Arnie, I think of you

The first time I met Arnie Sanford was at a Cerebral Palsy Telethon that was held in Gadsden. At the time Arnie was a member of a band from Centre, Alabama called Psalm (Barry Goss, Arnie Sanford, Skip Seagraves, & Larry Sanford). The band was at the telethon that night to play some songs but there was a guy named Jimmy Parker that sang that night who played a longer set that bumped Psalm off the schedule. No big deal. It was the night that I got to meet all the guys from Psalm. They were great people with great songs, and a unique sound.

Now back in the mid-seventies, I was the runt of the Christian Brothers / the Free House gang. I was just starting to play guitar and I would help roadie equipment around for who ever was playing - just to be near it all. Psalm started playing at Christian Bros events and Christian Brothers started attending Psalm events. It wasn't long before they were part of Christian Brothers and we were all friends.

Being a kid just learning to play and write music - I didn't measure up to the older college age kids that were writing and playing. It was Arnie that took the time to spend some time with me and encourage my music. We eventually started hanging around each other a great deal. We hung out more after he found out he had developed Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Arnie went from wobbling, to wobbly with a cane, to wheel chair bound in a short amount of time. He never lost his sense of humor and never lost his love for music.

It broke my heart as he slowly lost his ability to play and sing. I'd usually go over to his apartment in the early evenings when his nerves and muscles allowed him to manage to play guitar a little. He'd always ask me to bring my guitar and play with him. Even after he lost the ability to play - Arnie would ask me to come over and play for him.

I guess I went over to his apartment in Rainbow City (while he was still living in Gadsden) at least once a week. We'd sometimes go out for pizza. Arnie liked pizza. Most times Patsy (his wife during that time) would cook something for us. I'd often phone ahead and say I'd bring a pizza over. Did I mention that Arnie Liked pizza? Arnie was always was fun to be around because of that sharp Sanford wit of his. I say this because I've found out that both his brothers Larry and Shane possess it as well. I don't see Larry much - but to talk to Shane - I am reminded of Arnie a lot.

Arnie passed away about six years ago. He's one of those people that came into my life and left that I will always miss dearly. We had such good times together. I loved his music, his laughter and his wonderful heart. When I think of Arnie, I think of a thousand visits that lasted late into the night. Arnie had a way of looking at life that may to many seem a cynical outlook. Arnie wasn't cynical in the least - he just didn't take the things of this world that serious. He taught me to laugh at the stupidity of the world. He was just passing through this life and dealt with the cards life dealt him in his own spirited manner. I know he is sure to have had plenty of down moments when I wasn't around. We all do - we all are human. I will say that this man was a sweet fellow - a good and dear friend. I appreciate his encouragement in the earlier years and thankful that he became my close friend. I know that when I die - what ever form we take in the hereafter - that I will recognize his precious soul upon meeting.

"Hey David, did you bring your guitar?"