Luther M. Winsor and Beatrice Snow Winsor - Letters to Lu and Wickie- 1964

 January 2, 1964

Dearest Lu and Wickie and the dear children: 

I guess I shouldn't call Marilu a child when she can bake and decorate a birthday cake. And certainly Mark is well on his way to another title. We think of you every day and each day wonder just what you are doing. We watch television for weather and all the "doings" out Atlanta way. I hope you will not suffer with the storms that may surprise you. You are in our prayers constantly. May God protect you, Lu, in your travels to and from your home and your loved ones who watch for you. I am a bit sentimental these days. Hope you will overlook too much of it. At my age I am entitled to it. 

At this point we are in a quandary about my hand. The ring of skin graft looked fine until two days ago. Now it loos inflamed on one side. The pus is draining out from the center.  I look for a change one way or another soon. I soak the hand in salt water (hot) twice a day and keep it well wrapped between. I am not as young as when I had the last grafts. It makes a difference. Dr. Brook warned me about that. it has been a long time from Oct. 11to now with steady pain and anxiety. We have had real sympathy and help in matters of meals and little things from our tenants downstairs. Now we are more or less independent and help each other - Dad has not been out of doors but once to a funeral. Our friend, Evelyn Tanner's daughter, Louse, died of cancer. The same day Violet West, Dr. Franklin AL West's wife died. I hadn't seen the children since they were small and the girls knew me at once. Franklin was not there. He was a doctor and in the East so I guess he could not make it. 

I have your letter of November 14, Lu, in which you ask about Lynne etc. Is it possible that I have been so long answering your letter. I was so slow getting the courage to try to use the typewriter with one hand. I am slow enough now but I do get things done. 

Yes, Lu, Lynne does have an electric frying pan. She has received many lovely things and plenty for keeping house. Her gifts were all exceptionally nice -- no cheap ones or miscellaneous. I mean incidental things. This is what her grandmother told me last night on the telephone. She also gave me Lynne's address 143 So. 200 West St. George, Utah. Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Lauritzen. I gave her a framed water color- a pair of pillow cases and some lace. Why do you not find something that will lift her to new substantial thinking - a book perhaps or something concerning your work. I am a poor one to advise. 

The lace I gave her Lynne was done by my Greek friend. I sold much of it and sent her the money.. I'll send you the card and then will you please return it to me. 

You've no idea how many people enjoyed the chocolates you sent to us. your mother received high compliments - I am wondering if she is still making her candy? We haven't seen your folks this year, Wickie, I mean for Xmas. We have missed them. 

Thank you all so much for all your kindness and thotfulness for our Xmas. The jewelry (always beautiful) and I think you sent the two knives for the kitchen. What a blessing they will be for me. I am having a time to remember if you were the ones who sent the lovely black gloves" anyway, we seem never to remember a few of the gifts when we start opening packages. At first we wrote down everything. Then drifted off the road. After all, the "remembering is the thing that brings us close as a family should be. 

I am so grateful for all of you and I plead with the dear Lord to keep us all well and happy, ready to do His work and abide by His will concerning us. 

A Happy New Year to you all - our loved ones - may it be a joyous one for all of us - Lovingly, Mom

1202 E Crystal Ave Salt Lake -6- Utah

Jan 28 - 1964

Dearest Ones All;

Please disregard the "hen Track" at the bottom. (Referring to some small vertical marks) They were made to test my ability to make 7 copies at once. I want all to have this letter. 

Mom has just gone in for her third operation. I talked to her surgeon Dr. Hickman. He said that it it necessary. he removed the cast and found the skin out of place. This time it will be OK. 

Mom has been "Confused". She told me about having been moved to another place she did not know where or how she got back. I did not argue with her or tell her she had not been moved. I just listened. She had told Bro & Sister Sorenson that they had taken-stolen - all her money. (She had about $12.00) It is in the Office Safe and will be given her before she leavers. (Bro Sorensen was formerly 1st Assistant in Sunday School) 

For some considerable time Mom has felt her condition of "Confusion" coming on. I probably have been partly to blame. I have not shown the degree of sympathy that she has missed so much since her mother died, and since y9ou children all left. I knew what she wanted, but I did not know how to give it and not have it be hurled back at me. And so I have remained quiet. As time went on it became worse. Now she is in a hospital and her "shots" to hold down the pain have resulted in bringing out the "Confusion" that has been lurking in the back-ground for a few weeks. 

