Luther M. Winsor and Beatrice Snow Winsor Letters to Lu and Wickie 1967

 Feb 14, 1967

From Bea, a note enclosed with Luther's letter:

Dear Lu & Wickie and the children: Thank you all for the lovely valentine greeting. It was so thoughtful of you. 

The program for scout convention was very colorful and impressive. Dad received his Silver Beaver Award as you see and I had kept the secret three long weeks. I'll try to write soon. My cousin, Inez Snow Moody is here for a week to learn the genealogy research game so she can help with Grandmother Snow's records. When I see stacks of unfinished work I just have to hide it and forget it. Twice as much is required of research than ever before. 

We love you all very much. 

Mom

From Luther:

Luther, Wickie & Family 

Enclosed is a clipping from a recent issue of the Tribune. (This would be in reference to his receiving the Silver Beaver Award) Mom had a chair with me on the stand. It was marked for her, and she was a part of the ceremony. 

Lovingly, Dad

Postscript on same letter from Bea:

Hi dears! Hope all is well with you. We are planning a trip by train to Woodland next week at the Myers invitation. Jan & family will be coming down on the week-end from Chico. Dave also. He is in college up there. Muriel & Mary expected too - It will be a good change for us. 

I kept this Silver Beaver secret for three weeks. 

Love Mom

Woodland, Calif. 

Postscript at the top of the letter. The letter is a mix of handwritten in pen, in pencil and typed. It was written a bit at a time while they were in California. 

What a document! a "crazy patch" letter for sure! We leave next Tues. Mar 21 for home.

March 11, 1967

Dearest Family: I am sitting by Polly's desk to write, the sun pouring into the kitchen - early morning. This room is almost identical with the Bennetts' except the placement of appliances. The whole house is a thing of beauty and convenience. We are so happy for Jim & Polly's natural woods & artistic placement of pictures. (John Lambson's watercolors too) and  Polly has a family gallery on wall of stairway too. I could go on and on - a lovely home & a welcome for everyone. 

We came down by train last Thurs night arriving here yesterday noon. We enjoyed the R.R. at home before leaving and decided to answer it from here. Welcome to R. R. Sharon! Your delightful letter adds a touch we all need - keep them coming - Hope you, Mike & Myrna will also join us. Dennis, we expect a lift from you too. Thanks everybody for the lovely letters. You've no idea what a build up we get from them. 

I feel this trip was a "must" for Dad - he is proving it - a change long needed. It may prove to be the last. 

Muriel & Mary should arrive any minute & will stay only for the day. David came home yesterday evening & we enjoyed a long evening together!

Sat. Mar 11 - Mip & Mary arrived - it was a rainy day but inside we had a good visit - the girls look wonderful - they expected dinner guests at home in the evening so could not stay long. Another last evening with Dave in the family room - fire blazing on the hearth & relaxing. Our trip down was hard so it has taken a little time to get rested. We have appreciated the extra naps & freedom. Dad is enjoying each day. 

Sunday - It rained all night & the back yard is a mass of mud so the lovely shrubs waiting to be planted must wait longer. Janice & Jo will be down this A.M. with the children. 

Had a short visit with them & dinner together. 

Woodland -Wednesday - the 15th. Looks like another big storm about to break. We are keeping our fingers crossed for good weather this week-end to go to F. Bragg. I am anxious to do some painting while there. Disappointed John Lambson will not be there so I could have worked with him. He is in Utah - it would have to be that way. 

Mar 16 Been painting most of the day getting ready for our two week-end days at Ft. Bragg. We've had rain off & on for a week but are hoping for sunshine tomorrow. We are so grateful for this visit - somehow we bridge the separations between - It was so rewarding to visit with Dave this time. 

Thank you all for your contributions to our happiness & welfare. We love you dearly & cherish your association at any time.

From Luther: 

105 E So Temple Salt Lake city Utah

March 16 - '67

Dears:

The R.R. came before we left Salt Lake. We read it then sent it over to Pat thinking that we could add our bit when it comes on to Pauline's. It has not come yet but is due. 

