Beatrice Snow Winsor Letters to Lu and Wickie and Family 1969

                                                                                                                                                                                Jan 2, 1969

Wickie, Lu & the Boys -

The New Year has at last arrived - and passed. We hope all is well with you and that your visit with Marilu has given new impetus to the year ahead. 

I appreciate so much the effort you made in sending my lovely stationery. Maybe it will inspire me to write more letters and better ones. I should have hosiery for another year - Your pocket book has suffered for this but I cannot wear them. I notice the size is 11 and I wear 9 1/2. So of course they are all wrinkles on me. Your intentions were real generous. It is likely, Wickie, your mother can wear them. I talked to her yesterday. 

My first Christmas without my husband was hard to take. I stayed at the Bennetts the night before Xmas and stayed all the next day. Marsh worked in the shop all day until they took me home. He was doing some pieces for Pat's Xmas & had not time to finish. Bruce asked for a cocker spaniel (their big dog was killed.) So this little fellow was exactly the color of Pat's Duchess years ago. They all adore him. Anyone could love him - His coat is beige & curly of course & he was just two weeks old. We all enjoyed him & he seemed happy with the attention he received. Pat has another baby (the dog) to care for. The children go back to school this morning. Marsh has come out of his shell now and seems on his way to the old characteristics we liked in him. He has a long way to go yet, but he &  Pat take a counseling appointment every week if he is home. Kathy and several other girls have a woman counselor who is very fine - They like her & are listening. Kathy has had so many colds & other ailments she appreciates her mother & her home at last. 

We've had one snow storm after another and freezing temperatures. So my walks are not very pleasant - especially underfoot. I wear an elastic girdle which holds me together but it doesn't give enough & binds my upper leg to the point of aching all the time. Occasionally it gives too much & lets me down so I guess I'll have to use a cane. 

The back is not giving me the strength to catch myself when emergency calls for it. 

So I'm having my problems. I've about finished my 8 generation pedigree chart of ancestral Snow lines which is going into the Erastus Snow Biography this month. Then come the balance of  the completed sheets that far out to be presented at the next reunion. 

My old companions from Highland Park ward are "passing on" one by one - two last week just my age - I have too much to do for that to happen to me. Of course this time of year we have to expect it. I think of you all each day and pray for your safety & your happiness - Please take care of each other.  Lovingly Mom

Post card 13 Jan 1969

Thursday 

My dearest Luther: Just received your letter word of your accident. I sympathize and fully realize the frustration you feel - Be wise & take care. I am at home quite steadily now since the weather is so unpredictable & severe. I doubt if Marilu can get up here this week and I am more or less homebound. So much rheumatism in my left leg I can hardly dress myself. I use a cane since my fall on a clean dry walk. The Dr. sees me every 2 weeks now & has taken 8 fresh X-rays again. 

It takes all the courage I have to keep faith. Please pray for me, Love Mom

I am in line for another skin graft (little finger on right hand. It has been inflamed for a long time & painful.

Feb 5 - 1969

Dear Ones: I hated to send a stingy post card instead of a letter in answer to your own - with a problem of your own. I am enclosing my Xmas greeting to Harrison whom I forgot completely. I was under heavy pressure at the time. 

Since then I am forced to face other problems, that I do not have answers for. My doctor insists that I keep off my feet & prepare to get some hydro-therapy at the hospital. The X-Ray show my left hip bone structure has been disappearing slowly. That is why I must use a cane on my right when I walk. The left side acts like a pinched nerve and I go down to the ground without warning and it is plain there is nothing but surgery to replace that section if I want to be ambulatory at all. I am on medication that makes the pain bearable but it's wearing me down. The priesthood has given me hope & faith - wonderful blessings. I am still reviewing facts. What to do? I have a date Friday with Dr. Cowan to check the disintegration of my little finger - it can wait a while I guess but the entire finger must be taken off. 

