The Guitar Room

Got to do probably the toughest day of chainsaw work I’ve had today for a Deer friend of 30 years. Dr. Troy Fortin.. It was an honor to work for him. He has been my friend and chiropractor for 30 years. His older brother Roman was a center of the Atlanta Falcons as well as the team captain. This whole family has dedicated their life to the service of others. They have taken all their prestige and placement in life and use it to serve everyone around them in the name of Jesus and a true surrendered faith. Their father Bob, or as we used to call him Doc, was one of the kindest people you would ever meet and one of my mentors.. This is the most dangerous work out there, and the kind of strength, engineering, and focus. It takes is intense. I feel blessed and am fortunate to do it. One of my other inspirations is my guitar hero Jeff Beck.. as far as I’m concerned he’s the best modern guitar player that has ever lived along with John McLachlan. But Jeff’s life was more than Guitar. He took several years off and established one of the Corvette restoration businesses in the world. Jeff love people in life. Having other passions only made him continue to grow in Guitar until the day he passed away.. I thank God that at 64 years old I still have the strength and cognitive ability to do this intense work. Merry Christmas and happy new year. Everybody, may our Lord keep you safe.

Dad, I will never be able to say thank you enough for not only coming into this country respectfully as an immigrant, but only six years later to enter the most vicious battle of one of the most vicious wars in our history. Immigrant from Holland who spent six months in Ellis Island and only a few years later help change the course of our first major and one of the worst battles we have ever known.. you were rewarded three metals for bravery, and it haunted you for the rest of your life!! I and fortunately many of us are so grateful for selflessness. Rest in peace Frank Ferwerda veteran of Guadalcanal. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’re grateful son.

Happy Veterans Day dad.. thank you for showing the world what it was like to enter the country legally and respectfully, and then turning around and serving the country that you absolutely fell in love with by fighting in one of the worst military campaigns in US history. And being thankful that you got to serve this new country that you fell in love with.. thank you for suffering for the rest of your life with PTSD because you chose to be willing to sacrifice yourself to the betterment of your new home that you loved so dearly. Your country doesn’t deserve you or your memory, but I sure as hell respect to you with every ounce of who I am. Rest in peace Frank Ferwerda, Guadalcanal Veteran.