OOPS!!!
By Mona Lease

Hi, all!! I want to apologize to the D.A. Nealeigh Family...most especially to Luke. I had said I'd get my article about them in my column 8/24/'13. I did not do that.

When I was raising my son, I realized that if I expected the truth from him all of the time - I'd have to tell the truth, too - all of the time. In the beginning it's easy - yes is always yes and no is always no.

As the years rolled by I realized I would need to change a few ideas. First - I had to realize, admit, and act upon the fact that he is his own person - not a puppet of me...GULP. Along the way I admitted to him that there was much I did not know - answers we needed - that I did not have. But, I knew where to find them. And so began our journey - he taught me the fundamentals of the computer - he was 11 and I was - well...over 30. We fell into a rhythm of knowing that the world is constantly changing...he learns new things as "a must" - I can learn "by choice." I chose to learn. I learned that in a world I did not totally understand - my son had a plan - for his life - his reactions to life - not mine.

He called me with a dilemma and we worked out a solution over a few phone calls. The thing is to not compromise your principles or give up on your dreams when you hit those places where it looks like you are just spinning your wheels - or when you want to help someone but, it's not your problem to mend.

I had the distinct pleasure of Luke Nealeigh granting me a short interview after a concert at the Fair. He is building a fan base - people who know that Luke will dig deeply and give you all he has - every note as perfect as he can make it and the rhythm flawless. He is skilled at the band/audience interaction - seeing that all participate - whether with a "good job man" voiced loudly, a smile, or hand clapping and foot tapping.

His goal is to be at "the top" but, he realizes there is a lot of work to get there - much behind the scenes practicing to keep the fingers limber and agile. And - he's willing to do the work - all of it. With a smile of pride, he told me that music would have always been presented by his father, Dan. It's just so much better when Dad is on stage, too.

I rarely mention names in my columns - I never know when to say no. But in a world of Wii, Nintendo, and computer "around the world games" and such - I say "Well done" to the D.A. Nealeigh Studio and those behind the scenes setting up the concerts, sewing costumes, replacing guitar strings, mending lead cords, etc.

In a world I am beginning to understand - it's good for this Senior Scribe to know that the kiddies do have a plan, that they know there's much work and are willing to do the work. Sorry again, Luke and the best of luck to you.

Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time. Ever Toodles! MONA