Great letter to Jim from a true fan and friend...
This letter was received from Dr. Lou Ott from Kansas. He wrote it Jim on 16 Sept., 2010
We're posting the copies of the original letter and below is a "paraphrase of the letter" for ease of reading. Jim and Ann were especially touched with these comments and in particular his comment that "... you have the ability to change their inner smile --- the smile of the heart." Thanks Dr Ott!
Mr. Stafford,
For 21 years our "old Navy ship", the USS Sphinx-ARL 24, has held their annual reunion in Branson, and for 19 of those years I have had the privilege of attending your show (each year). I know that you have had many thousands of people tell you they have enjoyed the show, but I often wonder if entertainers really know how some of them can affect the individuals?
I practiced general Dentistry for 38 years and I know the monotony of repeating the same thing time after time, but I'm working up close and personal with each patient, one on one. You, however, are working one on thousands each time.
I know several entertainers personally and ask them if they ever get bored doing the same thing time and again, and the answer is always yes ------- if so, I tell them to look out at the people and see them standing and applauding and look at the smiles on their faces or perhaps the tears in their eyes.
Jim, in every audience that you have there are many who are hurting, and I do mean really hurting and you are by far the best thing that has happened to and for them in a long time, and I assure you the feeling does not disappear when they leave the theater. If ever you feel that, I would say that makes for a good day, and you must have many of them.
I always felt that I had the ability to perhaps change each person's physical smile, but you have the ability to change their inner smile --- the smile of the heart. I certainly enjoyed seeing and hearing your children "doing their thing" and hope they'll continue to make people feel good --- like their father does; they are quite good at it.
I carve many decorative duck decoys, and on the bottom of each I write some "sayings" -- one of my favorites is: "Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same." You, Mr. Jim Stafford, are certainly one of them.
I didn't really mean to rant and rave so long, but just wanted you to know how one of the "old farts" (81 yrs) out in your audience feels each time I see you.
Stay well; love yourself, and tell those around you that you love them too ------
Respectfully,
Louis J. Ott
Click here to see the original letter from Dr Ott:
Labels: audience participation, branson mo, Branson show, branson theaters, comedy, fans
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