Lost Keys, and Found Memories

Brother Drew,

        Today hasn’t exactly been a great one. Paiten lost her keys yesterday, which threw off everything we  had planned for today. Then, on her way back home after dropping me off, another student accidentally slammed into her while she was driving my truck. Thankfully, everyone is okay, but the truck’s bumper took a hit—it’s dented and bent up pretty bad.

        In between all this, I’ve been diving into our family history and researching Dad. I found out he grew up in a little town called Glenn's Ferry, Idaho. It’s a quiet spot along the Snake River with a strong connection to its past on the Oregon Trail, where ferries once helped pioneers cross the river. Dad graduated from Glenn's Ferry High School in 1982. Back then, it was a small school with a close-knit community—probably the kind where everyone knew each other. The school was deeply rooted in local traditions, with sports events and community activities that brought people together, especially since the town itself was small. Dad would have known most of his classmates really well, and the teachers too.

 

        It’s also where he met Mom, who was from Midvale. Midvale is another small Idaho town, nestled in the mountains and known for its wide-open spaces and close community feel. Life there is rural and quiet, with the kind of scenery that brings in locals and travelers alike for outdoor activities like hiking and hunting. Growing up in Midvale, Mom would have been used to the same small-town values and slower pace that defined Glenn's Ferry. I can picture her and Dad crossing paths, probably through local events or just in the usual places where everyone in these tight-knit towns tends to gather.

Anyway, just wanted to keep you in the loop.

Love always,

Coco

"Two Hearts, One Heritage: A Journey Begins"

 My Dearest Drew, 

Hello, my sweet brother. It’s Coco here, reaching out to you in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. Today, I want to share something special: I’ve decided to dive into our family tree and our family heritage, and I can’t help but wish you were right here with me on this journey.

As I begin to explore our roots, I feel a sense of connection to those who came before us. I want to uncover the stories, the struggles, and the triumphs that shaped our family. There’s something magical about piecing together our history, and I know there are interesting characters waiting to be discovered.

Imagine the tales we’ll uncover! Perhaps we’ll find a great-grandparent who was an adventurer or an ancestor with a remarkable talent. I want to learn about the laughter and the heartaches that have been woven into our family’s tapestry. Each story will help us understand not just who we are, but also the legacy we carry.

I know that navigating this journey without you feels bittersweet. But I feel your spirit guiding me, encouraging me to keep exploring, to keep asking questions. Together, in heart and memory, we’ll learn about the family that shaped us, celebrating the connections that bind us even across time.

I can’t wait to share the stories I uncover with you. Here’s to the adventure ahead, my dear Drew. You’re always in my heart.

With all my love,
Coco

Dearest Drew, Love Coco

Letters to Andrew: Discovering Our Family Story

Dearest Readers,

Today, I embark on a deeply personal journey: a series of letters to my twin brother, Andrew (Drew), who  sadly passed at birth. Though our time together was cut short, I’ve always felt his presence in my life, and I believe that exploring our family story through these letters can help me understand not only who I am but also who we are as a family.

From the moment I learned about Andrew, I felt a connection that transcends time and loss. Growing up, I often wondered what life would have been like with him by my side. I imagined adventures, shared secrets, and the unique bond that twins are said to share. But instead, I found myself navigating the world alone, with an unspoken void in my heart.

As I write these letters, I hope to piece together the fragments of our family history. I want to learn more about the circumstances surrounding Andrew's birth and our family's journey since then. Who were our parents before they became mom and dad? What dreams did they have for us? How did they cope with the loss, and how did it shape their lives and mine?

This blog will not only serve as a way to communicate with Andrew but also as a platform to explore themes of grief, connection, and identity. I believe that by sharing my thoughts and reflections, I can create a dialogue with others who may have experienced similar losses or who are navigating their own family stories.

I invite you to join me on this journey of exploration and remembrance. Together, we’ll delve into the past, celebrate the present, and honor the memory of a brother I never had the chance to know.

With love,

Casey ( Coco) 

what Drew could have looked like at a year!