"Lucky Penny"

The story behind "Lucky Penny".

We lived out in the country outside of Oswego Kansas, Rented a small farm from a fella. It was a super tiny little house but comfy. But the best part about that house was the neighbor about a acre away. His name was Herman. Just the coolest old guy ever. I think at that time Herman was roughly in his 90's. Herman had all kinds of stories. I was mesmerized by the stories he told me. Wasn't much that old farmer hadn't seen or done. But, one of my most favorite stories he told me was the story about how he met his wife of 70 years. (Unfortunately, she had already passed before I got to meet Herman) Oh, but you should've seen his face light up when that old farmer talked about his wife. Clearly the love of his life.

One day while I was out mowing our front yard Herman stood at the edge of his property waiting for me to come around on the mower. He waved me down, of course I wasn't gonna pass up a opportunity to chew the fat with ole Herman.

Herman said "Hey, did I ever tell ya how I got my wife to go on a date with me?"

Random, but that was typical for Herman to pop up with a story out of nowhere.

I said "No sir you never told me that story."

Herman went on telling his story,

One day when he was in town getting feed for the cows he stopped into the local diner, He'd seen her sitting at the counter and he said "I knew right then, she was gonna be my wife". He had a old coin in his pocket that he said was a double sided coin. Apparently, he used it mostly for bets to flip for free beers. (clearly, I don't think Herman ever paid for a beer)

He said he walked over and asked the young lady if she believed in fate? And offered to flip that old coin for a date. Obviously knowing the coin was rigged.

But, it worked and they had a wonderful life together because of that double sided coin.

Now, Lets be clear here.. I actually questioned the full truthfulness of some of Herman's stories. Some were pretty wild to say the least.

He finished the story and told me I'd better get back to mowing my yard before it got to much hotter out. I agreed.

Herman stopped me and said "Hey I'll tell ya what, Let's flip for it.? Tails, I'll finish mowing your yard for ya"

I looked over at him and said "Are you serious?" Herman pulled that old coin out of his pocket and flipped it over on the top of his hand.

You guessed it... IT WAS HEADS UP...

I finished mowing my own damn lawn.

( I wrote this song in memory of Herman and his amazing stories! I sure loved that old timer!!!!)