****** (sometime later)

Jennie Robinson Bowman from Mexico has visited with me this afternoon - helped me fix some dinner. Looks like I'll have to get some counsel from a real bone specialist. I feel Dr. Martin should have, of his own accord  asked another doctor's opinion of my case. 

It is hard being alone to make decisions even tho I've been doing it all my life. I'll try to keep you posted. Pat has tried to help of course but she has her hands full. Kathy is doing much better and her friends at Granger Hi are much better caliber. Laura has no girl friends. Like a lost child. Pat is about to embark on a "sales" job (a new cleaning item) "ZIF" If she can get enuf people under her selling the product it will sell itself. 

I hope your toe is healing nicely, Lu and all is well. Marilu & her Grandparents came to see me yesterday. Had a nice visit but I was not in very good form - it was one of my worst days. 

The Lord bless you all and protect you against trouble, accident, - & illness. 

You are always in my thots. Until a brighter day!!

Love, Mom

Sunday A.M.

Feb 9, 1969

Dearest Wickie & Luther & family : 

This is the beginning of a series of health measures for your mother and I must notify you now so you will not have to guess what has become of me. 

I will go to St. Marks hospital at noon today (Sunday) for a week of hydro-therapy. My left side - hip, leg & down has given me so much pain & misery I cannot go on without help. The hip socket is wearing away & X Ray show it's results. What they will do eventually I don't know. Dr. Okleberry is out of town now & my own Dr. Martin from Granger hospital took the X Ray. This cane of your father's isn't enough. I think there is something else left to do. My other hip you remember had a pin (it is still there) & has given no trouble. Dr. Cowan examined my finger of right hand & will remove it as soon as this other matter is resolved. It will take time for all of this. Since I have no help here I shall plan to go to a rest home after that operation. Medicare gives me 100 days. This has to be planned ahead. I have suffered so knocking this little finger around, I'll be glad to say "goodbye" to it. 

I must get my bag together & be ready. Rebecca Snow Payne will take me down. I am sending cards to the other children. Pat I can talk to. She is overloaded & trying to train into a job that she can do and still take care of her family. Kathy is in Granger High this year and doing much better - her companions higher caliber. Her grades are improving and we feel she has made progress. Marsh is facing facts. I love you all. Please pray for me. I've been at home now & I am stale 

Love, Mom

Postcard of sunset over the Great Salt Lake postmarked 11 Mar 1969

Dear Lu & Wickie, my doctor was not able to get a bed for me at the hospital this week so the surgery is postponed another week. My heart has to be 'X Rayed" too. It seems that too is questionable. Sorry to let you down. 

Love, Mom

Notecard with violets and the name Beatrice imprinted in the design with a note: "Lu- Polly asked me to send this on to you, Love, Mip

Mar 18 1969

Polly dear: I do so appreciate your frequent notes & letters - and no words of mine can compensate for the wonderful feeling in my heart when I get discouraged - & I know you can understand without explanations. Last night I attended a wedding of the daughter of one of my Primary Board friends over here at the Lion House. It's a short walk and I had already been out on Sunday. I use my wonderful walker about the house & that saves me a lot of energy. Bea was here from Sun-night to Tues. afternoon. Scotty had had a bad accident with his bicycle among other things the chin received a bad tear & had to be sewed up. It was healing nicely but he needed his mother. It was so comforting to have them here even that long - I'm having a young woman in the ward to do some cleaning tomorrow morning for me. I cannot seem to reach things so I waste a lot of time trying to. 

Pat is trying to finish her training in her new job with "Bestline" so she can be in a position to "tell those under her " what to do. - it looks like a "good thing". I hate to ask her to do anything for me right now. 

