAL HEMRIGAGE. I WAS AT MY LOWEST POINT AT THAT TIME OF MY LIFE. I was at the cra benifites concert in north carolina and I GOT TO MEET HIM AND TALK TO HIM AND FROM THAT DAY FORWARD i knew i just met the most kind hearted young man that you could ever meet.
THANK YOU
jimmy WAYNE
LOVE YA
GODBLESS YOU
Denise Camp says:
Saw you in Charlotte a few weeks ago before Christmas. I so loved you gig. Don't know why this has not made the country news, but may God bless and keep you safe as you walk for all those that are less fortunate . hOpe to see you again soon in Charlotte!
Jan 07, 2010 at 7:19 pm ESTBeth says:
You can follow Jimmy's entire trip with the Meet Me Halfway widget. http://bit.ly/8j59PI
Jan 10, 2010 at 2:32 pm ESTMary says:
Your selfless act so inspired me. Your definitely a positive role model for our young people. God Bless You!
Jan 16, 2010 at 12:54 pm ESTLaurie says:
Isn't it nice to hear about something nice and selfless in the news?Jimmy Wayne is such a nice guy to be doing this walk.(He's a nice guy anyway!)I follow his Twitter page.If your looking for songs that are heartfelt with good music and lyrics,check out Jimmy's!He's a good model to follow after.:)
Jan 24, 2010 at 6:26 pm ESTRose Dial says:
What a wonderful thing you are doing!!!! Everyone will be pulling for you and Know God will Bless you for all your doing for his family. Stay Safe........
Jan 26, 2010 at 5:37 pm ESTSarah says:
I think what you are doing is truly GREAT just like you.. May God Bless You and keep you safe. Love you here in Franklin,Va. 23851 Your Amazin :)
Jan 30, 2010 at 4:30 pm ESTEric Barlow(Camden, Tn) says:
I run a business in Camden,Tn. I was on the way to lunch one day and discovered Jimmy walking along Hwy 70, I had saw him on the news prior to seeing him walking. I stopped and asked him if he needed a water or anything else. He actually stopped and had a small conversation with me. He is very down to earth. I shared with him that I have a house about 2 hours from where he grew up in N.C.. The thing that I really did not get to talk to him about was my family actually took in a guy when I was 7. This guy was left by his mom to fend for himself. My family took him in and he was part of our family. I claim this guy to be a blood brother and he will always be part of our family. I am so glad that Jimmy is bringing to light of how many teenage kids are left to fend on their own and the people that take them in are great people. The other thing is that the kidsor adolesents that we bring into our how can have a positive effect on both sides. Thanks for reading this
Jun 30, 2010 at 9:09 pm ESTBarbara Walton says:
I am in awe at what Jimmy Wayne is doing for MMH! He has a kind and good heart, and I have liked and admired him from the very first time I met him. Talking with him is so easy, and he really listens. I love the heart felt lyrics in his music, and I have all of his albums. I don't know how he is here today after all he has been through! I wish the very best for Jimmy, and my prayers are with him! Barbara Walton, Killen, AL
Jul 24, 2010 at 12:51 pm ESTcherie/nvbound says:
Hearing your stories Jimmy convince us even more how important it is to reach out to teens and let a different road open for them. thank you CW for keeping us informed!
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