As Loren's quite a bit older brother, I exposed him to popular music from birth, especially The Beatles. His favorite songs were Maxwell's Silver Hammer and Ob la di Ob la Da, and Paul McCartney quickly became his favorite artist. During his years playing piano bars in restaurants he learned to play circles around all the popular songs, and really mastered his craft. Congratulations, Loren on going for your dream and succeeding!

Loren was so lucky to have family who were supportive. So many Palo Alto kids, especially the ones from foreign countries, are not allowed to follow their dreams; they end up well-employed, but frustrated and unhappy. We have a neighbor who is from India, and wanted to be a veterinarian, but his parents said,"MD or PhD!". He makes a splendid living as a plastic surgeon, but he does not find any fulfillment or happiness in his work. However, his parents are ecstatic and proud as can be, and he would never wish to "shame" his parents.

We also have some Chinese neighbors whose children do not want to go into the professions their parents want them to. The guilt trip laid on them is terrible. The grandmother of one told the parents that she was tired of going to "Chinese doctors who never wanted to be doctors. Let the children choose their own paths.". The voice of experience!

Happiness and fulfillment should count for more than money and possessions. You have, after all, to live with yourself in the end. How lucky Loren Gold was to have such
kind parents!