Jimmy Wayne Gives Valuable Thanksgiving Lesson

When asked about Thanksgiving memories as a child, it is hard for Jimmy Wayne to remember even seeing his family on the holiday, as he and his sister Patricia spent much of their childhood in and out of foster homes while their mother was in prison. And on the years they were together, they didn't always have food to enjoy.

These days, times are much happier for the country star and his sister, who always try to spent the Thanksgiving holiday together, along with Patricia's husband and kids -- 20-year-old son, Brian, and 3-year-old daughter, Charleigh Storm.

"It's really special because it's the only time of the year that we get to spend that quality time together," Jimmy tells Nashville's Tennessean newspaper. "There's an understanding that there's a lot to be thankful for."

But not that long ago, Jimmy had to help Brian see how fortunate he is to be blessed with a loving family on the holidays -- something that Jimmy painfully missed out on many times growing up.

"[Brian] was too cool to sit with us [a few years ago]. I kind of tricked him into going on a hike without eating first, and he was so hungry by the time we got back home. I wanted to show him Thanksgiving is more than just a meal -- you should realize that being hungry ... it hurts," Jimmy recalls. "I've been there, and so has my sister. I didn't want to make my nephew suffer, but I wanted him to really understand. By the time we got back home, he was ready to sit at the table."

This year Jimmy has plenty to be thankful for including his brand-new album, 'Sara Smile,' which he dedicated to his sister.