My "check-Up" with Dr. Ershler comes along May 5th. I think if I come down it should be right after that or the middle of May. I have a very important three days Aug 5-8 "World Conference on Records" when all the world is invited to be present. I must be home for that. Is the heat a problem in July down there: I hope general conditions will settle down but we know they won't. My left hand is breaking loose with eczema. I am doing the best I can with cactus juice -hope & pray for me. This thing I know I have to fight for myself. I'm O.K. & I rest a lot. Will write again in a few days, 

Love, Mom

Mailed Apr 17, 1969

Dearest Wickie & Luther & the Boys: 

I have waited anxiously for some word about your "job" Lu & is there any prospect for a transfer to another department? Wouldn't you know these dreamer presidents would leave an epitaph like this? Anything you tell me will be appreciated - I'm neither made of sugar & salt & after my experience I can take anything! I surely wish you could work out west for a change - you seem so far away. Life is running away with us out here. For me, I am "biding my time" to get to the library again. But I've been going very slow about being on my feet for long. I went to Provo last Saturday for a La Del (Primary retirees) luncheon & afternoon at the home of Prof De Jong (BYU musician, linguist & all round wonderful professor) Felt none the worse next day for it & attended our stake conference at the S.L. tabernacle (walked over with my cane) 

Sunday afternoon went to our own Sacrament meeting (first in seven weeks.) Ken was here for 5 days preceding conference & 2 days -Fri & Sat - home Sunday A.M..  Bea & Ray came in Sat Night - & stayed till Tues afternoon. Ray's mother is in Bonneville Rest Home where I went for six days. Poor dear (she is 90)  & her mental situation is pretty well mixed up. I spent hours with her & very nearly collapsed myself. It's a depressing influence & I was glad to leave. In another week I would not have vouched for myself. My old friend Evelyn Tanner is there (same age as I am) but losing ground. 

I am hoping my left side will adjust back to normal again - the arthritis has settled in both legs now.  Dr. Opelberry took some good X Rays which tell the story -cartilage wearing away & hip socket not normal - it's my age they tell me. I believe it - When I look around me and a dozen women whom I know are suffering the same way - I have to accept it. There's  Marie Ashdown's son Frank is a doctor at L.D.S. hospital (interning) - He comes in frequently & talks over these things with me. 

Marilu & Kathy had a good two days together. you need not worry - Kathy is in another school this year - has a whole new set of friends (her old happy self again) going to night school to insure her graduation. Bea helped me so much just when I needed her - Scotty had a serious accident riding his bicycle. His face was badly scarred but young skin heals readily. I love you, write if you can, Mother

May 15, 1969

Wickie, Lu & the boys: you are all so dear to me and I want it always to be so - it gives me moral support. At no time in my entire life have I needed it more. 

I thank you once again for your remembrance of me as a mother - this does not mean material gifts. The package arrived yesterday & it was lovely - the stationery & pen-pencil all useful items. I've had to type so much this lovely kind goes slowly -promise me not to spend money & time on things for a long time. Your letters & your love really last & mean so much to me - I know how important Money is these days. I do not have to tell you. I wish you could get off your feet Wickie - watch it my dear - you are indispensable at home too. 

I am beginning to understand the poisonous world we live in & its effect on all of us. Parents cannot offer a living to the family without both earning an income. Pat finds it hard to follow this Bestline job & keep her home in order too. Chris has had  wks of chicken pox - she has to keep church duties going in order to keep the younger ones interested. Marshall & Gordon neither one attend priesthood meetings any more. - "Counseling" is no more for Marsh or Kathy. Laura is failing at Cypress High - she is the only one there of the family. -Kathy at Granger goes with some of the better class of girls & boys & is working hard to graduate - takes a typing class at night. Still flighty & irresponsible, but a different girl in many ways. 

I've had to help  this family many times - their budget is not meeting their needs with $700 monthly coming in. Pat is slowly wearing thin- She cannot go on much longer has had no vacation in 3 yrs time. She works in the ward regularly. The new bishopric ( a wonderful trio) is helping all they can - Pat was set apart as pres. of the choir last Sunday - tried to bring Marsh in-no luck. 

I have a plane reservation to Oakland May 28 for one month - Mip will meet me. 

I'll spend a couple of days with them - then they will drive me up to Polly's & Jim's place for the remainder of the time. I have three reunions on my return to attend - Eyring-Terry - and Snow. 

