Wednesday, September 3, 2008

A Few Hours Home

We are home today, but just long enough to wash a few loads of clothes and get our bearings straight. 


We performed at Silver Dollar City on Monday and Tuesday, those shows are always amazing. I am taken back every year when I step on to that stage and see how many people have come to hear our music. At one moment, I, literally, had my breath taken when the crowd showed their support for Mom by giving her a standing ovation, I mean here are thousands of people standing and applauding, letting us know that we are not alone, that is a feeling that can't be described through words alone. I don't know if any fan of any genre of music will ever, fully, understand how big of a role they play in the lives of artists. 


Mom's immune level is really well according to her blood tests.  Days 7-10 are when levels typically drop and hers started to drop a bit, due to the chemo, at the same time that Maura developed a little bit of the croup. The croup can manifest itself as laryngitis in adults, so Mom sounded a bit "froggy" during the last few shows. She said she was feeling no pain, she just sounded rough, she's feeling all better now but it did let us realize how easily it is for her to catch something, so we have been overstocking the bus on anti-bacterial hand washes. 


In other Jeff & Sheri news, we have started listening to songs for our new album. That is a bit of fun because of all of the varied opinions coming together at once. Mom has more of the 70's pop taste, where Dad's is a more classic country taste, making the two blend is really fun. I'm really wanting to take this album back to the old Jeff & Sheri sounds, the more acoustic driven sound, very similar to where they started. My favorite Jeff & Sheri album is Silent Witness, I've constantly been listening to that one for some inspiration on where to take this new sound. When we start cutting tracks, I'll start posting videos to the blog to keep everyone updated on as much of the album-making process as possible.


As far as my personal life, I started college this past week. I decided to take a year off from school to just have some free time, you know, to read books that I want to read instead of books that I have to read. I really enjoyed it, but now it's time to get back to being a student. It's a little difficult getting back into the swing of things, but one of my favorite quotes of all time comes from Aritstotle, "The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet". While it is very difficult for me now, I know that it will be well worth it when I am finished. 


NQC is coming up next week, I'm looking forward to catching up with some friends that I rarely get to see. I'm also looking forward to catching up with some of you that have been keeping up with this blog.


Keep in touch and take care,


-ME


13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Madison, I've really been enjoying your blog. I'll stop by the booth at NQC and say hi.

Tom said...

Madison, great news on your Mom!
Take lot's o' photos at NQC! I've only been to on SG concert, it was the Hoppers. Kim Hopper was very nice and helped me pick 2 CDs.
Do you guys use GPS on the bus?

Anonymous said...

Madison, I am enjoying your blog! I agree with you Silent Witness is by far my favorite album too! Of course I love everything ya'll have done so...I do look forward to hearing the new stuff! Glad to hear your back in school. I am an educator and it is a wonderful reward to have the acomplishment of a degree only you worked for! God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the post! I've enjoyed coming to the concerts and seeing you all sing. God Bless.

Beth E. said...

I got to hear your family sing last night in Johnson City, TN. It was my first time attending a Gaither concert. Would love the opportunity to hear your family in your own concert. Checked out The Easters website and came across your blog address today. Praying for your mom and your family.

Anonymous said...

Madison, I'm really enjoying your blog. Congrats on going to school. You won't regret it. It's interesting, too, to see the part you really play in J&SE. Thanks for the insight.

Unknown said...

Thanks for redirecting me to the blog. My wife & I have been fans of J&S for a long time dating back to their first releases such as "Home Folks" & "A New Tradition"!! We love the new sound of J&S but the older stuff is the BEST!! Thanks for starting this blog. We have been checking your mom's blog on the gaither site trying to keep up with what's going on with her so we could pray for specifics. It is truly amazing to have watch you & Morgan grow up through the years. Your mom & dad have done a wonderful job with you two and I'm sure that is why He blessed ya'll with Maura. GOD's Blessings on your entire family. I hope your parents got the package we sent them that had the copy of the lip sync video we did of "Reap What You Sow" for radio station JOY FM contest.
Take Care,
Jeff

Maryann said...

I was really excited to learn that you're blogging now, Madison. It's really fascinating to get to know our favorite artists more in this type of format. I have loved your family for years and have enjoyed your music. I agree, my favorite Jeff & Sheri album is Silent Witness.

Stay strong for your family and do your best to keep your spirits up. They all need you. But remember to stay in tune to yourself and take care of you also. I was 18 years old (I'm 24 now) when my Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. They told us from the start that there would be no curing it, just giving her more time. I was 20 when she passed away. I know all too well how rough of a journey you're on. I don't mean to bring you down at all. For every person like my Mom, there are countless others who beat it. Try to stay optimistic! I'm sure your Mom has excellent doctors who are giving her the best care possible.

Know that so many people care about you and are praying for you!

Anonymous said...

Hey Madison, Love reading your blog.. very interesting:) I've been listening to Jeff and Sheri ever since I was little. I love the music and your Mom is an amazing lady. I was at a recent concert in Macon, GA. and her testimony made me cry. She really is awesome. I'm so glad she's doing well.
Can't wait for the new album:)
Good luck with college!!

Laura Kennedy said...

Above and including all the ways you are drawing your fans in by sharing life on the road is this;

With October right around the corner, is is the month of Breast Cancer Awareness.
It is imperative that everyone realize that 'anyone' can get cancer. 1 out of every 3 women. 1 out of every 2 men.
But the cure is literally on the horizon.

So much more to share, but I will tell you that I'm praying for your family; to bond together for strength, to remember to laugh, and to love life in every moment.

-a NC long time fan,

Unknown said...

Hey Madison,
Great blog! I can't wait to see you all in Mayberry!
Whatever you all choose to be on the next cd will be great because it always is!
Tell your Mom and Dad hello from Kentucky!
God bless you all! :)
Missi

Anonymous said...

Mrs Sheri easter you r truly an amazing lady......I have never come across people with so much hope and faith while still things are bad.....Its my desire to shake hands with you when we all meet on that great day 4 the banquet up ab above.....praying 4 ur family..god bless....

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let your family know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Tell your Mom that i keep thinking of the song that I love so much that your parents would sing - Roses Will Bloom Again. Tell her that I know victory is hers to claim and that with God all things are possible to those who beleive.I enjoy listening to your music and know yous are a real blessing to many people. May God be with you all!

Long time fan from Lebanon,Pa.