Mom and I came here Friday. We are surely having a good time. Tomorrow we go to Fort Bragg & we're anxious to be there. Muriel & Mary came down, and Dave was here over the week-end. We are surely having a time of rejoicing. 

I will not comment on your splendid letters individually, but will say that we enjoyed them very much. You are all busy and well. 

We are glad that the R. R. reached you, Dennis & Sharon and we welcome you into the group.

Lovingly, 

Dad

From Beatrice:

Friday morning - April 14, 1967

Dearest Muriel: 

This is Mom writing you all at six in the morning that you may be aware of your father's illness and accident with tests at the hospital today. I have not called you before hoping that we could spot his real condition sooner. 

Last Saturday evening he wen to General conference Priesthood meeting at the tabernacle and come home alone. He climbed the stairs on the south - eleven of them and fell backward to the foot of the stairs striking his poor head on the back. This must have knocked him out and he was picked up by several of the men returning from Meeting President Smith and Christiansen among them. (President Joseph Fielding Smith was an apostle at that time and their next door neighbor). He was dazed and could not remember what happened. We put him to bed and he slept all night. I dressed his head at the back first (it was scrubbed pretty bad)  For the next four days he slept pretty much all the time day and night. He wanted no food but he kept trying to eat. The headache was severe (just plain concussion). I took him up to Dr. Ershler at his office and he felt the headache would clear up soon with a codeine sedative. Dad had moments of forgetfulness when he talked of a project or wanted me to find a canteen to take on a trip to Enterprise. Then at midnight one night got up, wakened me after I had just gone to sleep. He was fully dressed and asked for his coat. I told him it was night time and he must go back to bed. Two nights I had no sleep at all. Then the Doctor decided we had better get him to the hospital and have a neuro-surgeon go over him. This we did and today Dr. Erickson will complete the survey. There is a possibility of a blood clot. We hope that is not true. Hugh and Nan came down to pick up Aunt Delia who had slept here Wednesday night to give me a nights rest. So they took us to the hospital for these tests. Dad will be there several days. If I do not call you right away do not worry - I will when something further is known. Please exercise your faith and prayers in his behalf. Dad resisted going to the hospital as long as he could. He was adamant as he has been about everything of late. I never could keep him here as a bed patient for long or I would be joining him. 

I'll let you know if we get a verdict within the next few days. As you see the memory problem could be very serious in this location. Lovingly, Mom

From Bea

April 24, 1967

Dear Ones: 

This is the second letter I promised after your father's hospitalization. It is a sunny cool day after winds and bitter cold. April has been real fickle. Makes it hard traveling the buses every day. Dad has been moved to Temple Gardens on 41 So. 9 E. This is a Convalescent Center - we could not get into Bonneville the best of four of the homes. They have a very fine staff but at night a poor set-up. They have been responsive to our requests for certain foods - buttermilk and fruits especially grapefruit - sauces for vegetables and a bit of gravy to make the meat go down. Dad looks better and can let us know what he means sometimes when he talks but usually it is a 'yes" or "No" or a nod of the head. He is very weak and unsteady on his feet and had been to the bath room (located just about three ft. from the foot of his bed) pretty regularly without harm. Then night before last he fell as he got out of bed, hit the floor again. His room mate yelled for help and had to wait for the orderly. They are now compelled to strap him in at night. He ate well yesterday, however, and seemed quite communicative. He showed concern for his room mate and wanted him to share tid-bits of cheese etc. Bea took out to him. We try to keep him aware of all the letters that come from the family and others.

We'll keep you informed of any change, if any. This is the only way I can do it (in carbons) hope you understand. We make two trips a day sometimes and usually I have to get a nap in somewhere. I have had what appears to be sciatica rheumatism. It comes spasmodically in my left leg and sitting down is a painful operation. 

