Let me introduce myself. My name is Lindsay and I know your mom, Leslie and grandmother, Esther. My own grandmother, Eva Crews, now deceased, lived up the street at 534 Lincoln since the ’40s. After your grandparents moved to Santa Cruz and lived in the large house on the corner, my grandma became friends with them. This was in the ’60s. Your grandparents came to my freshman journalism class at SCHS to show us how other cities have created malls out of their downtowns. This was their dream for Santa Cruz. And, as you know, it came true!

Anywaaaaay….not to make this TOO long…over the years my grandmother spent a lot of time with your grandma. They both loved to paint and I just loved the simple, but elegant cards Mrs. Abbott would make. And, I know she was Esther Henderson and worked for Arizona Highways at one time. She was multi-talented with her musci and dancing. And, she chose the Salvation Army to be her place of worship. She and my grandma spent some wonderful times together throughout the years. My grandmother lived to be 91 and was as healthy as a horse. Walked everywhere. Gardened everyday. But, the last 3 months of her life were the only time she was NOT healthy. She found out in May 1987 that she had cancer. She died in August. It was so hard to believe that my grandma was healthy only a few months earlier. I guess I never envisioned her as anything BUT healthy. She was the real deal!

In the meantime, when your brother, Luke was born, I remember my grandma telling me how she walked down to your house with a little gift. She said your mom and Luke were lying on a mattress on the floor and he was a dear little baby. She talked about Luke all the time. How old are you and Luke now, by the way?

Years down the line your mom would come on occasion and visit the OB-GYN I used to work. We talked about my grandmother during those few times.

Well…I just wanted to share how I knew your family. I am absolutely so impressed with you and your brother and what excellent guys you’re turning out to be. My grandma would be very pleased! I sure wish my 14½ year old daughter could find a boy like you and Luke. Heck, I wish my 31 year old twin daughters could find a MAN with the qualities that the two of you have! So rare in this day and age of Myspace and MTV. I commend your parents for doing such a great job of bringing you up!

Please give my best to your mom, will you?

Take care and keep up with this blog! It’s wonderful!

By the way, speaking of music, my daughter, Caitlin loves to sing. She’s in Chorus and also auditioned and made the Honor Choir.

Lindsay

buddy

Hi, I’m Jenny. I saw you on TV and want you to know that I am in LOVE you and your brother. You guys rock.

- Jenny

P.S. My uncle plays the mandolin.

Anyway…commenting too much now I am.

I have honestly never in my life responded to a blog, let alone someone’s who I don’t know, but I simply had to write.

When I watched the show about your family, you reminded me so much of my own family, and particularly my brother, Sloan. We are from South Carolina and also have family traditions steeped in bluegrass. And although my parents and two of my other siblings are more “traditional”, my brother and I had many things in common with you and your family. He pracices Tai-chi, and I practice yoga. We both play instruments (although I am not good at all and would much rather paint!)

My brother went to Belgium as an exchange student in high school, and when he came home, he grew a beard, began listening to Bluegrass, quit wearing shoes, and began growing most of his own food. He has recently become a beekeeper!

I simply had to write because I know that there was some discussion on the show about whether you would go to college, and whether or not it was applicable for your lifestyle. I’m not sure if you have ever heard of a college near here called “Warren Wilson”, but I think you would find that there are people exactly like you there. My brother recently graduated from there. It’s a very interesting college. It’s nestled in the mountains of North Carolina, right in the heart of bluegrass country.

I won’t write you a lengthy description since you can easily check it out online, but I just wanted to mention it. I think you would fit in perfectly and it would give you an opportunity to experience new things, in a setting that would be very comfortable.

You are very blessed to have such a wonderful family. Please keep playing bluegrass – you have a true gift. I recently returned from a trip to Beijing, China – my first trip out of the country. I cannot tell you how much it changed my life! The world is such a beautiful and interesting place! You simply must experience it!

I wish you well in all you do.

Sorry for writing a novel.
Anna