June 4, 2008 — I had no idea what my total reaction would be at the end of May 17, 2008 when Tom T. Hall’s Homecoming on the Hill would be only a memory. Of course, I was a nervous wreck about the evening. I wanted everything to be perfect for Tom, a family friend from many years back. Understanding that he was an international star, and most recently an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, he certainly should have a homecoming that he deserved. I prayed that he would feel well received and at the same time understand that you really can “come home” again.

In addition, I wanted Tom’s hometown to enjoy the evening that had been planned to perfection by the good members of our organization “on the hill”.

It was a time to recognize the talent here is as good as anywhere on earth.

It was a time to understand that honoring things and people from the past does give hope for the future. All in all, my expectations were high and totally fulfilled. But, I feel compelled to share with you my most defining moment of the evening.

After Tom graciously greeted the press waiting for him, we walked toward the room that had been prepared especially for him. He answered their questions tirelessly and always used that wisdom and wit that I had remembered. There occurred one very short moment when we sat quietly in the newly renovated schoolroom, uninterrupted by groups coming in for photos and greetings of “do you remember me?” Suddenly, Tom looked up at me and said, “I can remember a teacher I had in school. Her name was Gladys Walker. She was a wonderful woman. She always made me feel like I was really somebody special. I’ll never forget her.”

Well, I can’t explain in words the emotions that encompassed this teacher’s mind, heart, and soul at that moment. Tom T. understood completely what the night was all about. Among all of the stress and demands the night brought to a successful man coming home to perform, probably for the last time, he remained focused on the “big picture” we had planned in his coming. My response was, although I am not sure he heard me through his deep reminiscence, “Tom, that is what good teachers do.” His words reiterated the theme of my own educational philosophy. My heart celebrated the fact that Tom had the good fortune to experience the highest form of educational motivation.

If you listened closely during his exceptional performance filled with stories about each song, he mentioned this memory of Mrs. Walker (Mabry) again. Many sitting there knew the person to whom “The Storyteller” was honoring. She taught for many years in Carter County Schools, and I am sure she taught Tom in that one room schoolhouse on Tick Ridge. He totally embraced the evening’s theme of a proud legacy. His personal experience was one that every child deserves from every teacher they encounter. There were many teachers who gave that same experience to many of us. You know who they were, and if they’re still with us, they know who they are. This night was dedicated to them, as well. Tom did that.

On May 17th, I realized and connected with a part of the successful beginnings of Tom T. Hall that I never knew before. Yet at the same time, it made so much sense. Tom was always so kind and gracious to a young girl peeking in on a group of self-taught musicians filling the house with their first love, bluegrass music. He, too, like Mrs. Walker (Mabry), always made people feel special. He always included everyone in the conversations, and I remember how he would give a wink to the kids sitting around staring at this pleasing personality who filled the room with joy and laughter.

That significant moment made the night for me at “Homecoming on the Hill”.

It confirmed my own words to the new teachers that I have recently had the honor with whom to work. Instilling students with confidence and high expectation is the most important practice in education. One special lady made a difference in Tommy Hall’s life. She gave him the beginning he needed, and he confidently continued his quest, realizing his potential and successfully reaching it to the highest degree.

Thanks, Tom T. for my special moment! Thanks for coming home. Thanks for honoring your past. Thanks for being a part of Olive Hill’s Proud Legacy!

Linda Lowe