Bea has been a wonderful help as well as a tonic to me and takes over much of the red tape concerning Dad's problems. She is so cheerful and loving and Dad responds accordingly. We have had opportunity to enjoy each other and talk out many things we have never been able to on other visits. We eat properly but only what we must have to keep well. It takes good planning to see Dad every day sometimes twice. He looks forward to it and we are rewarded. We cannot tell how long it will take for Dad to gather the strength necessary to come home to stay. Please give him your faith and prayers each day - it is the only way you can help. Ward members are interested and his quorum members love him very much. Some are calling on him. 

Col. Thomas brought us home from the hospital yesterday. He has ben in Pittsburg for a week and did not know about the accident. He will take me out any time on call. Take good care of each other at home and Ken, please watch out for any more colds. They can do a lot of harm if you neglect the "rest". 

Bea will probably leave in a couple of days for home. The family has been getting along fine - on their own they can be dependable and the girls certainly have taken over. However, Bea feels they need her since school functions etc, are scheduled this week. 

I am seeing Dr. Ershler about my problem and it may be he can help. Co. Thomas has had this rheumatism and thinks his medication can help. 

We send our love to each one of you - keep well and "in the pink" so you can be ready for any emergency that could possibly come to you. I know so well and you do too we cannot account for "tomorrow"' 

Hugs and Kisses, 

Dad, Mom, & Bea

May 5, 1967

Dearest ones: 

Although I cannot give you too optimistic a letter this morning I must do so because I will be too busy for the next few days. I did not go up to Temple Gardens yesterday but stayed home for the afternoon and napped which refreshed me no end. The first nap for a long time. Nearly every day I have been taking a grapefruit already to eat from a serving dish as well as a hot "Derit" drink. (I remember the Derit tablets Grandma supplied to our family and gave us when we visited, They were supposed to be healthy supplements, probably made from whey, they were sweet and chocolaty and my brothers and I liked them) It supplements Dad's dinner tray. His appetite is good and oh how he hates a banana for dessert. Dr. Ershler was there yesterday - the first visit in a week because of a cold. He is concerned about the newest necessity - a urinal attached - since there is no control of the bladder. Whether it is permanent or not, I do not know or whether he will have to live with it. Dad sometimes detaches the urinal and climbs out at the foot of the bed - a few steps from the bathroom. I helped him the other day but he should not attempt it if nobody is around. He had another fall once again - not serious. The strap was undone temporarily when I was there. The orderlies were expected back soon and the nurses were all busy. At night none of these homes have night service. The meals are good and well prepared but do not provide the more expensive items like grapefruit when other juices are available. Always there is buttermilk. 

I have been waiting for the doctor to put in writing a request for physical therapy occasionally.  Medicare provides for it. That would stimulate and give life to all the muscles. Dad is very weak and they do get him up at least three times a day. He is always glad to get back to bed. 

last night late afternoon there were several visitors to see him so I am sure he did not miss me very much. 

How I did appreciate Bea's week long visit. She gave her father such a lot of cheer and a great lift to me. Col. Thomas will take me out each day if I need him and usually come home in a cab. Occasionally there is a friend visiting at the right time and they bring me home. I tried walking but never again. I have an appointment for an examination with Dr. Conklin next Monday to check me over as to my back and leg trouble - so called sciatic rheumatism. Our love to you all - please keep well. 

Mom

Sunday, May 7th, 1967

Dearest ones: 

This is a beautiful Sabbath morning and holds much promise of a peaceful day without wind or rain. We still cannot be sure. Anyway we can step over to the flower filled garden by the Church Office Building and see heavenly pansies, tulips of all shades and other plants not yet blooming. Remember we had a snapshot there Muriel, some years ago. This year it extends farther back and now they are preparing to build a summer theatre just beyond. 

I cannot tell you how we enjoyed the R.R. that arrived yesterday. I took it out to the Home to read to Dad and he was so interested in news of each one of you. We feel blessed indeed to have our grandchildren included - with the love and appreciation expressed for each other and the family. There are no ties as precious in the sight of our Heavenly Father as these. Thank you all for your contributions for your love and faith in father's behalf. He will need it every day from here on. He is still stronger than most men his age. However the confinement is telling on him - and our visits are about all he can look forward to. He talks very little but his face lights up when we come to see him. He misses Bea - she was so faithful in seeing him every day while she was here. Pat goes as often as she can and I am there every day unless I am forced to go to bed a few hours. I am checking with dr. Conklin tomorrow to see if it could be my back that is responsible for my condition. the sciatica has let up for now but I want to get at the causes. 