I am doing fine except I am terribly slowed down. Have to use my cane when out of the house. My right hand is rather weak but the bandage is ready to come off & I will get used to it in a hurry. I control the rheumatic pain with pills & go & come with time easily except I cannot do two blocks without trouble. Colleen is here trying to find a job so she can partly pay for school in the fall at U. S. A. C. Forgive my rambling & say a prayer for me-love you all Mom

Please let me know, Lu., how your physical came out?

 Tuesday - July 15, 1969

Dearest ones: 

I thoroly appreciated your letter, Wickie and it was so satisfying to have little details pertaining to your every day activities and summer program. Each one of you with the future mapped out as best you can in this program of life. I envy your folks the privilege of seeing you so often and their marvelous vacations while they can go together. I found that I can travel too the easy way by jet plane especially vacation trips at reduced prices. I got along very well this last time because it took only one hour to Oakland and with Mip to meet me I could visit them a few days going and coming. Then Ken drove up and we visited at Pleasant Hill another two days until My plane took me home again. 

I am free of the use of my cane - have been ever since I arrived at Polly's so with a daily dose of pain killer I can last through 24 hrs. I meet a daily schedule of accomplishment both with my painting and genealogy at different times of course. I am nearing the finish of Grandmother Snow's ancestral lines now and we've Grandfather Snow's finished and ready to include in his biography. 

The world conference for Genealogists will begin Aug 5 when we will hear the specialists from the entire world of genealogy. It will be held in the Salt Palace which was dedicated this week.  I was not able to go because I cannot walk that far at one time nor stand on my feet for any length of time. 

I have had wonderful painting experience while at Myers Point. Polly is really going to town with her water color - a good teacher who is giving her a good foundation which I never had. I think she will go places with it. The area have regular art showings and she belongs to the Art Association. She did a midnight ocean scene in acrylics that is lovely. They have had a serious problem with their underground water - never enough to supply them with household needs. Jim is constantly trying to locate a source that will be enough for their needs. He cannot afford the price of an expert so he has the equipment for probing and hard work it is. They entertain their friends by the week sometimes and that means water. Of course they live in the bunk house and can prepare most of their meals. 

We visited several art galleries in Ft. Bragg and they compared very favorably with any I have seen here. Art professors and painters retire there to enjoy the moods of the ocean. I did quite a few and learned enough to last me a a while and we had a picnic up in the redwood country ten miles up the river close by so Polly and I really enjoyed trying those out. 

I have not had an art lesson here all summer because I was laid up the first half and my friend who takes me out to Deanna's in Holladay had her foot injured to we still haven't had a chance to paint with her. This means I have more time with my own. I've done quite a few which I brought home with me but I have commissions for four to do in my leisure time. There have been so many funerals of friends - three passed away while I was gone. My neighbor Jessie Evans Smith has been hospitalized most of that time. Heart trouble etc. She is now fifty pounds lighter and slowly recuperating. Frank Ashdown (Theresa's son had been taking care of Sister Smith.)

I've rambled enough - I know there are many things I have not touched but family matters would take volumes. Polly tells me Janice has had to go to the hospital for treatment again - mental problems - they think they can help her and get to the bottom of her problem. I do hope so. Poor Joe, he is managing summer school but Lani is managing the home very well. 

I must get off to the day's schedule and accomplish something. I have to go through all Aunt 
Theresa's books and check the archives for any that have failed getting there - then throw the others out. It is a huge task and I am alone at it, . Kathy was sure she could help me but she has a very low pressure point mornings. We'll get going soon. She is willing but physically not there. Otherwise she is doing much better at home. Chris is ill again this week - some kind of infection. 

I love you all and would love it if you could drop in occasionally. 

Yours always - tell the children I am real proud of them and my prayers go up to heaven and plead for their protection and their happiness always. 

