| Ok, so I decided to expand on the final gift to them a little. I aquired these through a friend of a friend. I was in the middle of purchasing something 'Dillo related from someone when he mentioned if I liked them, he had some other 'Dillo related items that he would sell me. So of course, with interest I told him 'sure, I'd take a look'. As soon as I saw them...I knew without a doubt, I had to have them, being the freaky obsessed, gotta have anything unusual 'Dillo related item, gal that I am. So it was a deal. I waited on pins and needles until the package arrived. (Coincidently it was around the same time that they were releasing the "Strike The Match" cd.) So there I go traipsing off to the show with the mounted set of graphics under my arm, all ready for them to sign. Many of you know it was a line stopper. It was a definite conversation getter. I was pleased beyond words that they seemed to be so interested in my little find! Josh, fearless leader and go getter that he is, struck a deal. "I'll give you anything" he promises! "Oh paaashaawww" I say! "There yours!" How could I resist!? (I should have been a better negotiater! LOL!) He would "settle for one of them" he says...not knowing the gracious giver that I am, would offer the whole set without a second thought. So time passes...the graphics that I've promised him are sitting in my home office, screaming to me everytime I enter! Then one crappy day, here it comes...the words I for years have dreaded befall my auditory nerves...'The Smokin' Armadillos are breaking up.' NO! STOP! SHUT YOUR MOUTH! I say. I am sad. I am crushed. I am depressed beyond explanation. A final show is planned I read. Are you going, I am asked. With tears in my eyes and a song in my heart...I decide, yes I will go. How could I miss it? So tickets are bought and the night is planned. A farewell gift is called for, I think to myself. What could I possibly give to them...something to say, how much I've enjoyed your music? Something meaningful, something important. Then it occurs to me, DUH! The graphics you dork! So began the task of matting, mounting and framing these important items. A labor of love, if you will. A thank you, no doubt. So I ask Josh, "Now are you sure that you have a place for these? Somewhere where they can be enjoyed by all the guys?" "Yes", he says, "the studio, possibly. We'll have to keep it open just so everyone can enjoy them." So the big night comes. I am anxious to give the frame. I am nervous that they won't like it. I am happy to offer it. Into the M&G I walk, I see Josh, a big huge "Hi April!! How have you been?" An even bigger hug. "Is that it? Is that for us?" My fears awash. Stage Manager interrupts the moment, damn M&G guy!, and we move into position to begin the autograph line. I overhear Josh, Aaron and T conversing about the frame. "No", responds Josh, "she gave them to me! I will keep them. It was a concern for her that we all be able to enjoy them and see them. I mentioned the studio to her. Maybe that's where we'll keep them." It was quite funny to hear them queery each other about who would take custody of the frame. They are so gracious. They are happy. They are excited about the night. I ask T if he is sad, he hesitates to respond. I tell him...I am. I move on to Aaron. He is asking Josh where the frame came from. Josh tells him, "from April". Aaron is moved. He looks at me with those HUGE blue eyes and says..."April, that is really, really a wonderful gift. I can't believe you are giving it to us." I respond, "Please, they belong to you guys. It was the least I could do." Aaron again, "That means a lot to us. It really is a touching, great gift. Thank you so much." In the photo you see me standing in front of Aaron, barely able to make eye contact, while all of this is going on, I am staring at his chest! I am such a dork! LOL! The M&G progresses. They do a photo-op after everyone has signed stuff. Josh insists that I stand in the center. I say, "No way! You guys are the center of attention tonight, not me!" He says, "No you should be in the center after giving us that great gift." Aaron is behind me saying the same thing. Too sweet...both of you. Thank you for making me feel like I actually gave you something of value, after all you've given to me. There were so many more important things sitting on my tongue that night. Things I've always wanted to tell you, you guys. Why each of you has a place in my heart. Why each of you is important to me. What seeing you many, many times has meant to me. Why I've continued to support you. How much enjoyment and happiness has been derived by seeing Scott wear the Lucky Hat, do an Angus impersonation and when they used to jump atop the speakers and make the crowd takes sides and yell the loudest. Seeing T wear those fiddle strings out! Seeing Aaron smile that wonderous smile of his with those beautiful blue eyes sparkling away. Hearing Rick and his most engaging singing voice croon the socks right off ya! The good old days with Darrin keeping the rythem, hidden somewhere behind it all. Running to KMart to see you guys when the CD dropped and taking Rick a pair of silk Scooby Doo boxers! The beginning when Birch was so funny and shy. I'll never forget "Road Manager Bob" as we called Bob Bender. Always so helpful and accomodating for Von and I. As long we stuck around until the last person got their autograph...we ALWAYS got the final group shot of us with all the 'Dillos. It became a tradition that we looked forward to. Thank you for taking the time to do it. From the very first time we saw you guys perform, you had a place in our hearts. You probably don't remember it, but it was when you played an after concert show in Fresno, CA. It was at the Holiday Inn across from the Convention Center where George Strait played that night. Von and I were on our way to our car after your show, laughing and carrying on about all those cute guys we'd just seen, when as we rounded the building, there you guys were. Hanging out...loading the truck and laughing and talking amongst yourselves. Graciously you signed the song sheets we'd stolen off the stage floor! And then if that wasn't enough...you all gathered behind us for a photo and sang to us. We still remember what song it was. I don't hear it...without thinking of you guys. Neither she or I will ever forget that...ever. That is one of my most treasured memories, as well as one my most treasured photos. It was the beginning for me. The beginning of a friendship. Each of you will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for the music and the memories... ~~April Gates~~ Visalia |
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