1972 Letters from Beatrice Snow Winsor to Lu & Wickie and Family

From Pat & Bea

 Mon Jan 10,1972

Dearest Family, 

I am sending the R.R. on to the Myers from Bea's. I tried to get a moment to read it before Mom & I left Salt lake Fri. evening, but as it was, I didn't get everything done I was supposed to get done. So far we have had such a nice time. Denny & Sharon came over for dinner Sat. night & we had, what Ray calls, a "Fun-Do" for fondue - in other words we speared our own meat, mush rooms, onions, etc & cooked them at the table in peanut oil.

As soon as I arrived, almost, I came down with a cold. I guess I just never got over the flu that had me up and down all of December. I don't know how I ever managed to be ready for Christmas, but I made it somehow - then was sick with another kind of stomach flu for New Years. Mom has been in fairly good health & hasn't taken any of these viruses as yet. She was so happy with the gifts you all sent her and we want to thank you for the nice things you sent us also. 

Fri, as we were ready to leave for the plane, Laura came home from work & said she thought she had the measles. When I called home next day, Marsh said Chris had a rash, too. 

Yesterday, Sunday, Ken came over & we had an enjoyable visit -also Mike dropped by & it was real good to see him again. 

Back in Salt Lake we saw Colleen & Sue just before they left to come to Calif. for the holidays - also Marilu & Phil. So we have seen quite a bit of the family. 

I am hoping Marsh isn't called on a flying assignment before I get home - probably at the end of the week. Till then, I am certainly enjoying a much needed rest & the great hospitality of Bea & Ray & their sweet family Love to all, Pat

Monday A.M.

Dearest Ones: I am half here this morning - had forgotten how cold it can be in a sunny land and adjustment is necessary. We are enjoying each other and old memories swarm around me. The new generation remind me how far I have gone being a great grandmother. 

A full week of activity is planned. The change in Temperature is hard for me to adjust to and I have a new world ahead. 

Thanks, one and all for you love and patience with me. I am sure every person needs a change now and then to realize how much he is indebted to those he loves. .Bea has a full program for us this morning. Be happy dear ones and keep well -

Lovingly, Mom

Wednesday, May 16, 1972 Ft Bragg, Cal

Dear Lu & family - Thanks for your thotful remembrance of "Mother's Day" I do appreciate hearing from you and I'm looking forward to seeing you all again. I expect to leave for home the first week in June or before. Will probably take a little time to turn around and check on a few problems. I've no idea what these will be - Kathy's baby will be due soon and of course I've been away some five months or so. . It has been cold here much of the time too. I am more or less useless as far as work and action is concerned . My right hand is so lacking in feeling and I am "slowing" down fast. 

Polly and I are painting most every day - this keeps me occupied and is really my salvation. I do not know the situation on "homes for the aged" but we'll soon find out I'm sure. I have limits on the walking I can do. My feet go to sleep & I have to go slow. 

I love you and anticipate a wonderful visit with you all- 

Lovingly - Mom

We enjoyed the pictures so much. See you soon. 

Wednesday 16 Aug 1972

My dearest son Lu: As I sit on the front veranda of our Home. I am thinking of you and the progress you have made in finding your niche in government: the progress you have made. your letter was so interesting and thoroughly enjoyed. And you were one of the speakers in the group! I knew you would finally take your rightful place there. When you are called to speak about something familiar in your life and know what is involved it's usually easy to discuss it. There are times when you do not recognize the things you say sometimes & you lose the meaning in of your words. 

I'm sure you think I am talking "rubbish". I find myself 'hard put" to write down what I mean. Two of my friends joined me on the veranda & I'll have to wait to finish. 

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It is a beautiful day - nice & warm. I find myself involved in conversation here on the veranda - so many coming & going *    *    *    *    *    * I'll finish down here in my room.

_______________________________________________________________________

The day is wearing away & always there are lonely friends who need comforting! I appreciated your comments about the children and Wickie's role each day! How a family does count on each other for understanding and strength! You are no exception. 

While I am in a new environment with problems I never faced before they are challenging and fit into my life somewhere. 