The last word concerning Dad's condition is this. Dr. Ershler has watched the progress of the kidney complication. The possibility of the urethra being closed up is the present problem and it is not very smart to use a catheter because of possible infection. It seems the Prostate gland should have been removed long ago. A specialist will give his verdict right away. Dad had surgery last year, you remember - it would be hard on him. The present situation is almost unbearable - he wants to be on his feet and cannot for various reasons. Even a gradual adjustment seems impossible. Everything is so public and his room mate is in and out all the time in a wheel chair. Inadequate privacy. I hope no one of you will take offense at this plain picture of our problem. It is the only way I have of letting you all know the situation. 

Kenneth, we sympathize with your complex problem. Be patient and perhaps your chance will come to reach these youngsters. If you  sow a seed here and there as you have always done who can say when these pressures reach a saturation point perhaps a bit of counsel will come home in memory. 

Our heartfelt thanks, Mike & Myrna, Dennis & Sharon for the letters and your good wishes expressed so eloquently. You take me back more than fifty years. Press on with your plans and your dreams will fulfill themselves. 

And now, David and Sylvia welcome to our ranks. We congratulate you in finding each other and hope for you the joy and happiness that comes from good living and love for each other. If there is anything we can do to help you get started please let us know. 

Polly dear if you are sure you can get here before July 14, I will list your picture in the Brochure. I have to turn it in by June 2nd. 

I miss Dad so much when I am not busy, so I am getting a few things done that are pressing. Please do not worry about our situation - it will work out for the best. Our Heavenly Father has always been ready to answer our prayers in His own way. 

With a heart full of love for each one of you, our precious family Mom & Dad.

Tuesday, May 23, 1967

Dearest Wickie and Lu:

Thanks for your two letters- Lu's from Montgomery and Wickie from home. And many thank yous for your greeting for "Mother's Day" even though we could not telephone each other. The bag is very nice for a summer's use since you can use it with any outfit. Will you please try to remember that material gifts are unnecessary? A letter is so satisfying and you should hold on to every dollar that comes your way. When you work so hard to earn it I would hope that you could have the satisfaction of "saving" some of it. After all, Wickie if you can keep your health getting your proper rest I would feel ever so much happier if I thought I could help in some way. 

I sat across the table from your Aunt Lois today - our Rel. Society closing social. The counselor to our president showed her film taken on a recent trip to New Zealand, Hawaii, Japan and Australia and points between. It was a marvelous treat. Aunt Lois really enjoyed it - she has been home-bound for such a long time. 

Now about Dad and his prospects. He seems ever so much better now and gets out of doors every day. The weather is perfect really hot some days. Marsh and Pat gave him a ride Sunday night about 7 P.M.. and showed no sign of wear next day. I've been able to sit on the patio up there with him and read to him. Sometimes for more than an hour. He cannot read by himself - says the eyes will not focus long enough. Dr. Ershler is watching developments closely and wants the advice of a specialist on the bladder situation etc. There are still no controls enough to guarantee regular action - he is figuring on the advisability of removing the prostate gland that has caused so much trouble for those in advanced years. His room and bed though cleaned up often reeks with the "stench" even with normal care. I keep him supplied with changes of everything but it is never enough - so I am having to go to the Home every other day only. Dad is adjusting to these things and takes it in stride. As to the advisability of going to the St. George home while Aunt Dea and I take a room near the temple. I've gone through this on the ground down there. The Rest Home is about three blocks from the temple on the west side of town. Aunt Dea cannot make two blocks down here to the library. I am not much better than that. There is no library at the Temple with sources for research at all. ---only finished work waiting to be filmed. Meantime My work here stands still and the correspondence is growing. I manage to keep up here but everything goes down the drain if I should leave for more than a few days. Right now Dad can have 100 days at five dollars a day under Medicare. I cannot pay rent on two homes at once - the charge at the Cooper Home (ST. geo) is $200 a month. That is conservative -true. 