Lovingly, 

Mom & Grandmom

Saturday Afternoon Aug 16th

Dearest Wickie, Luther and family: 

My thanks to one and all for the last letter Wickie wrote me and the R.R. which arrived yesterday. I specially enjoyed the notations as to what the boys plans are and how they are using the golden summer hours- They deserve special mention at this point - I'm real proud of them - keep on making your plans - never stop. You are sure to make your goal if you make Heavenly Father your partner as well as your parents! Marilu knows what I think of her - hope we shall see her again soon. Miss you 

I have a special heart hunger for all of you . Seems such a long time since we were all together. 

Colleen has spent a couple of evenings together with me - she has been living comparatively close by but never home until late evening and she was in Bountiful Sundays - has a boy friend over there and one on a mission who has commenced writing her. They had a "falling out" before he left. Quite a granddaughter I have there - takes a smart grandmother to keep even with this generation. I don't pretend to understand them. 

Pat has Chris down again with another virus - he makes history real often but bounces back readily. Pat needs a vice president of that organization. She tries to work at this new job selling "Bestline" products but I'm afraid it's breaking her. Marsh is not well and this pressure he is under is telling on him. He is trying to locate something else where a Simon Legree is not breathing down his neck all the time. He looks terrible under this heavy strain. Kathy arrived at the point where a physical "check-up" is imperative. Pat is trying to get Frank Ashdown do give her a thorough going Over. He is so gentle & understanding. Kathy has no ambition and less strength. Just goes to pieces with the least pressure. 

Janice is going through an annual "work-out" under a doctor's care (psychpathic problems) They are hoping for success this time. She is in and out of the hospital - has been for some time - "way high" or low with the drugs they are using. She is on my mind constantly because I had not realized how serious it was until I went down there. She has a lot of confidence in me and trusts me so I write her frequently. It does help.

Sorry to bring these things to your attention but I know you understand much better why I cannot play blind where my family is concerned. I write letters every week and now I am still behind. Uncle Andy demands answers to letters and I have to ignore them sometimes. Aunt Delia cracked a rib & could not come up to the World Conference on Records. I am so grateful to have been able to go- four days of constant listening and absorbing and to realize the great enormity of this experiment, they will make it an annual affair - 45 countries represented just think of it, All the papers that were read from our visiting guests we can go to at our leisure to study and absorb. It was hard to get even half of it when they read their papers. Our L.D.S. speakers had no need for reading they talked and illustrated from film. 

I must get off to the Romney reunion now and will finish when I get back. 

---------------------------------------------------------------

Had a wonderful visit with many out-of town'ers in this family. Four families of Miles P. Romney were represented by as many as 82 from each of two families. I represented mine as an after thought but I was alone so they at least recognized me. I like to help a little financially because the family have always been good to me and I enjoy meeting those I have known for a lifetime. Junius was honored too having turned 90 this year..

I am deep in genealogy (ancestral lines) yet hope to turn over the responsibility to some one else next year. I have enough to do to finish whittling down Aunt Theresa's books to a few unfinished sheets-about a couple of hundred. 

I get through a day's work by taking a sedative in the morning and I sleep well at night with a nap occasionally in the daytime. Love to hear from you. I love you all dearly and long to see you. 

I surely enjoyed the snapshots on the Lake. 

The new Boat???

You haven't lost ambition or love of sports have you Luther: it shows in your family. 

God bless all of you wherever you are or whatever you may be doing. Keep well and use good judgement in planning through these busy and hectic years. Life is moving along so fast and my age group passing on faster than I thought possible. I feel an urgency in the things I do. 

I have a "Quasar" TV I am enjoying when I need a bit of relaxation. It is paid for and I am quite content when I come home after a hard day. 

I take my noon meal at the Lion House so otherwise I get along beautifully. My left hand is going through the cycle the other one has left behind -roughness - nails pulling away from finger tips and generally weakened. So I am well aware I haven't much time left. I cannot keep my house up too well but as long as I can get by I'll spare myself where I can. The Lord has been very kind to me and He will allow me to work as long as He thinks best. 