My half brother Park Romney's wife Vilate lives here in the same role as I do. We've always been good friends. We have a mutual friend, Sister Sumerhays who has a lovely singing voice & is so compatible with both of us. Who said you could not make friends with most anyone if you are really interested enough? There are a few here who seem not to be able to make new friends. I'm not convinced. Some want to "run the place" ("I would do differently if given a chance"and you detect a warped personality who was regretting failure trying to do things his way"

Each day brings new experience & opportunity to try to help someone. We have a master hand in that with our superintendent- He has a lovely wife who is now bed-ridden at the hospital- cannot be taken care of here. She is a lovely person (one of the sweetest dispositions) but incurable disease. A more cheerful man never lived under such tragic circumstances. 

I have written about things I see and now about each day. Each of us have one bed of two in a room. Usually a person we have not known before. We make our own beds & keep the place clean. One of the male (Charley Clements) workers here is a member of our old ward (Highland Park). His wife my very dear friend _ 

And now I must close for now - maybe a few more words before I mail it.. Your loving "Mom"

Salt Lake City, Utah August 31- 1972

Luther, my dear son: Your letter of Aug 17 was wonderful medicine to my soul -so good to hear of your progress along the way and your contribution to the "department" - How often I have heard of Puerto Rico - it must have been a treat for you and a great contribution to the work you are doing. I'm sorry the family cannot share but they understand the problem - maybe they can join you in some traveling later. You know how it has always been thus with me and I've had to dream instead of travel. But some day we'll all be together to do some real visiting with each other. 

Today is sparkling with sunshine and I am about to go out for a walk since I need to be with myself some of the time. We have problems here same as everywhere. It is a real session sometimes when disagreements come up but interesting & good for us. 

I am mighty proud of you my son - I know you can handle the problems that develop. You are on the Lord's side always and ready to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Your progress proves it. 

I cannot tell you how proud I am of your progress. I do appreciate your letters. 

I am writing in the auditorium between meals and just scattered conversation going on. we are expecting. Bea over tomorrow. She has been here nearly a week at Bountiful but did not even call on me. I have seen nothing of them yet. The Rileys win out every time - they may call on the way home. This is August & the warm days are getting warmer. 

As the days roll by my strength seems to lessen - my weight slips away and I forget things. Pat comes over occasionally but she has so little time of her own. I am really fortunate to be here but there are times when the problems keep us guessing. How I would love to see and talk to you for awhile. I need sound advice - there are problems here you would never believe. I live with a woman in my room who measures "human right" by space & distance. Is this possible in our day and age? I share my room as required- but this good lady calls the specifications & because she has been here longer feels I have no right to disagree. She measures by inches the space I am allowed. NO trespassing! So much for that. We are placed here to get experience and that I am getting in large doses. 

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It is another day so since I have no news of any worth to give you I'd better stop right here. The skies are clouding up for rain - have been threatening for days. 

In spite of the problems between women out of past complicated rearing in hundreds of homes life is interesting and I find precious souls underneath well worth cultivation. Vilate Romney an in-law of the family I see every day and I've treasured her so much. Her husband was one of my favorite foster brothers (Marlu-technically he was a step-brother, her mother remarried Miles Romney after being widowed, and the children of the other wives in the family were related through that marriage) A Summerhays lady a professional singer of past years (my dear friend) -others of different origin but most interesting - a Spanish waitress others equally worth cultivating. 

I wish I could give you one of my hugs and receive a like one in return. It seems so long since we were together. Your letters are so precious and interesting - keep them coming. I understand the pressures you work under and I do not expect more than you can give. Please conserve your strength and write when you can without pressure. Give my love to Wickie and thank her specially for her part in the family circle & your precious children - they could make me very happy by including a small letter occasionally. I love hearing from my grandchildren.  I am 81 tomorrow just a small grandmother about 110#. For now I love you all and think of you tenderly as I kneel each day to thank the Lord for my beautiful family. May he keep you in his care each day & watch over you as you"come and go" -is my prayer -

Grandmother Winsor

Oct 14 Saturday (after conference)

Dearest Children 

This letter is written after Lu left for home. I have been confined to this hospital room since before that time. I've no idea when I will be released since my doctor Irving Ershler has not seen me here yet. He left for a doctor's convention - has not yet returned. I cannot be released from this hospital until then.  My trouble seems to be a nervous condition in my legs that prevents my walking and I fall down without assistance. I came up here to a hospital on 9th South - from my place on North 1st West. I am walking each day with help from a young man who keeps an eye on me. Today I walked outside a block or so with him alongside. I seem to be doing fairly well. This is a nervous condition and it is up to me how well I respond. Dr. Ershler went to a medical convention Which should end this week. 

