A Message From Wayne Taylor - August 3, 2024

I’m sending this message with humility and humbleness within my heart. As some of you may know, in March 2024, I had open heart surgery and had two valves replaced. Four months passed, and everything went as planned.

I started cardio-physical rehab in Hickory and am progressing well. However, last Wednesday, as I was driving home from rehab, I felt like I was going to pass out. I lost my vision and pulled off the side of the road to prevent an accident. I thought it was my eyes that caused the problem. But later, to find out, it was a mild stroke.

Last Saturday, I was setting up for a job in Statesville, NC. After unloading my speakers I was talking with a bandmate and my left arm went numb, it felt like rubber I lost all control of my arm. My hand contorted as if I had a cramp. I couldn’t move my fingers. My left leg started feeling weak, and I couldn’t stand, so I sat down in the backseat of my car, and I knew I was having a stroke.

I called 911, and the ambulance brought me to the hospital within 24 minutes. My left hand was disabled. At that moment, I thought I would never play guitar again. A young nurse took an interest in me and stayed by my side during my initial hospitalization. I told her I was supposed to sing the Lord‘s Prayer at a funeral on Monday, and I was upset that I would have to cancel.

As the staff put me in the CT machine, I was lying there feeling discouraged and all of a sudden I got control of my hand again. My hand opened up, and I could move my fingers again. I looked at the lady and said you prayed for me, didn’t you? She looked back and smiled and said, yes, I did. I’m now in Winston-Salem in a rehabilitation hospital and making excellent progress. I don’t know if I will regain my ability to play guitar at 100%, but if it’s the Lord’s will, I will play guitar and sing again soon.

Thank Each of you for your good thoughts and prayers!

Wayne Taylor