Col Thomas takes me out to Temple Gardens every day if I need him and I come back by bus. I could not do that in St. George. Thomas thinks the world of your father, Luther, and I can depend on him. I am taking one day at a time with its new problems. I am about ready for my water color "showing" now except two more pictures to make. It runs July 14 - Aug. 25. Hope to sell a few pictures. 

I'm quite anxious about Dad's mental powers - he seems unable to follow a discussion of any kind and it's easier to smile & agree. loves to have Chris come in and sit on his "tummy" laugh & talk. The two of them very friendly. I hope I can give you something definite next time. 

Love you all so very much

Mom

My letter doesn't seem very clear - I guess - I've had a week or so of bad nights & my nerves are "shot" - hard to get a "nap" in the day time. Please forgive me if I have failed in explaining things. Ask me some questions next time. 

Postcard:

Dearest Lu & Wickie: I have no time for a letter so please accept a substitute. Dad is in the hospital again due to another bad fall in the rest home - in the bath room. He fell hard  - & result "a blood clot" on the back side, this is what they hoped to prevent by strapping him in yet they release him to go out on the patio & out in a car for a ride. If he were home dangers would be multiplied & I'd have to have help for showers etc. His lack of co-operation makes it a problem anywhere. He is being released again this morning to the Home.

They are allowing the "clot" to dissolve & had him at the hospital only to keep him strapped down & watched. I need to tell you much more & will try. On the run. 

Love, 

Mom

Friday Jun 9. 1967

Dear Winsor family:

We have reached a milestone in Lu's progress that I should report to you so that you can send letters to him if you like when you wish or I can take them to him. 

Marshall, Pat's husband has been helping us to make the arrangements for moving Dad to a Nursing Home out near their place in Granger. In five minutes by car they can reach Golden Manors Nursing Home - the place we have decided upon. It is connected with a small hospital well equipped for its needs. Pat had her last baby there last August and she was so impressed with their conscientious staff and doctors. Lu has been staying with the Bennett's for three days now and has been watched every moment - he has done very well except for the confusion that always comes with a young family. The children are all out of school of course. Dad reacted so violently as well he might at the "restraints"  put upon him especially at night so that accidents might be avoided. Those will have to be continued but at least he can get out daytimes and be taken away for the day under close supervision. He is not well - very weak and loss of appetite. At Temple Gardens I have visited him almost every day but had to cut down in order to keep going. They advised me everywhere not to bring him home here. The expense would be too heavy eventually and there seems no chance that his condition will improve. The hardened arteries have slowed up the circulation of blood to the brain. His speech is incoherent most of the time and he lives in two worlds - one of persecution and one a demand to go home. Explanations and communication seems impossible any more. All we can do is to love and pray for him and visit infrequently. Dr. Ershler is turning over his case to a reliable Dr. who lives out Granger way and we keep in tough with him. 

Perhaps you cannot figure out why I cannot care for Lu at home. In the first place he needs constant care and hospital procedures as well as food preparation. if he was restrained here he would get out from under some way. I would be unable to stir from the apartment for fear something might happen. I could not go to the basement to do the laundry - even if we could afford nursing help part time it would not be enough.  

Antoine Ivins upstairs has two nurses changing nurses for half a day each and a young boy for night work. Only people with money can afford this. Our Medicare will last a few weeks longer - then comes the pinch. Thank you all for your offers of help. Will write soon again.         

June 12 1967

Dear Lu & Wickie: 

I sent enclosed carbon out several days ago but waited with yours thinking you might write . I know you Lu must be out on the job or you would have done so. 

