Dear Mom,
Congratulations on turning 90 years old on September 4th this month! Gee, you’re “looking good for that many years under your belt,” as you would say. I just wanted to let you know a few things that I’ve probably said in the past, but they are worth repeating. Over the years in our family when my siblings and I were growing up, you were always there with 110% of your support for the many activities going on. Reflecting back, there was so much fun, laughter, and there was always music, lots of music. You yourself did not play an instrument, but you were definitely the lead “grinner” among any crowd of listeners once the music started. Dad played the fiddle and was a 3rd generation player who was taught by his father and grandfather. This sounds amazing to some folks today, but, really, that’s families did back when that’s all they could afford or knew what to do. Because of Dad’s family music background with his siblings, they formed a band and played for dances across the plains area in rural Kansas. So when you married and had children, it was only natural at our family gatherings always included music. And when those pickers gathered, the grinners were also there in force – you leading the pack with food, applause and all that went with providing the hospitality.
Moving the California saw our music tradition continue. You and Dad loved to go to the Garden of Allah and the Dream Bowl to dance and see many new “hot” acts appearing in the Bay Area area like Johnny Cash and the Maddox Brothers & Rose. I was really too young to remember any of these outings, but certainly heard the stories about them when the family got together.
As we kids got into school, you & Dad made sure we had music instruction early on such as piano lessons, and then orchestra in school. The school orchestra is where I was drafted from the violin section to play the bass. I did not realize that this instrument would be an integral part of my life from then on, as I continue to enjoy playing it today. Family gatherings still happened with summer visits back to our roots in Kansas, and they were filled with music and your continued support.
When I had my own family, our children were blessed with music education on many levels, and you were there to support that, too. I remember you and Dad becoming very active members of District #9 Old Time Fiddler’s Association in the Bay Area. Both of our children played the fiddle as youngsters with this association supporting them. It’s there that our family met Carl and Ed Pagter, Neal & Edith Thompson, Charlie & Viola Blacklock, Clark & Hazel Delozier, and so many more old time music fans. Our family was surrounded by their support and friendship. And, Mom, you were right there grinning and supporting.
It was through District #9 that Carl told you and Dad about a “new” bluegrass festival happening at Grass Valley. As a family, we attended as a family for the first time in 1979. It was such a good time with all the music, we have continued to attend since then. This lit a fire under you and Dad to attend other bluegrass festivals in California and other states. Those many years of camping with pickers and grinners gathering on all fronts were memorable times for the family and you still recall them today. Thank you for getting us involved in this music and initiating our annual pilgrimage to Grass Valley. It’s become a true family tradition.
Over the many years, you’ve continued your love of music by still enjoying so many great artists. Probably your favorite singers would have to be June Carter Cash singing Wildwood Flower and anything Rose Maddox sang. On one trip to Grass Valley back in 1990s, you made a special memory. You were able to meet and get to know Rose Maddox. That year you were seated in the club booth at one point to rest as you were recovering from a back surgery. Rose Maddox also came back there to relax before and after her show. Seated next to each other, you two struck up a conversation, and found you both had many memories to share about the early days of Rose’s band, and your mutual connection with Medford, Oregon. The next couple of days saw you two visiting at the club booth and becoming friends. Rose gave you a signed copy of her biography and the two of you had your picture taken together. (Later on, this photo was put on a sweatshirt you still wear today.)
Your home was always ready to play that phonograph record with the likes of the Carter Family, Chubby Wise, Doc Watson, Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Stringbean, Grandpa Jones, Mark O’Connor, and, of course, any music from the Virtual Strangers, Mike Tatar Jr., and Merle Higby. About a year ago, playing that phonograph got a little more difficult for you. Your arthritic hands made some movements harder. I was so happy to be able to load many of your treasured vinyls onto an iPod Shuffle. Seeing you back in the “grinner mode” when you’re enjoying your iPod tunes has been wonderful. Your clapping and singing and remembering many good times from the past is really a blessing. It’s great to see you so happy and eager to retell us those memories. And today whenever we get together and there’s music, you’re still right in front as always in full grinner support mode.
Thank you for your endless support, Mom. I applaud you. It’s your turn to take a bow! And here’s wishing you many more happy tunes in the future!
Love,
Vonnie
