Dear Chris,

Dear Chris,My name is Casey, I am 16 years old and I too have been through a lot of the smae struggles that you have been through. The difference between you and I is that I have the love and support of my Aunt and her boyfriend to help me move mountains. Here is a little background information on me to help you better understand ME. I moved away from my mom and dad on my 15th birthday. I was so tired of living with people who had no faith in me and who yelled and told me that I was never going to amount to anything. I knew that all I wanted to do was leave and get away from all of the negetive influences in my life. I have been living with my Aunt for almost two years now, I am about to turn 17. My Aunt put me into a christian school when we moved to Montgomery because I needed to be in a smaller enviroment because I have problems with insecurity and things like that.

One day I was in bible class and I came upon this scripture that has helped me overcome many hardships in the past and even helped my dad while he is in jail. I hope it helps you as well.

He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up.But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.Isaiah 40:29-31!!

I hope that you accomplish all of your goals in life and go to college. You are very bright and very intellegent. You will do well. I will be praying for you. Thank you for all that you have shown me that I have. Sincerely, Casey Frazier

Casey F
Montgomery, Alabama

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris,Thank you so much for being in the documentary. What a brave and articulate young man you are. You have a huge crowd of people rooting for you. Now that may seem like a lot of pressure--but just know that God has a path for you. Trust in Him. You can achieve your heart's content. Don't give up.

PS--I wouldn't mind seeing you on TV again; you have a lot of charisma. (Use this doc as an opportunity!!)

Melanie Childers
Los Angeles, CA

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris:I know what it means to not have the money to go to college.My dad lost his job while I was a senior in high school.Berea College is a great school for mountain kids to get an education.My mom and also my friend, Sylvia also are inspirations too.They both got GEDs late in life. My mom got her GED in 1981, age 41, two years prior to my sister's high school graduation.

I tutored Sylviawhen she was 68 years old. Her last year of formal education was 6thgrade. I tutored her in math. She really had a great desire. You musthave "ganas" (desire). Mom wanted me to tell you to not work in themines. It's too dangerous. Also, there are self-help books that can helpyou prepare for the ACT. You'll find them in Waldon Bookstore. Remember, "where there's a will, there's a way. Look to God. Seek him first. He will help you. If you really want to go to school, you can make it!

Sandra Bowling
Austin, IN

Dear Chris,

Hey Chris,

You remind me of myself when I was your age.Your easy to talk to, and you actually listen/care about people. You try to please everyone else other than yourself like I did. My family life in High school was problematic too(recent recovered alcoholic mother - father wouldn't cope with it- implosive personality - we all suffered.)

Please stay optimistic about your life in the future. When a door closes, a window usually opens. Good will happen when you least expect it.

If college doesn't happen that soon, try to travel. Travel will make you a smarter person if you want it to or not.You will learn about people. It's never too late to go to college. College improves social skills, processing of information, and promotes a teamwork mindset. When you do get there, soak it all in! Its a boatload of work, and if you need help, ask someone for help - don't give up! If it wasn't for my dad, I never would have made it. I was very fortunate.

When you asked that girl/friend out on a date, and she said "no". My heart sank for you. Don't give up.Women are way more complicated than men.You did nothing wrong. It does get alot better. I'm almost 40 now. For me, my years of 20 - 40 have been a blast.

Im glad you have a friend (guy in the red house) to help you. Who knows, maybe you can help him learn to read. Thats a gift to give him that wouldn't cost anything.

Although your family is disfunctional now. When you meet a great girl, you'll have your own family. You will see to it that history will not repeat itself. Stay bright & focused! Kind Regards,

Bill H Hull, MA

Bill H
Hull, MA

Dear Chris,

Chris-I just wanted to let you know that even though I've never met you, I am very proud of you. You seem to have such a good heart, are bright, well-spoken, and polite.It's not very often that people in this world are brave enough to open up their hearts and minds to others.

My father was a violent alcoholic, but I haven't seen him in years. I don't usually share my experiences with others; not even my closest friends. I know that you have inspired me to keep working hard, and I'm sure many people must feel the same. I will continue to think of you, and to hope for you. Keep plugging away. Good luck!

S.