I do not want to upset any of you. Mom said last night "Wait til it's over, then write them. So I am doing this on my own. But I feel that you should know. 

I have your letter of Jan 25th, Pauline, Jim, David and I want you to know that I shall do everything possible for Mom when she returns from the hospital. Nothing final has been arranged yet. But we have had ever so many who want to help. One at least, is a trained nurse. She is available and wants to help. Please do not worry.  

Since I have been dividing our small income I have been able to save. We have enough to pay all. The two books are paid for, one cost $635.00 the other $550.00. My hospital and doctor were handled by insurance. Moms no. But we can manage. No need to think about helping. 

We have good neighbors and friends. They will help us with the house. All we need now is your faith and answers to our prayers. 

The bishopric gave Mom an administration. 

Lovingly Dad

January 29th ( Postcard)

Dear ones - 

All is OK this Am. I've just talked with Dr. Hickman and with mom. He was able to put just her hand in a cast, not attached to her body as before. Please don't worry about what I said yesterday. 

Love Dad, Grandpa

Feb 5th 1964

Dear Luther, Wickie and family

Mom is better this week. She had a bad time last week. her hand fastened to her body and the and and arm in a "cast" - no wonder she had to have "sedatives" and was not at all normal. Monday she had the cast removed and a third operation. yesterday her surgeon looked at the wound. He is not fully satisfied, but is hoping, and waiting . Meanwhile Mom is feeling content. That is good. She will mend much faster. She is still at the hospital of course. 

I have been hobbling around with one bad knee. Mom insists that I stay home and give it rest. I have been bathing it in a saturated solution of Epsom salt. As hot as possible. That has helped. 

I want you to get Feb 11 issue of National Review. Read as much as you like, but particularly pages 91-93, 94, then 95, 97-101, 109 & 110. 

I would send you the copy we have but i want to keep it for Mom to see. 

You have our love, and we often wonder about you away down there. Atlanta has been in the papers and on the news reel. Lovingly, Dad - Grandpa

Friday, Feb 7, 1964

Dearest Ones, 

All but Luther and Family (I just wrote them yest.) I am pleased to report that "Mom seems to be on the way". I just finished talking with her (8:15 AM) She seems to be much better, last week we had quite a job. She seemed to be quite determined to "get out of where she thought she was". When she decided that I would not help her out she called for Dave Adams. Dave is a boy that was my companion in ward teaching for a while. Then he went away, then came back, got married. Now they have two children. For more than a year they have taken us places in their care and Mom has grown very fond of them. 

All is well now and Mom had made up her mind to stay where she is ;until her Surgeon releases her. 

I am better too. My left knee that had been "out" has come back most of the way. We hope that this finds you all well. You have our love --Mom & Dad, Grandpa

Feb 13 1964

Dearest Ones -

I am pleased to report that Mom will be home tomorrow. She just called me to report. Since then I have called the hospital to find where we stand. Blue X-Blue Shield will pay about $500.00.I will pay something around $150.00, they do not know for sure. But that we can manage OK. So please "let it go". Each of you have your own. 

We are surely grateful for all you have done for your faith & your prayers. All have helped. 

We do love all of you and are anxious for you. If any one should fall, let him get up and try again. 

We haven't heard any more from Mooney Real Estate - Any way we are better off here than we ever can be in an apartment. I hope that we can stay on here until next summer any way - I'll try to hold Mom down a bit and to have help for her when she needs it. 

Lovingly, Dad-Grandpa

(Carbon copy letter)

Feb 21 1964

I am writing a part of your letter in common with others in the family so I can reach you with the latest news.

(Typed, not copied)

I know your father has done his best to keep you posted writing several times to each of you. Then, again Lu and Pat have to wait for R. R. until they get some of the news in stale condition. 