Would you like me to send you the ancestral lines I have done this year: Or wait until you come home again. I am hurrying to minimize the collection Aunt Theresa left by checking collateral lines with the Archives and destroy their counterparts in sheets. We begin in October to use the Giant system. Did you receive the "Deseret News section with pictures of  our world wide guests in the middle section? 

I must get to Church now- it is the Sabbath day and fortunately I can still get a ride back and forth. 

Love---Mom

 Sunday - August 17, 1969 

Dearest R.R. family: 

I wish I had words to tell you how much I appreciate you all and the time you take to participate. Every week brings a little change in out lives because of the happenings and feelings of each of us. The world is not very wide when we can reach out and touch each other with understanding in matters that concern all of us. 

Now, what in the world am I talking about? World Conference on Records. I feel transformed after witnessing 45 countries get together on common ground about a vital matter that concerns the entire universe where people congregate. The Scot in his "kiltie" the big burly Russian who read his paper with his interpreter in the background - the Island people - Japan, China, England, France, Belgium, and many, many others all interested in what we have stored in our mountains (records of the nations of the earth) where it would be hard to reach by earthly means. All are interested in saving their own - they know what wars can do with the calamities that follow. 

The Conference was so successful they talk of having one every year. The Salt Palace could handle a much heavier crowd. It's a great building. Next year everything will be in a finished state with lovely plantings and more beautiful than ever. We surely needed this giant addition for big crowds. 

Hope you all received the church supplement with a middle spread of some of the dignitaries, I have a book showing all the dignitaries or visitors who were teaching classes for the conference. 

We are having a Sunday afternoon rain splash. It doesn't last  long. It has been really hot here this month.  I am faced with some really important decisions to make and have not too much time for it. Well you forgive me for a short letter?

I am under a bit of pressure this week - a conference with my lawyer Vernon Romney about sizing up my assets to satisfy Mt. Fuel on a government ruling. Don't ask me about it till I get some answers. 

Will expect to see you Bea next week? Mike's "quickie" visit was appreciated - what little time he was here - I was asleep and visited him next morning while he ate some breakfast. Right --Mike? Come again- any time, Love you one and all. 

Your mother and Grandmother Mom

Sep 10, 1969

Dearest family 

I have been moving at a regular pace trying to catch up with my correspondence. That is "low progress for me" I am none the less appreciative of your birthday offering - you are too generous and I know about your budget - Another child and a college student. We are real proud of Marilu's record and we look for her return soon. She is a lovely girl and will make a place for herself - building on a foundation her parents have made for her. She certainly has pluck and endurance to stick to a job like hers this summer. Your folks, Wickie, told me the rough side of her surroundings. (Marilu-I worked part of that summer at a Frito Lay chip factory, boxing bags of Fritos for shipment. the plant was very noisy and hot, as the Fritos were frying just next to where we were boxing the newly filled bags. It was swing shift and didn't leave time for anything but work and sleep. I made minimum wage, $1.68 an hour) They dropped in to see me a few minutes the other day. Colleen has worked here the last two months & made enough to pay $40.00 tithing. She is staying on at Bountiful to be close to her work until she has to go to Logan. Has to appear before a committee as to whether they will accept her this year or not. She spent part of last year at Jr. College in Arcadia but once again the Communist instructor made it unbearable & she quit. The Rileys had a week's vacation here and Ray went fishing most of the time. "Scotty" too. I had a few short visits with Bea & she spent two or three nights here. It was so good to have a little contact with her. Dennis & Mike both expecting New babies - looks like twins for Sharon & Dennis. 

Ken is home from Mexico again and back to school problems. I am planning on going to Mexico City for Christmas with Ken. It's an ideal time & I fear it will be my last chance to go anywhere. I am quite lame & if I go anywhere I need help. I went to American Fork last week with Rebecca to Grant Ivins 80th birthday open house. His son lives there & entertained. It was wonderful to visit with so many cousins who also had cousins who were not cousins of mine????? Also we had dinner with the Farnsworths in Provo Sat night (you remember Maurine F. (Aunt Elinor's & Uncle Murkins daughter) Beverly & family were there. Pat came with her family all but Marsh & Gordon. We had a delightful visit -Nan & Hugh too. 

