Sammy Davis Jr ... a still vivid memory and still a hope
The summer just before I turned 22 years old I lived in Zepher Cove with a couple of friends and worked at a small casino calling Bingo and exchanging dollar bills for change for folks who wanted to play the slot machine. For whatever reason, I don't remember why, Sammy Davis Jr.'s limo driver used to stop in front of the club on a regular basis. Mr. Davis never got out of the limo. But learning of this somewhat known regular habit, a couple of times I planted myself in front of the club and with excited expectations that I might see him. I did and on one occasion I got a little braver and approached the backseat window and got a lovely smile and a wave. I think Mr. Davis simply stopped there for fans to see him ... whatever the reason I've never forgotten it.
My grandfather had a beautiful voice and used to sing Ol' Man River often. Of course my grandfather could never put into his voice the unreachable meaning of the song that Mr. Davis would. I had a big crush on Sammy Davis, Jr. and his talent. I remember reading his autobiography "Yes, I Can" and trying to understand how someone so loved for his talent could be so mistreated, even in his popularity and celebrity, simply for what he was born. I feel most times that we truly don't understand what God has bestowed upon us. I realize that I can never grasp the depth of of any one race that has suffered from another race's hate, bias and greed. I ask myself why are we like this?
God Bless you, Mr. Davis. Thank you for my lifelong memories of what you shared with us during your most recent stay. May we, us all, someday truly live up to your hopes.