It is a week today since I came home from the hospital and I find my strength is still at a low ebb. We are still trying trying to get some help weekly or twice monthly so we can otherwise keep going. I have two prospects whom I am unable to reach on the telephone. We'll find one eventually. 

(Back to carbon)

My hand is healed and I will have to guard it like a pot of gold to keep it from abrasions of any kind. There is still a small area crusted over that will soon peel off which will show the irregularity of the base of the middle finger. It may not be pretty but it will be whole. 

I can take a tub bath now and it will hasten the healing. I am now treating all the wounds with a disinfectant soak followed by a rinse twice a day. The doctor is out of town for five days. Did I tell you who my doctor is? Grant Richman (PLASTIC SURGEON) He is a son-in-law of John Longen whom you know as assistant to "the twelve". We like him very much. He was associated with Dr. Cowan for four years - observing, etc. 

You may not know that after the operation was over my hand placed in a pocket of the abdomen and a cast over it to keep it immobile something happened to dislodge the graft and I was put under heavy sedation again and it was repaired. Dad Says i was out at least two days. I must have been for I remember nothing. Hallucinations followed which upset me more than I realized. I will never forget them - they were so real as anything I went through afterward. 

As for my rest at the hospital there was no chance in the daytime - only at night and they saw to it I slept. I had two different companions in the room -Sad says three. Both had neglected check-ups until now they are facing real trouble. Both are released but under a doctor's regular care. The last one has lung cancer. - she has lived in smoked filled rooms all her married life and she hates both smoking and drinking. After she was told she didn't even cry but stared into space.  I sat beside her until midnight talking about many things. She was born L.D.S. but with parents divorced she herself has been inactive and her children allowed small things to take them out too. She wants at least 2 mo. to do certain things and she will be glad to go. 

So, next to me all through , experiments and tests and interviews were carried on - rarely a chance for a five minute nap. Even so, I had some rich experiences. 

I sleep in the morning until I wake naturally - have a 2 hour nap in the afternoon. This is the third day this week Dad has been in the temple all day. sealing session tonight. In that direction all I can do is caution him about getting over tired. He enjoys it so much. 

(End of letter)

May 22 1964

Dearest ones in Atlanta: 

I apologize for delay in acknowledging your lovely Mother's Day gift which arrived four days late. I guess the U.S. is growing. My Day lasted all week. Even cards came late. Of course you have the same backlog of work that we have and we all suffer because of the demands on our time. Even so, I loved all the wonderful expressions of affection more than I can ever count - The bag is just what I have been wishing for in a summer bag. It is beautiful, Thank you so much for your thotfulness and remembrance of the day. We must never expect to hear you by telephone at the time these events come up - cannot be done any more. But we were so glad you called us later. It is so comforting to hear the voices we love.

The apartment is empty now - no notice - no contract etc. so we have a dirty, dirty apartment to clean, broken furniture to repair, couch and chair to upholster. I hope we can have people we do not know this time and glorious will be the day when we have no apartment. 

Things are going along well - we have our problems - I am suffering with high blood pressure and cannot seem to control it. We are trying to test foods right now - it is new and may have possibilities. No salt or sugar - meat three times a day (or fish etc.) and on and on. I am still off raw vegetables and fruits. I do have something now that will stop a dysentery attack or properly called "colitis". Polly told me about it. Life is usually worthwhile when I use my own head too. Nothing to worry about. 

Dad is feeling fine - all primed to go into the hills right away. This Engineers convention (national) gave him incentive for putting of his ideas where there may be some appreciation. He scattered a few of his books about (on flood control.) 

The mailman is on his way in -so bye, bye Love ya!

Mom & Dad

June 20 1964 

Lut5her & Family 

Thanks so much for your lovely card and for the check. The money comes just in time to keep our bank account out of the red. We have some money stashed away in 'Mutual" stocks - but it is not available just now and we shall need it when we move into temple Terrace. We have to raise $26,170 in all besides moving expense, furnishings, etc. 

We have rented our apartment again but we have not yet sold the home. 

You know full well what it takes. you are in the midst of it now. Please do not feel that you have to help us financially. So far we can get along O.K. even thoe our income has dwindled to only a fraction of what it was. 