Decisions were made & put into action. We moved Dad over to Granger last Friday. he says he likes it better & he is close to the Bennetts so Pat can take him home during the day several times a week. I go over several times or as often as I can if there is a friend who can go to see Dad & drives a car I go along. He is really better off if I do not come too often because he is reminded of home & wants to come home. He has come to look forward to going to Pat's & they are all so kind & sweet to him. Marsh can give him a bath on occasion & that is something he has to take from women nurses at the home. They have no orderlies or (male Nurses) there. Dad weak & it is hard to communicate with him. He tries so hard but it will not come out. He must be watched when he is on his feet & someone must be responsible every minute -day times. At night they usually "restrain" him. Over at Pats he slept thru the night - 3 nights he was there 2 were wakeful . I am going over to Granger for the day today to give Pat a chance for "catching up" The children are out of school & can help. I have had a "near collapse" with my nerves & face reality. At the home they have so many facilities & a hospital next door - a good one - with a fine staff. Dr Ershler has transferred Dad's case to Dr. David Christensen over there who is an excellent internist. 

We lost a good third of all Dad's clothing over to the other home - poor organization & a hot pepper tongued nurse at the head of the nurses. Dad's room-mate was a trial - blocking the door with his wheel chair to everyone who came near. For now

Lovingly Mom

Ken will be home for 2 weeks. Arrives on the 20th. Polly will come July 12th-about. to stay a few days.    

From Luther-this is the last one from him.

105 E So Temple, Salt Lake

Jun 20 --67

L.S. Winsor 

Thanks, Luther for remembering me on my 82nd birthday. It is anybody's guess how many more there will be. 

The card and check are swell and I do appreciate them. We are OK and enjoy life. 

We love you all very much

Dad

July 26, 1967

Dearest Lu & Wickie: 

We enjoyed your R.R. letters so very much and especially your welcome to David and Sylvia. Thank you both. I am pretty much of a wash-out for letter writing now - I cannot think too clearly and energy is at a low ebb. I hope to wear it out eventually.

The enclosed was laboriously prepared for those whom I have kept informed through many weeks of trying circumstances. Pat is carrying the big part of the load now. She has her own family problems besides. Polly took the responsibility of getting the "watercolor show" off to a good start as well as looking after me.

Whenever Pat comes over this way she picks me up so I can have a visit with Dad - it's a twenty minute drive over the freeway. Nan and others go occasionally and always let me know. 

It is hard to say how long your father can hold on, Lu. He is getting weaker all the time and I hate to see you miss seeing him again while he can still recognize you. Your job comes first and you must make decisions that will not jeopardize that. We are so proud of you and your status with those for whom you work. Our love and congratulations. 

Please keep well and write as often as you can even if only a post card. 

Yours lovingly, 

Mom

Enclosed carbon copy: family letter :

Polly went home ten days ago and Muriel will be here next week. She will remain a week also. We'd like to have joined you at the reservoir for the reunion. Glad it was a success. 

Dear Ones in answer to your request for information ----Andy, Rulon, Adelia and Lela: 

Thank you all for your good wishes - your prayers and faith in our behalf - the cards etc. Please pray that we shall endure to the end be willing to understand that the things we want are sometimes impossible and not right for us at all. Time and time again one of the family will say, "Let us bring Dad out home again to see you - when it is impossible. We could never get him back to the Rest Home again without force. If you do not suggest it he will not think of it and it is immediately forgotten. he has himself decided it cannot be done. Trained people have found these answers and counseled against such a procedure. At the present he is very easily entertained when the family comes in to see him and he does not seem to want to go places. He feels safe there. He does not go to Pat's any more unless Marshall either drives or there is a strong man present. Over there unless he stays in one place and everyone else keeps out of the way it is dangerous to everybody. Dad is not responsible nor reasonable. he could at any time fall anywhere; over Pat's year old baby, Chris or another child or Pat. Marshall should have taken Dad by the hand to the dining table for dinner instead of me that day. I knew the danger but did not think in time. 

Here I am - no good to myself or to Dad in this critical time - living in an iron harness with relief only at night and now it looks like maybe the rest of my life this way. Right now I am having the dizzy spells that endanger my going anywhere alone. They may pass and they may not. My doctor impresses me with the fact that this fracture of so many vertebrae was a terrific shock to the nervous system and it will take a long time to mend. 

