Day 16: Someone Who Inspires Me

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.


(This picture is from November, 2010 in Niagara Falls where I met Jimmy after one of his concerts)

Jimmy Wayne inspires me. For the whole story check out his Meet Me Halfway Project. Here's my abridged version: Jimmy comes from an abusive childhood which ultimately left him homeless as a teen after being shuffled around from foster home to foster home. Fast forward to 2009 Jimmy has a #1 single (Do You Believe Me Now) on Country charts, he's opening for Brad Paisley's summer tour and all signs point to a growing music career. Well, then in December Jimmy decided to drop everything and walk halfway across America (from Nashville to Phoenix) to raise awareness for youth homelessness. He started out on January 1, 2010. Jimmy had expected the walk to take him 3 months, it ended up taking 7 months. When he walked into Phoenix he had a broken foot from his journey and was in a walking boot. His record label dropped him. Since Jimmy finished his walk he has been working on a book with Travis Thrasher and writing/recording music for a new album. This is just a very short version of what Jimmy has done. Please check out the link above to find out more.

I never realized that this problem even existed..and certainly not to the extent that it does. Definitely opened my eyes. I volunteered this winter, while the track was closed, at the Equicenter. The Equicenter works with the disabled, at risk youth, and wounded warriors. I like to think that while I didn't actually work with any people (I rode the horses to keep them in shape for their lessons) that I still was able to help out in some small way. One day I'd like to do more.