Let me know what you think and any suggestions!
Fall 1999
Abigail Ann Brackett - 18, freshman (pre med) at USC
Andrew Joseph Brackett - 18, freshman (civil engineering) at Cal Poly
The twins are in college, at separate schools but both fairly close to home. Abby wants to become a doctor like Kel and Andy is hoping to work for a construction company helping to design and execute buildings. Both Dixie and Kel are still working (naturally). Johnny and Roy will also make appearances, and possibly the other former members of Station 51.
Sept. 29, 1999
Dear Mama,
I know Dad warned me, but college is HARD. It's lots of fun, and my classes are really interesting, but I guess I didn't expect my first semester to be this draining. A lot of my classes are male-dominated, too, which I expected. What I didn't expect is to be in classes with a bunch of misogynistic jerks. Grr. None of them think a woman can actually accomplish anything in the medical field. It's 1999, for God's sake! Once or twice I told them who you and Dad are. None of the guys cared, but the professor overheard. Oops. He pulled me aside and asked if I was serious or if I was just angry. I told him I wasn't lying, and he seemed impressed. Now, though, he's expecting perfection from everything I do.
I know, I know. You've told me, Dad's told me: don't use my last name as a weapon or excuse. And I didn't mean to, I swear. They just made me angry. Trust me, I won't make that mistake again.
Don't tell Dad about it, please? I don't want him to think I'm getting discouraged, because I'm not. Frustrated, yes, and I'm realizing that this letter wound up a rant. Sorry, Mama. I'm not discouraged, though, and I'm going to keep working hard until I graduate from med school. I promise.
Love,
Abby
Oct. 3, 1999
Dearest Abby,
First, you know your dad reads my mail. If you don't want him to know something, you'd better call me. I wouldn't mind getting a call, either!
I knew college would be hard, for you and Andy both, but you especially. It may be 1999, but there are still jerks out there. I know. Remember this: you are a wonderful, hard-working young woman who can do anything she puts her mind to. And you're going to make a great doctor, of that I am absolutely certain.
Regarding the "last name incident" (that's what your father is calling it - I'm not entirely sure why), neither of us want you to be ashamed of your last name. Absolutely not. And you sure better not be ashamed of your parents! (Kidding, kidding. But you're not, are you?!) We just want you to make your own way as a doctor. There's always going to be the connection drawn between you and your dad. He's an amazing doctor (your mama's not too bad herself) and you're always going to be his daughter. You're going to be an amazing doctor, too, though, sweetheart. Don't let any "misogynistic jerks" get you down.
When are you coming home for Thanksgiving again? Johnny was over at Rampart the other day asking about you. Andy, too, but I know you know you're his favorite (shh don't tell your brother).
I love you, sweetheart. Keep working hard and I can't wait to hear all about it when you come home. (I wouldn't mind a phone call though!)
Love,
Your Mama