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris, I am a 21-year old college student at the University of Florida. I began watching part I of "Country Boys" while flipping through the channels. Something drew me in. I have dealt with sometimes seemingly unbearable hardships in my life, but I'm still where I am because of how much support I have from my family...pressure too. I know you don't have that. But your story really amazed me. Inspired me, really. And from watching you, I saw how incredibly smart and ambitious you are. You'll really go places. But I know how it feels to to constantly feel like you're out of luck and have nowhere to turn. But I guess I just wanna thank you. I never knew a country boy that I never met could change my outlook on life as much as you have. God Bless, Kathleen Monahan

Kathleen Monahan
Gainesville, FL

Dear Chris,

Chris, I hope you have the best life has to offer, I know how much you love your family and am sorry you lost your Father, I know from personal experience you have to let the anger go and move on and know they do the best they can do and its out of your hands. At some point we have to say I have to take care of myself and do what I can do to make my life better. Education is the key and you are one intelligent guy!

gloria evans
bedford, in

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris -- My friend (she's from Germany and was a refugee there in WWII) and I (from Scotland and East Africa, elder daughter of workingclass parents who moved to Africa because my father could not settle in small geography after serving in Africa in WWII) were discussing at our senior center here "Country Boys" and, in particular, you. We agreed that this is the very first time in our many years in America that we've felt so "connected" to American TV programming and the values and wisdom you shared with us. Although we are in our senior years, we have not forgotten what it was like to live outside the mainstream while we adjusted, or the struggle to put down roots after coming here from somewhere else with no money to speak of -- but in America many things are possible. We wouldn't care to return to where we came from (although we have some great memories) because our hearts and children are here, and we have become Americans. We made it, and you can too. Go back to school -- it's a crime to waste a brain. You will have your own children to pass along your learning, values and wisdom to, and they will, in turn, test your intelligence and help you to grow also. As long as people of character like you -- with your kind heart and mellifluous voice -- allow others to share intimately in your personal life situation, you are automatically a winner. My friend and I have thought about you all week and you are a living example that poverty and a dysfunctional family does not mean that you are not rich in other things. Thank you for providing us the opportunity to shed real tears and to feel truly "connected" to someone we don't even know (although after the first part, we did -- and of a different generation yet!). Hopefully some generous, discerning person will make you an offer you can't refuse -- and so force you to succeed.

janet vogelzang
vallejo, california

Dear Chris,

Dear Frontline,Wow, these boys really have had to work hard in their lives to get where they are now. I know the feeling. I can relate more directly to Chris's personal life than Cody's, but I relate to Cody's educational background. I am finally getting a bachelor's after eight years.

I hope Chris knows that family is what you make it. Unfortunately, not having a true family happens. I certainly hope he accepts this, because acceptance is the first step to creating your own family. I created mine, though I have no children.

I am thankful for people like Liz in this world. Cody knows what real family feels like thanks to her...and I wish Cody and Jessica the best. May they always find peace and happiness in their marriage.

After reading the outpouring of emotion and offers of financial help on the web, I hope Chris accepts it. To Chris: It is not charity, Chris, it is humanity. We love you for who you are, and I hope you find love, peace, companionship, and family in your personal life. Changing your life starts with a change in perspective...you are lucky. Never forget that. You are lucky simply because you are American. I have seen countries consistenly torn by war, famine, and grief beyond imagination. Gladly accept what is offered and make the most of it.

Robyn Young
Georgetown, Texas

Dear Chris,

Never, in my 30 years of life, have I ever been so touched by a person I have never met! I wanted nothing more than to bring you home and love you and take care of you, like you deserve to be cared for. I honestly would love to hear how you are today...you had sooo much potential that I dont think you even realized you had. I can't figure out why you wouldn't strive to pass the college enterance exam?!? I agree with the suggestion of viewers coming together to help you through college, I do believe that you would make us proud.

I doubt you want anyone to feel sorry for you, but I do...I'm sorry that you weren't encouraged enough to do all the things a man your age, with your intelligence and your conquering attitude should be doing.

I really hope to hear from you....you will forever be in my prayers!

