Lesson Four - Part Two

Boots Farrington Interview

1.          You’ve led a life of privilege.  Do you ever feel guilty because of it?

No.  It’s true I’ve always had money, but I—well my husband, Brandon, and I—were raised to support ‘good causes’.  We raised our boys to do the same.  While we might not be at some soup kitchen in the Bowery serving vagrants, we donate money to such charities.  We also work to raise money for charities. 

While in school, the boys were encouraged to pick at least one cause to support with their time, contributions and effort. 

Trey rallied his classmates in forming a group that supported a public elementary school.  They raised money for playground equipment, audio-visual equipment and books.  They also organized the children to take pride in their school and helped them clean it once a month.  He lead his schoolmates in activities the children could also participate in to raise money.  They were able to go on a number of outings—mainly because of Trey’s efforts.

Brent was less ‘hands-on’ and perhaps not as enthusiastic as his younger brother, but he did donate a good portion of his spending money to various charities—mainly to St. Jude’s Children’s & Sloan-Kittering Hospitals.  And he still does pro bono work for people impacted by negligence from the medical community.



2.           Have you ever regretted the decisions you’ve made in life?

Oh my!  That’s a loaded question.  After all, is there anyone who has not

questioned the choices they made that shaped their lives?  I am sure there are things I did in my youth that I shouldn’t have done.  Did they send me down a ‘wrong path’?  I don’t believe so.  All in all, I’m happy.  I’ve managed to stay married to the dame man for over fifty years, I’ve raised two sons without needing the pitfalls so many young people fall into.  I raised and trained show horses for a good portion of my life and loved doing it. 

I suppose I could have taken better care of myself—eaten better and drank less.  I could have done a lot of things.  But the truth is, I could have done pretty much whatever I wanted to—in fact, I did—I am. But, I wish I had practiced the piano more as a child and that I had a better singing voice.  Other than that, I’m happy with my choices.



3.           What is your most secret desire?

Now, I can’t tell you that.  After all, then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.  I will admit I do have a few secret ‘vices’—what they are, I’ll keep to myself.



4.          If you could spend an evening with five people from history, who would they be and why?

My . . .give me a second, please.  Ah, okay—I think.

•          Charles Dickens—because I have always enjoyed reading his books.  And I would like to be able to discuss what drove him.

•          Coco Chanel—because I’ve always loved her clothes.

•          Julia Child—because, even though my family (and staff) don’t think I know where the kitchen is—I learned to cook watching her show on PBS.

•          Frank Langella—because I did so love him in the Broadway production of ‘Dracula’ in the ‘70’s—and his voice is so, ah . . . attractive.

•          Glenn Gould—because I always enjoyed his concerts.

Now, I would hope that Coco dress us all; that Julia would cook for us all; that Glenn would play the piano for us before dinner; and that Charles would write a new story for our after dinner entertainment, and that Frank would read it to us.



5.           Last question—how do you want people to remember about you?

I would hope that people remembered me as a kind person—a good daughter, wife, mother & friend—someone who could keep a secret and a need somewhere, and do what needed doing—without fanfare.