Paul Hawks

Paul Hawks died May 24, 2010.  He and I got to talk several times before our regular bluegrass jam on Monday nights.  I first met Paul at the jam when it was held at the Bluegrass Parlor, thursdays.  I'd bring my guitar, but was too shy to take it out of the case.  I'd just sit in the audience.  Paul and I had the same music teacher, and he told me that I could sit in the back with Paul and play.  That way, I wouldn't have the pressure of being part of the regular group.  At the next jam, I took my guitar out of the case and Paul welcomed me to the back row.  I played to the music in the jam, and Paul was the first person to actually hear the music I was playing in public.  Over time, both of us joined in the jams.  It's been a sad week for the many people whose lives Paul touched with his generosity and kindness.  I'll miss him.