I am so sorry about your "upset", Andy. Hope you are feeling much better now. Rulon you know we sympathize where you and Viola are concerned. You have been so patient even when you could have given up many times. After all "endurance" is the answer and we keep going.

Mailed Sep 5, 1967

Monday - Labor Day

Dearest ones: 

Thank you for word that you had arrived home safely. We were worried about you because when one is emotionally weary the body also accompanies it. 

Bea and Ray were here a week - left for home last Saturday late in the day and I'm sure they must have been worn out before they arrived home. Bea spent three nights in Bountiful -  the rest with me - otherwise we saw very little of the children and Ray. he took the two boys to Flaming Gorge for fishing in company with his brother and brother-in-law and their boys. Ray's sister Helen, husband and brother-in-law of Ray's went too along with their boys. Bea managed to get over to see Dad about three times all told so she stayed one night at Pat's in order to get two visits. They called on their way out. 

Cleah Barrett, Bea's friend helped me home with my watercolors with her mother's and daughter's help. Lorin Folland took them down and put them in the car - he was extravagant in his appreciation of my work and grateful there were artists left who gave an "uplift" to the public. Another chapter closes and routine and I are real chummy. Enough to keep me out of mischief for a long, long time. the "paper work" for Medicare is endless and I am waiting on another health insurance policy to help with expenses. Nothing in the way of returns for payments already made has appeared as yet. I'm not worried. 

The nights are cooler and we get a splash of rain occasionally. 

I want to thank you for the help you gave me with the store room. There seems no answer to the old cots there so maybe they will eventually have to go to the Deseret Industries. Rebecca Snow Payne, my cousin who supervises Salt Lake County school program gave me a tip on a young woman who teaches retarded children and might be able to check the possibility of placing Dad's illustrated project books in the University Utah History Room . When I get some news of it I will report to you, Luther. 

Take good care of each other and keep well. I have not seen Dad since a week ago yesterday but he seems to be unable to use the wheel chair or walker. Bea and Pat walked him over to the hospital across the road and they looked at the new babies through the windows. Seemed to get quite a kick out of that. he was completely fagged out when he was back again in his room. The doctor has had the physical therapist take him out each day as promised. I guess it was a mighty short walk. 

I shall take one or two watercolors out and place on the walls of his room. It might feel more like home. 

As for myself I am having a bad time with the "dizzy" problem and no suggestions for changing that. Some say the inner ear might be affected or just circulation _ others indicate it is just old age since so many of us put up with it. If I stick to essentials and not try to do more than the essentials I seem to get by. 

Love and hugs for each one of you - Mom

Saturday, Sep. 16, 1967

Dear Ones: It is some time since I tried sending a Round Robin out to you. Andy was up here for a day or so and was able to meet Luther and His family there at the Rest Home. We had a nice visit also  we went over to Pat's the same day as I remember. Dad had been out for several rides. he tried the wheel chair and seemed to enjoy cruising down the halls. This week the tables are turned and he has had two bad falls. Last Monday morning Pat called for me after she had word that Dad had fallen in his room and struck his head again supposedly on the corner of the table - nobody seems to know. When we arrived I went over to the hospital across the road with the nurse to have six or seven stitches taken on the side of the head. He was "all in" after it was over and the doctor gave him a sedative to quiet his nerves. He was ready to sleep. The next morning he pitched forward from the bed when he was making ready to stand on his feet -struck his nose. For a time they thot the nose was broken - a lot of bleeding followed but I guess it was not that bad since Pat hasn't called again. These things indicate they will have to restrain him again. He could have more serious trouble. 

Lu is always pleased to have your letters. I read and re-read them sometimes. I took three of his favorite water-colors over and hung them in his room. Mother Winsor looks straight at him from the counter along with Luther and the bear. All this seems to bring a bit of home to him. Indications are that little spots of paralysis take place and finally the feeling comes back again. His voice is stronger too. But these falls destroy what ever has been built up. Each day is unpredictable. 

As for myself I seem to be improving but getting around is just as difficult - constant aching - just have to adjust to it. Out Heavenly Father has been so good to us - why should we complain? It could be so much worse. Thank you all for your love and interest in us. This is a beautiful day -warm and sunny. 

