Oct. 5, 1999
Dear Mom and Dad,
I'm really enjoying college, and Cal Poly is a great school, but I miss you guys and Abby loads. This is the longest I've been alone. Even that summer I went to camp for three months, Abby was with me! I'm realizing now, Mom, that I should have let you try and teach me how to cook. Luckily my roommate knows a little bit so we're not starving, but I'll be asking for lessons when I come home for Thanksgiving.
My classes are actually going really well. Tough, but I was expecting that. It's really great to be in classes with so many other people that, like me, were "that nerdy math kid" growing up. Mechanical engineering is really interesting, but I'm actually thinking about switching my major to civil engineering. With a degree like that, I could go to work for an architectural firm and actually build the things people design. I'm going to talk to a couple of professors about switching at the beginning of next semester.
I have a calculus test tomorrow, and I should probably go and study. I can't wait to see you in November. Only a month away! Love you both.
Love,
Andy
Oct. 11, 1999
Dear Abby,
I know I'm not "supposed" to, or something, but I miss you. Uncle Johnny would make fun of me, I know. I'm enjoying Cal Poly and my engineering classes, and I hope you're having fun and learning lots at USC. Only three more weeks before I head home for Thanksgiving. Mom will make a huge dinner and Dad will focus all of his attention on his future doctor. Don't worry, I'm not (that) jealous. All I'm saying is I thought sons were supposed to be the father's favorite.
Kidding, kidding. Anyway, this letter was really just an excuse to put off studying for a few minutes. Can't wait to see you, sis. Twins forever.
Andy
Oct. 18, 1999
Dear Andy,
I miss you, too. But you're right, Uncle Johnny would totally make fun of you. :) I'll be home on November 15, a couple of days after you. So you get Mom and Dad all to yourself for a little while. Enjoy it while it lasts, bro, because we both know I'm the favorite.
Kidding, kidding. Anyway, this letter was really just an excuse to put off studying… Nope. I'm not a procrastinator like you are, my big brother. My homework is all finished, and studying done. Although now I guess I know what you really think of me, hmm. Not sure I like it either. An excuse to put off studying? That's all I'm good for?
I am enjoying USC. My classes are all really interesting. Hard, but interesting. I'm glad you're having a good time at Cal Poly, too. You were always better at math than I was. Of course, I was better at everything else.
See you soon, brother. Twins forever.
Abby Ann