Guess I'd better quit now & give you a chance to take a breath. 

I am at low ebb this month financially because I just paid for my new Color T.V. :Quasar" I am enjoying it very much indeed. There are times I cannot work at evening time. I am making progress on Aunt Theresa's many volumes of collateral names, all of which (or most anyway) can be burned because the sheets (duplicates are in the Archives. I was so crowded I had to do something. 

The new card system will be in operation next month & I want to be ready. Thanks dear ones for all you have done for me - I never put on hose in the mornings but I think of you, Wickie - you are a darling & so thotful & generous. 

I am getting along well if I rest enough. The old spasms are back again in my feet - that is a signal to take more rest. 

Lu, I am having a lot of "pushing" to get all my mortgages changed to my name alone in order to avoid later problems. None of us realized its importance. Keep well - my love flows out to you & prayers for your safety & welfare - As always Mom

Sunday - Oct 26, 1969

Dearest Wickie, Lu and the boys: 

I assume Marilu is back to the "Y" although I have not heard in so many words that she is nor have I heard from the folks at Layton. I hope all is well and that she is settled safely and oriented. 

Lu, you know how I appreciate even a part of a letter if you know what I mean. Any little bit of yourself I realize is extra in your life. More and more your pattern becomes much like your fathers'. You have to go when you are called. I hope they can leave your Sundays alone. 

I hesitate writing letters now since my brain gallops along much faster than the fingers. But I will try to give you the things you want to hear. Your sons are all wrapped up in Subject matter and learning as well as the extras that go along - the "here and now" of things. I look forward to a visit with them soon. 

Just now I had a call from Marilu from Layton - she had been over Friday but of course I was in the library as usual. On Saturday I was free all day and had a lecture (B.Y.U. sponsored) in the evening. So, I did not hear from her until just now (3 P.M.) We will arrange something for Thanksgiving week-end. 

I have been very busy doing a check-up on Eyring and Bommeli records in the Archives and preparing to send these second hand sheets to send on to St. George Temple library where many people can benefit. Then I will begin the Computer system of cards for my regular program - the ones who have not had their ordinances done. To keep abreast of four - No, Five different families is a real challenge. I am getting some help from a few faithful members who will do a job here and there because our researchers are very loath to supervise as they have done for years. It is a long, long story. 

Kathy is getting a physical checkup now to fit her for any kind of job. There is an opening at the Gen. library for more young girls. Her uncle, Delbert Roach said they had three or four openings now since many of their staff had gone back to school. Whether she will be ready when they are I do not know. It would be impossible through the medium of a letter to tell you about Kathy's prospects. She did get her High School diploma but she still seems quite deficient in the capacity for meeting life (can go into ecstasy over stray cats, puppies, etc.) her eyes and ears have both to be examined thoroly. She shows a definite deficiency in her thinking - scattered interests. A vocational school might fit and some have suggested that. We have some good ones here. She is not interested in church anymore, Laura and Gordon - the same. I am not welcome as an advisor. I can understand that especially in Marshall's case. Pat is trying to love him in to performing his duties but never has he been back to his priesthood meetings. I invited Pat to go to the temple with me but she would be accused of neglecting her family. Her job is at a standstill just now. 

I am starting back to the temple in the morning. I have been a long time getting back myself because of such a heavy girdle to wear for my back. I almost had to lay down to put it on correctly. Of late I was so loaded with the genealogy activity I found I had to get through a huge load of ancestral material in order to tackle the new system. I am right up to it now where I can ship all these collateral line sheets to the St. George Temple library where the Snows began. They do not process our sheets any more but the card system will do the job ten times as fast. 

The Bennetts have never been to the temple since they came home from Illinois and I felt sure if she could go then Marshall might too but he has neglected his Priesthood meetings so long I do not know if he could get a recommend. 

