The next story is from Joe H. of Hollidaysburg, Pa he wrote:

I can recall singing songs in my earliest memories as a child growing up in crippled children's homes. My favorites to sing were "I've Been Workin' On The Railroad" and "Old Susannah" or even “This Old Man,” obviously each being “Banjo” tunes. With songs like these, you can lift your voice in a happy sound, which is what the banjo does. This wonderful instrument has such a unique uplifting sound that you can spot right away. Even a sad song like “Tom Dooley” can bring a half smile when played on a banjo.
Music is a voice that can speak within each of us. A song or melody has, emotionally tagged even people that do not play an instrument, at one time or another. I grew up with those who will never physically be able to play, but I knew how music lifted their spirits.
I'm a banjo player that plays guitar that's learning to play the banjo! Now how does that make sense? Well...
I was stricken at birth with Muscular Dystrophy, which is a life of struggling with even the minimalist of tasks at times. I always knew inside I am a person that could play a banjo or guitar but figured to be unable or very limited at best because of weakness. I learned to play the guitar and did it naturally finger style, sort of like a banjo picker, which led me to believe I am a banjo player that plays guitar!
Once again though my limits seemed very overwhelming. Playing was just too hard physically. The size of the guitar and weight and all became just to much for me, so very sadly one day I put the guitar away for what I said was the last time; I was done!I began to toy with the banjo a bit, and then a wonderful world-renowned guitarist named Doyle Dykes came to town. I approached Doyle explaining my situation as he could see my challenge as well. I asked him for suggestions.
Lighter strings, a guitar holder, etc.... He asked me if I ever tried a Baby Taylor, then handed me his customized one. I could actually play it! It was smaller and I held it like a cello! I could actually play it this way, so he autographed it and said, "Keep my guitar" WOW, talk about neat! A year later, unknown to me, he and Taylor guitar designed one special for me that had his pickup system in it to accomodate my needs!Doyle is now a personal friend that I cherish, and what a friend he has become to me.
So, as My Candy (wife) would probably say, now it started... I play finger style guitar pretty well, going to churches and nursing homes, but what of my love for the banjo? Well I saw a Deering Goodtime 2 Banjo hanging in a store, hmmmm... It's small... and light ... and I tried it, incorporating my idea of holding the guitar like a cello to the banjo, and it worked! Also, Like a Taylor Guitar, it’s AMERICAN MADE! (To me that's very important) I loved it!
My Doyle Dykes Baby Taylor is maple and the Goodtime looks great matched up. The Goodtime was affordably priced and sounded AWESOME, and the cost was reasonable enough for me to own a REAL Deering, which was a draw in itself. Just seeing the name Deering makes me excited to play a Banjo. I know that sounds so corny but oh well, it’s true. Quality does make a difference and companies like Taylor guitars or Deering banjos won’t put their reputation on the line to an inferior product.
So, now it was time to rub nickels together to get one. Well, a wonderful couple at a church knew my needs and went and blessed me as they purchased it for me so I could in turn, bless folks in nursing homes with the upbeat sound of banjo! Is that awesome or what. I have taken my guitar playing to new heights and am now a proud owner of a real Deering Banjo and the lessons are continuing and I play it pretty well now.
An important note health wise in the playing of guitar and Banjo. I've actually increased strength in my grip, especially in my left hand and dexterity is great in both. Muscles can not be replaced, only strengthened, keeping the muscles toned is imperative in an MD patients situation so playing is not only a joy to the soul, but one to the bodies health as well.We all need a focus in our lives and when faced with debilitating situations, a port in a storm can energize the spirit. Playing my banjo and guitar does that. The only thing I got to get under control is my wanting the gold Calico Deering! I love the golden stuff!

Customizing the Deering Goodtime is a cool Idea. Personally, I’d have W. W. J. D. inlaid on the headstock for an acronym that stands for “What Would Jesus Do” (my playing is a ministry I do.) Or, have a frog with the letters F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God). Then maybe I’d inlay my name on the neck starting around the 5th fret with “J”, then “O” under it, then “E”. I hold the Banjo in an upright position so it would read from top to bottom. Why start at the 5th fret? Well, I can’t lift my left arm, so to play the banjo, I need to put a capo on the 2nd fret, which eliminates the first 2 frets and shortens the instrument to fit me better, then I tune it down to standard pitch. I tilt the instrument to reach the higher registers! Hey, what ever works, right?
I wear a machine called a Bi-pap to help me breathe better. I can go places without it at times, however when I play, it’s harder to breathe, so I wear the machine at home or wherever I go to play. The less I struggle for each breath, the more I can concentrate on playing! I’m probably the only banjo player you’ll ever meet that has to plug in his face before a performance!
In closing, I ask that anyone gifted in playing the banjo, to take the time to visit nursing homes and use your God given gift to bring joy to the residents. I try to. I don’t forget how wonderful it was to have people come into the home and take time out for us and frankly, banjos are smile makers!

God Bless,
Joe
(God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.)