I am still down to 110 # in weight, have very little resistance if I should break down but I am trying hard to follow the rules. I walk every day with one of the young men - they think I am doing very well. Pat has not been over here the last two days so I'm not sure what her opinion would be. 

Maybe more tomorrow. I am very tired. ______________________

This is Tomorrow (Sunday) (This is the end of the letter)

Oct 

112 W 1 No Salt Lake City Utah

Dearest Lu & Wickie: and family 

How we do count on letters from dear ones! Yours Lu from Puerto Rico was such an interesting one. Your life is a roaming one but you always know where you are going. or do you? I do appreciate all your letters and read them often. In many ways you life is similar to your fathers'- you are doing such important work that affects the whole country. I am very proud of you & the feeling I have that your father is always so near you gives me confidence that we are all a part of a plan in which we as a family are concerned

I am sure we have been blessed beyond the ordinary in our lives thus far. I have your letter before me Wickie. Thank you so much since I was so concerned about Marilu. Your letter cleared up details and my prayers and your were answered. Our Heavenly Father is always ready to help us when we have done our human "best" to help ourselves. I seem to have left you out Luther. I meant well but I seem to be clumsier than usual in putting my thots on paper. 

I am not alone here. If my room just had another of my family in it things would perk up. So I feel your presence here in spite of myself & my imagination. After all, I am still in Salt lake City. *********

At this point I have decided to stay alone in this room. By dividing it I would have to give up my painting. It would be much too crowded & there is no other place to work. The "hobby" room is full -beauty shop occupies most of it. I'm sure I can manage here in my room since I gave up having a partner. Women like myself are temperamental. When I see others trying to adapt themselves I feel it isn't worth the effort. Pat agrees with me. So here goes -wish me luck. 

I've had a brief visit with Bea - we went with Pat to their stake conference yesterday. I have not heard from them this morning. Bea & Ray & the boys stayed at Bountiful last night. For now - I love you -please keep in touch

As always Love, Mom

Brochure from the home where Bea was living

Saturday Dec 1972

Salt Lake City Utah

Dear Lu, Wickie & Family: 

I wish I could write you a letter that would do credit to those with whom I live here. They are mostly L.D S and I feel at home with them already. Most are Mormon, some belong nowhere and this is "home" to them. Christmas will be that chosen of all holidays -those who would otherwise be alone. Park Romney's wife Vilate is here (I've known her all my life since she married Park) She lost a young daughter last year. (the last she had at home).

Sister Wooten (you would know her by another name) lived next to the ward chapel when we were at Highland park. She is quite deaf but loves to talk anyway. 

We have dinner at round tables in a special dining room. 3 meals a day and prayer is consistently a part of routine. I thot you would appreciate the folder enclosed. This is a busy thoroughfare where we go to & from each day for exercise. Most of them just sit and that is not good -it's the easy way. 

Few do any walking since this big snow storm hit us we have to walk indoors. The chapel is next door to us so we get that much breathing of the outside air. It's been zero weather all round for a week now. 

I will think of you all in the weeks ahead and especially on Xmas Day. Wish you could gather together once more under the old roof - since we have to make our own Christmas wherever we are let us draw close in spirit & re-live the spirit of the day with love in our hearts for all our Father's children. I will miss you but I feel blessed to find refuge here along with others under the same handi-cap. 

Physically, I am growing weaker and move more slowly. The cold weather is going to hamper my walks but I'll do my best to get outside. The "boss" says no, not yet. Be patient. Please remember me in your prayers. I love you so much & remember you in my prayers each day. 

Lovingly, Mom

( Bea lived until October 31, 1973 but this is the last of the letters in the collection my mother left. I may find more in another box of correspondence, but possibly this is the last letter from her that I will be able to transcribe. I find myself  a bit wet eyed, missing her, and feeling like this letter reads like a farewell. I am so grateful for her and the legacy she left of love and family connection.)