Until next, your sister Bea

This R.R. went to Dad's folks so I include it with my sincere "thank you" for the salad maker. As soon as I get it set up I'm sure it will make quick work of green vegetables. 

Uncle Walter's son Cleone with his wife, Saki (Japanese) & 18 yr old daughter (by a former marriage) going to the B.Y.U. called here & after a short visit took me out to see your father. He was again unable to speak audibly & under light sedation. His one eye is black & blue with a bloody section in one side. 

Even so, Dad seems to prefer the falls to restraints. I think I would too. 

Since this would all be old news to you when R. R. reaches you again I thot best to give it to you now. 

Hope all is well with each of you - Lovingly, Mom. 

I feel your visit here with Dad was well worth the effort you made to get here. I love you for it. 

The prints are nice. I will prize them very much.  

November 4, 1967

Dearest Wickie, Lu and the children: 

Thank you again Wickie for your letter giving us the regular news of your activities. It has been some time since then. I have had good intentions about writing but a dozen things have prevented me - our Relief Society is preparing for their usual bazaar in which I furnish several water colors. I have had a severe cold this week and am just getting back on my feet - starts with a head cold and then goes down to my bronchial section. It is under control now but it has given me some anxiety. I just go to bed and more or less stay there while it runs its course. I feel pretty good this morning. Dad has been using a wheel chair pretty regularly but he gets out of it even though tied in and falls again and again. No serious results. He cannot talk except with difficulty - takes about an hour to give you a message of any kind. There is an article in October Reader's Digest "Royal Revolution in Iran" It is an account of the reforms the Shah has been putting into effect. All the things that your father told him he would have to do for his people 26 years ago he has slowly put into action. You must read it for it is a spectacular accomplishment. Your father wants a letter written to the Shaw with certain forms for "royalty". I still have not completed it. 

I hope you are all keeping well and shovel your anxieties out the window. Christmas will be upon us soon and another year begins. Dad has had lots of visitors. The 18th ward Hi-Priests quorum send Home Teachers out there once a month. Laura and Ed Brossard went out with me once. Bro. Miner ( an old friend from U.S.A.C.) drove the car. We spent two hours with him. Nellie Moser Bybee from Logan (she lives here) took me out to see him too. 

Our love to all of you - write when you can -

Mom & Dad

Antoine Ivans passed away last week & his sister Anna Ivins Wilson was also buried this week. Their brother Stanley died a month ago. 

Note with birthday card:

Dearest Luther, 

Please use check for something special you would not get otherwise. I've had no chance to shop (been home bound for some time with a bad cold) I love you with all my heart and wish for you the "best" of choice blessings this year. 

Your Mom

Mailed Dec 30 1967-a Happy New Year card

Dear Ones: 

Lu & Wickie

Marilu

Mark

Brian

Wayne

A Happy New Year and a thousand thanks in appreciation of the many ways you cheered our Christmas Day. We felt the chocolates were more than enuf. And then came the fluffy angel soft sweater - (I still haven't segregated Dad's things) He has been very uncommunicative because of having to take double medication for "black outs", they are back again. 

Dad sleeps a great deal of the time & even tho the eyes are not closed he is unaware of your presence. I spent most of Xmas Day with him - but he seemed not to hear anything. They would not allow Dad any chocolates, so he passed them on to his nurses. He has a wonderful woman (a new convert) who takes care of him part time - She is so sympathetic. 

I had a Xmas eve present - another accident to my middle finger on the right hand - getting into Pat's care, I slipped on a piece of ice on the curb - My leg doubled under me & while I was getting myself up I must have caught my hand somewhere & almost lifted the nail off. Had to go to the medical center to get it dressed. Then tetanus shot, Etc. So I was pretty foggy all Xmas Day. 

I'm afraid my nervous system has taken a beating this last month. 

The cold winter days sent me to the hospital near pneumonia. I stayed 3 days then 2 days at Pat's. All these things have weakened my resistance & I have to be careful. 

All my love, Mom