“The strongest hearts have the most scars.” ~ Jeff Hood
in remembrance
Dee Davis wrote a brilliant article on the passing of his friend Nick Stump back in February. In it he said, “Stump showed up on my (WMMT radio) show one morning returning from a gig, driving all night. He announced his candidacy for governor promising if elected, he would bring Bonanza back to TV.” Typical Nick. Today, Father’s Day, Nick’s kids Brian and Marea pulled together a pretty doggone perfect memorial for their dad attended by probably 80 people in sweltering Summer Solstice heat on a glorious Clark County slice of heaven. Fitting. There were old friends and new, loads of musicians, painters, writers, drunkards, and a few naked kids for good measure. Nick died “from a life well-lived.” He served our nation during the Vietnam War and lived to tell the tale. He remained a loyal patriot and American hero to the end. You might want to hear one song he wrote about his experience called Night Patrol with his exceptional band the Metropolitan Blues Allstars (bandmate Rodney Hatfield is shown above as he was about to deliver his thoughts). He was an outspoken Democrat who could argue his point of view with marksmen-like precision and deliver it with wicked candor like a napalm drop. His facebook commentary was a balm over the last decade of contentious elections, especially those on the national stage. He was an exceptional writer and musician, and he was also an Eastern Kentucky Hillbilly, a moniker he wore with pride.
second line out
Many shared their stories of Nick today. Naturally, I didn’t. I didn’t speak at Sandy Davis’ memorial a few weeks ago either. I just can’t. I can write about them, describe how much their friendships meant to me, tell stories till the cows come home, but when it comes to speaking in public off the cuff about matters so close to the heart, I am not your girl. What I did do, however, was sit and absorb the good company of others who love and appreciate Nick, who understand the importance of being in communion with people who inspire, whether it’s through music, friendship, or just being present enough to really listen, a talent far too few possess anymore. As one woman said today, “Nick was there when I needed him. He listened and he helped me.” She had never met Nick in person. Read that again. She had never met Nick in person. She didn’t know a soul at the memorial yet she traveled from Iowa to attend his memorial. That was the power of our friend Michael “Nick Stump” Stamper: 1948-2021. We should all listen that good.
always a patriot
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