We are concerned about you. We surely hope that all is well with you. All our love, Mom & Dad

July 8, 1964Luther - Wickie & Family, (Pen skips on the first half of the letter. )

Just a few sentences because we shall see you very soon. Enclosed is a clipping in which you will be interested. 

Now, we are very much concerned about Pat. Marsh cannot come so Pat has to come all that way without him. She plans to drive and you can help her we are sure. Please do what you can and let us know if you can. Mom is worried. She is down to the Library today. I go to the temple tomorrow. 

This is a new pen - and should write. I am taking it back. 

Lovingly, Dad. 

July 14 '64

Dearest Pat, Marsh and Family - 

Your letter, Pat, indicates that you need help. I spent a considerable time, last night thinking about it and have concluded" 

1st I was given or inherited a "gift of healing"

2nd I have nearly lost that "gift" through inactivity

3 - I need to have it restored - and I know no better way than through fasting and prayer - That I can do and I will. 

4- When and if the "gift" is restored then It must be applied in your behalf, Pat

I had a drivers license but I was informed this morning that it expired Jan 21 1964. So I have to take the drivers test all over again, in order to obtain a new one. Then I could go all the way to Illinoise if necessary, to help you come to Utah. 

I shall send a copy of this to Luther so that you and he can make the needed arrangements for Cathy & Laura. 

Please send me your reaction and ask me to get drivers license if needed. 

Yours with our love, Daddy

1202 E. Crystal Ave 

3 Sept 1964

Dearest ones: We did appreciate you letter, Wickie, to know you arrived home safely and all well. Sorry you faced so many problems - I do hope these "manana" people will keep their word this time. Dad and I really appreciate your team work and the wonderful way in which you handled everything for the reunion The family had nothing but praise for your resourcefulness and kind sympathy and understanding for everyone. Our thanks again - I offer my hope that I will never again have to be such a wet blanket. Somehow when your concern for others is paramount you forget even the smallest things that are important to yourself. 

I am beginning to fee human again although I have been busy most of the time. There have been some sad days an other People's unhappiness that assures me I have none of them. The sudden death of Joseph F. Smith (former Church patriarch) gave us a terrible jolt. We were invited to their daughter Lynne's wedding reception last Monday evening. Visited briefly with them and the next day after a dinner for their eldest Ruth (the age of Pat) (to be married this month) Joseph had a massive heart attack and died when they reached the clinic. Joseph's wife, Ruth worked in University ward Primary when I was Pres. there and we have corresponded ever since. They have lived in Hawaii since then. 

I called on Cousin Lottie and Albert Hansen at the Salt Lake stake apartments -112 West 1st north. They moved here from Palo Alto. Lottie was in a car accident a few months ago and required a nurse constantly. As she convalesced she had another stroke following several she had before the accident. They have their meals in the dining room and only one bedroom and bath. (No other rooms - Period) Lottie is 92. She moves around with a cane and keeps cheerful and interested in everything that goes on. 

Please take care of each other and our love all the way round --

we'll start R. R. in another week or so. Cards enclosed are Marilu's , I think. 

Dad is taking me to dinner tonight - occasion -your Mom's birthday

Affectionately, Mom & Dad

1202 E Crystal Ave 

Nov 9-1964

Dearest Son, Luther, 

It's a long time since 1921 when you, our son, came to gladden our lives. many things have happened since then. And the world goes on. I have said many times that your grand children may have to pay for the mistakes that have been made, when, during the last 32 years such an enormous debt has been piled up against our beloved America. 

Now we wonder whether we may actually have some of it to pay. According to one writer, in a recent number of "Readers Digest" "it may never be paid" Our government may be permitted to concentrate more and more power in Washington. They in turn may deflate the dollar where it can "do the trick".  Already we have a large issue of currency (see the 1.00 and the 5.00 notes) that is based upon Federal Notes (borrowed money). These no longer carry the inscription "In God We Trust". That has been eliminated by Kennedy, Johnson and others under Communistic influence. 

I fear that I have gotten "sidetracked" into "politics". But the election is over so I can be forgiven, I hope. But the first thought that came to me when I was told, in the temple, about Kennedy's assassination was: "Well, we shall not have to live 4 more years under Kennedy rule". But now we have "Jonson" and that may be even worse. 