Paula DeGagne

Dear Chris,

Chris....not a question. A Statement.....I was in your shoes to a certain extent although i am 41 years old now, but an alcoholic dad and a mom who became very ill when i was agout 14 years old or so....I know you can continue to make small improvements in your life--each day...day by day...then over the years it will add up....and one day you will be able to look back at this time, as I do, and be damn proud of yourself at all you would have accomplished....youre the man! keep pushin!! Bob

bob camp

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris,After watching your story on Frontline, I cannot seem to get you out of my mind. I was so touched by your perseverance through such tough times,and I could literally feel your pain. It was amazing to watch how you chose a different path than your parents at such a young age. So many children of alcoholics become one themselves. It wouldn't have been a surprise to have seen you drop out of school permanently and start using drugs and alcohol. I kept thinking how can the family of such an intelligent,caring,polite young boy not show him any kind of affection,encouragement,or love? I could relate to the loneliness that you felt,and maybe do still feel, as I came from a dysfunctional background also. I was raised by a verbally and physically abusive family who never cared about anything that I did in school. Fortunately, i was a B average student in high school(without any effort),but realize now that had I had parents or some sort of mentor in my life to encourage me to study harder and set goals, I probably would have been an honor student and would have graduated college. I, attended college for 2 years on a student loan,but ended up flunking out because I had no study skills and no family to support me with encouragement or otherwise. I was depressed and lonely and had a very low self-esteem. If only I could have had teachers like those at The David School! I am just now,at age 36, coming to terms with my past and realizing how an environment of so many negative and dysfunctional people around you can only drag you down to THEIR level and that they don't like to see other people succeed in life because it makes THEIR life look that much worse. You are so very smart and I hope that you realize that so you can rise above the circumstances that have been dragging you down. God Bless those teachers at The David School for taking the time to get to know you as an individual and support you when you needed it most. I was so proud to see you graduate! I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and God put you through the struggles to make you a stronger person. I know for a fact that being part of the documentary, opening your life to the world, will open doors for you that you never knew existed, and you should be very proud of yourself, because so many people will be inspired to overcome their struggles,no matter what they are...because they saw YOU do it! You have inspired me to start mentoring young people so that they can learn to make better choices and realize their true potential to become great people! God Bless you on your journey. I will never forget you.

Candice Shafer
Port Washington, WI

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris,

I second every positive comment made about you in the viewers e-mails. I immediately noticed that you are quite bright and articulate in the first episode. You have faced many challenges (often several at the same time) and exhibit a preserverence and maturity this is truly special.

If you need financial help to fund college (or to allow you study time for the admissions test), please let the viewers know.

Contributions (large & small) from viewers who were impressed and touched with you and your determination to go to college and are willing to assist can help you realize this goal.

John Ryan
Staten Island, New York

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris,

I am a retired school teacher who has worked with hundreds of students. I recognized in you, from the very first two hours of Country Boys, that you possess a wonderful talent of expressing yourself with language use that makes one want to listen. Even the quality of your voice is unique. I was a high school counselor ,also, who advised students in careers and I would say to you that I feel you could have a career in broadcasting. You listen well, you respond directly to people, you show a sincere interest in others and you have a kind of wisdom (from all your experiences) that you could share with the world. Is there such a training school in your area or could you visit a radio station and talk to someone about the qualifications? There may be a way to work up to announcer without any further training. find out. don't take no for an answer. Think how many folks you could reach through radio or other forms of media. There is also the newspaper work that you have a bent for. Don't waste that talent. You have done so much for others; it's time to do something for Chris. We watchers of the show have great faith in you---try to have some in yourself. Best of luck. I'll be waiting to hear your name again in the news---doing something you love which would also be giving something back to others.

Margaret Peterson
Tawas City, MI

Dear Chris,

Chris,

Thank you for sharing your self with us. I feel like I have known you my whole life, I guess that is because I see so much of myself in you. It seems that you are scared of success and to be honest I am too. It is scary to put your self out there and then fail. When I saw your story it opened my eyes and made me realize that I need to take advantage of the opportunities in front of me before they are gone. Because of you I am going back to college and am going to finish my degree. To be honest I always felt in over my head in school and felt like I had to work so much harder then everyone else just to pass. Now I don't care how hard I have to work I just want the satisfaction of getting that degree. I want that so much for you too Chris. I hope that you will find a way to go back to school and earn your education. You deserve it and you are worth it. I know it is scary and to be honest I am scared to death but I am not going to let that stop me, not this time. I hope you won't either. It is not too late for either one of us to make this change in our lives. I will pray for you every day for the rest of my life. Remember that when you feel alone there is someone out there thinking of you and wishing all the best that life has to offer.

Shawna Shafer