Bea crocheted vests for colleen and Sue while she was here. So Marilu is having one too! Well they are nearly back to a Man's attire - We oldsters in our generation seem to have nothing to say any more. At least we do not have to copy yet.

I am so glad you have plenty of love in your home. Rejoice and be glad - cherish it . nothing else takes it's place. I have a difficult role watching some of the members of my family in their search for self gratification at the expense of principles we should have in our lives. 

I feel a great need to talk to you Luther - Maybe you can come home next summer? Mostly I can throw off this feeling of "foreboding" but most people in my generation are suffering from it - we have a great following of righteous young people ready for the fight 

I have been painting three water colors for a friend of Nan Crutchfiled's from Canada. All summer I have not been able to go to Holladay to work with my instructor so I've been on my own. 

Ken & I have given up the Xmas trip to Mexico City - can't get reservations. We may go Easter time. 

My general condition is the same health - wise I take Anacin tablets for daytime use and sleep well as a rule. The arthritis (if it is that) has a pretty good hold on me and my left hand is beginning the cycle the right has traveled. I am becoming accustomed to it so I do not expect too much of myself. My hands are very sensitive & I have given u the majority of household tasks requiring wet work or strength of any kind. When I can dispose of the bulk of my genealogical library I will move into a smaller apt. It might be a good idea not to have the boys read this letter. Use your own good judgment. 

Love you all with my whole heart, Mom

Mailed Nov 18, 1969

Luther my dearest son: 

The calendar declares you have a birthday in a day or two. I think I have missed you more this year than ever before. Please take care of your health and slow down if possible. If money matters prick you at times let me help you. I pray for all of you each morning, noon & night - all of us need  encouragement - the air is tense with anxiety and L.D.S. people are trying to keep a listening ear for advice & instruction keeping our children busy in wholesome activity. 

Please take care each day all of you - so much depends upon our generation of grandchildren whom Satan is intent upon destroying. We have a multitude of fine young people if we can keep them out of the clutches of the evil one. 

Denny & Sharon have their second son born Oct. 31. Mike & Myrna's first was born Oct 1. They are respectively Thaddeus Harrison & Riley (Mike & Myrna's) and Christopher Hall Riley (Dennis & Sharon's) Fine lads, both of them. That's what Bea says. That makes 3 ggrandchildren for us. 

Anna Lee Corbridge (Cornella's daughter) came down last week with her husband (Dale (Carbridge) who suffered a heavy stroke. Just taken out of intensive care and all of us are hopeful he will improve with time. If the priesthood can bring him back certainly we can look forward to the healing process. All his brothers (6 I think) have been in and out - all faithful & loyal to each other. 

Anna sleeps here at night - I've enjoyed her so much. Colleen & Sue came down Friday night - stayed here slept 11 hrs. Sat. & visited that evening - went back to Logan today. First time I've had the girls to myself - these two are very congenial with each other. 

Marilu came up last week but called me when she was leaving for Provo again. I am always home early mornings & in the evenings except on Saturday night when I attend a lecture in a season's series. I hope we can get together Thanksgiving time. 

I am "hanging on" with a regular schedule - going to the temple every Monday morning. I have been truly blessed and I feel the Lord is answering the prayers the priesthood offered in my behalf. I cannot begin to tell you how the records fall into place - records by the dozen. It is an experience of a lifetime. I expect to live till the curtain falls. 

I love you so dearly and hope your work isn't pushing unduly. pressures just ruin the nervous system. This is my advice to Wickie. I love you all - hug the boys for me. 

Affectionately, Mom   Package on the way. 

Mailed Nov 24, 1969

Dearest Wickie: 

On the eve of your birthday Nov. 29th I am wishing you a happy birthday in every way - but most of all I am thanking you for the care and love you have given my son, always conscious of his needs and your part in furthering his professional interests as well as personal. 

You are the woman above all others who has placed his welfare above your own desire. God bless you through another year. 

Lovingly, Mom (Book under separate cover)