I want to say again,. my son, that I have many fond recollections of the happy hours we spent together. They were happy hours for both of us I know. Now you have boys and a girl of your own to enjoy. Thanks to a kind Father in Heaven, and to a loving wife, you have all. We are surely grateful that so far there have been no deaths in our family. 

Lovingly, Dad

November 8, 1964

Luther - dearest:

A thousand happy birthdays to you - even more if  you want them. Forty four years have gone since we waited anxiously for your entrance into our lives. You were a joy and a blessing all through these years always eager to learn and make use of your opportunities. The Lord loves you and is watching your progress as you serve Him and your fellowman. We delight in your choice companion and the lovely grandchildren you have given us. All these blessings have enriched not only us, your parents but countless others who cross your path. 

Our golden autumn days are still with us - we have to think of a change. I have never seen so much glory for so long. We have cool nights but the days are invigorating. Dad has been taking out two of our trees on the west side and will top the other. The street department will be picking up after us soon. One of their men have helped with the project. Walter and Victora will be here in a few days. Walter will help put a kitchen in the guest house so it will be good renting property. Our sale of this place will be very slow so we might just as well get something out of it. Our apartment has not rented either. Walter and Victora will use it while they are here. 

Two or three weeks ago Polly sent us a clipping concerning her lucky escape from a recently released prisoner who forced his way into the house when she was home alone. She forced him out and thought the door had closed and fastened. She went back to the patio and heard him open the door. He went for her with a pistol (she did not know it was just a toy pistol) and she offered him $21 all she had in the house. She was really mad and she went after him - how she got him out is her story. I'm afraid this will affect her for a long time. Again, the Lord looked out for Polly. She admits that. 

I have had four days at the hospital again. I went to Dr. Ershler for my annual check-up - the nurse took my cardiogram first and Dr. finished with the physical. When the doctor looked at the cardiogram he became real excited and instructed me to dress while he arranged for a room for me at the hospital. Wouldn't even let me come home. After four days of tests including thyroid, check I came out with contradictory answers. So, I am trying out three weeks or thyroid deficiency pills. I am suffering severely with nervous reactions and find it hard to keep up with the every day routine. 

Our Relief Society bazaar is over and that is off my list. I made eight small pictures - some miniatures, for them and had already sold two before the bazaar which added to the collection. We had a real quality show. 

Tonight was a welcome home service for one of you missionaries from the Florida mission - name Michael Black - he knows our Mike in the same mission. 

Have you received the organ etc - ? Pat writes that her love seat arrived. I hope I remembered to send the plastic cover for the piano bench. It will be a great help in protecting it. Excuse my typewriter - the ribbon is getting out of hand. 

You are enjoying the newness of finishing touches of course? I hope you are all well as of now - that's a great help. Pat has half a house full of colds & tonsillitis. Dad has been well - he manages to go to the temple two days a week - and trips to Bear River & the Wigwam occasionally. he will report for him self. We love you all dearly & love to hear from you -

Loving you always.

Mom -

December 19, 1964

Dear Wickie and Lu: 

I am going to try to answer your letter of Nov. 29 if I can sidestep all the demands around me. If you have received our Christmas card you will know what a lot of running around it has entailed. But it has been well worth it. Our Ladell group (retired Primary General Board members) had their first Christmas party the evening of the 16 of December celebrating unknowingly our golden wedding anniversary. We had dinner (70 of us ) at Lowry's new home. Our partners were included so it was a large affair. Had a glorious spiritual and fun evening. 

We are so happy you could complete the details of moving before Christmas. Now you can settle down to enjoy it. 

About the details of Polly's story will be coming to you with the next R.R. As for my physical situation --I am feeling much better now. I have had to take it slowly since it would be easy to aggravate the unpredictable heart I seem to have now. I try to get lots of rest and when possible nap every day. I had hope of doing more for Christmas for my family but gave it up. It has been a major effort to do the little things that are necessary. The bitter cold and standing in line at the Post Office was unusually bad. Standing in the cold to wait for buses seemed the greatest trial. Dad is more than ever unable to do to much of it. So, we go out seldom - go to temple sealing sessions when we always get a ride or take early buses that are dependable. 

