DON’T LET THE OLD MAN IN
It was a sad day when country music star Toby Keith passed away from stomach cancer not quite a year ago. I have always enjoyed listening to Toby’s songs. He was a country boy from Oklahoma who made it big, but he didn’t act like it. He was always just ole’ Toby.
When Toby was growing up in Oklahoma, he loved to be outdoors hunting and fishing. He really liked crappie fishing. His wife and family made many memories outdoors doing things together. It was a stress reliever for Toby. It would have been a big part of his life after he retired from entertaining. He loved to be out in the nature that God created for all of us.
Even though some of his songs were often about drinking and partying, Toby put faith and family first. Then he put his love for his country and the men and women who serve or have served.
He played more than 280 USO shows in 18 countries. He visited 132 military bases to entertain more than 250,000 service men and women. He made more visits to active combat zones than our past four Presidents combined.
My personal favorite of Toby’s songs is – Don’t Let the Old Man In. He wrote that song after meeting legendary actor and Oscar-winning director, Clint Eastwood.
Eastwood told him he was about to start directing and starring in a new movie. Toby was amazed and asked Clint how, at almost 90 years old, he could remain as active and involved as he was. Eastwood thought for a moment and responded, “I don’t let the old man in.”
That same day, Toby wrote a song inspired by his conversation with Clint. When Toby finished and recorded it, he sent it to Clint. He called Toby to tell him he loved it and asked if he could use it in his new movie about an old man. Of course, Toby said yes.
One of Toby’s last television performances was at the 2023 People’s Choice Awards where he was presented the Country Icon award. Not many knew it then, but Toby was in great pain. Cancer was ravaging his body as he courageously walked on stage.
Toby sang this song one of the last times that night. Not only to his fans but to all of us.
I am doing my best to not let the old man in.
I don’t know how many more years I have before the Good Lord calls me home. Until then, I will continue to enjoy the outdoors any way I can. Doing that will help keep my mind and body active. As we start a new year, I encourage you to do the same and not let the old man in.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