It seems that when Temple Terraces break ground in the spring it will be a matter of two years or more until they can finish. It would be wisdom to push our sale now and get to town in a rented apartment for that length of time. We still have not been able to rent our apartment in five months. We missed the best time when we took it off advertising then thinking Walter would stay with us and complete the job He started. The painting of the wood trim on the house is still unfinished. And fortunately Dad is now convinced that it would be folly to build on to the guest house, adding a kitchen. For the money expended there we would not get back a dollar in our sale. Polly is coming up in February and we will shop for an apartment. Dad is not too optimistic about that proposition. 

I failed to tell you , Wickie that I did have tests at the hospital for thyroid and had conflicting reports on any trouble. Still haven't had a satisfactory answer. They know as little as we do. I did take the thyroid tablets for deficiency of it and I was so miserable the Dr. took me off it. No strength -despondency etc. I have been building up ever since and feel more like my old self. 

We are so proud of Mark's progress in scouting. How we'd love to see him in action. So happy you are both singing again in your favorite activity. God bless you in all your efforts to live the gospel and accept the assignments that, after all enrich your life and give you the incentive. 

Dad joins in love to you and the precious children. Have a lovely holiday and write us a letter if and when you can. 

Yours for always, 

Mom & Dad

Dec 25th 1964

Dearest Lu & Wickie: Our love to you and thanks for your Xmas box. We enjoyed opening every one of them. Dad thinks he has enough shirts every Xmas but he forgets they wear out. He will enjoy this one, I know. The white ones get a real work-out - Polly sent him another one and how did you know I was ready for a new slip? This one is lovely. The cheery cloth (for card table size?) is so gay and cheery. Thank you. We want you still to trim down your gift giving for us. Remember? Doallars will be shrinking steadily from here on so we'll all have to co-operate. 

We had dinner at the Crutchfields yesterday - a delicious dinner and a nice visit. Their family is surely growing up fast. Nita, the youngest is like a little cricket darting to and from. Hugh's mother's husband was also there. He is very lonely - his wife died last year. I am feeling fine again and trying to nap each day and get the rest I need for energy. Temple Terrace is pushing our house sale come January and we are apartment hunting. Wish us luck. There is a very poor selection close in but we'll find something that will do temporarily until two years or so slip by. Two years is a long time to wait for someone to fix up this place. It runs down fast when there is nobody to make repairs. Walter left the painting unfinished and the inside needs many "lifts" and we'd like the buyers to do their own the way they want it. 

I'm so glad you have the piano and it is being used. Glad too, that you are able to have your friends in occasionally. Lu, we appreciate your letters on the side as you travel a bout. We read and re-read them. Thanks, dear. 

Bea sent us the most interesting head of a typical Iranian. She picked it up in a quaint shop somewhere as they traveled around. She and Ray have each had a car accident - Bea last summer (a man ran into her at the back) and Ray just recently (a close brush with death). She called us on the phone yesterday. Bea has to appear in court to defend her case when the man was responsible for everything. What happens next? We have all been fortunate up to now. 

The Lord watched out for Bea and Ray all right. we never miss a day without a prayer for protection of you loved ones. 

The album Pat sent is a cherished possession. how we will enjoy it. Thanks for your part in it. Love, Mom

1202 E Crystal Ave 

Christmas Day - Dec 25 - 1964

Dearest Luther, Wickie and all your lovely Family. 

Thanks so much for the lovely package, for your love, and for the wonderful shirt for me. We have just finished opening our packages. Pat has sent us a lovely album of colored pictures of our wonderful trip at Brice. 

We were beginning to feel the loneliness of Christmas time without children when, last night My old friend who was In Iran with me, came in with their four youngest. (They have 6) Mom loves them. They cheered us up and filled a void. We miss the children. 

We are pleased that you are in your new home. You will have many happy hours there. We hope that you have the piano. No word so far. It will make a world of difference in your lives. 

We love you, al, very much

Dad, Grandpa