Beatrice Snow Winsor Letters to Wickie & Lu and Family-1968

 Saturday, January 13, 1968

Dear Wickie, Lu, and the children: 

Your two letters coming very close to each other arrived this week, they were so very welcome - we miss you all and I know you are missing Lu. It's a good thing we cannot see ahead too far or we'd not have courage to face our problems. I hope Luther's call will be only routine - it would be a shame to have to uproot a family just settled as you are. Of course you have always had to face that crisis so if it would bring you west there would be satisfactions too. 

The matter of birthdays has bothered me since I found I have not recorded Brian's in my new book. I must have missed his birthday. The dollar enclosed is his and once more I know I am growing old. I like your picture Brian and Marilu you grow more beautiful every six months. Thanks for your sweet letters - also Mark. Would you like me to send you a manual that describes what should go into your book of remembrance?

The fillers for the Book of Remembrance Books were different than those you saw when you were here but the important ones were included. 

The chocolates were as usual delicious and we used them as you specified. Thank you so much and Dad thanks you too for the things you planned for him. Wish I could talk to you all but I am short on finger strength and general weakness. My day ends by noon time - I hope I'll gain in strength as the weeks roll by. My hand is broken out all over now and Bea's formula of lily cactus juice stops the itching and it takes a long while to heal. I had a frightening experience while Bea was here last week (she had taken Colleen to Logan for college registration) in a snowstorm but returned intact though frightened all the way. When I got up in the morning I started a conversation with Bea and found my words tumbling out without any meaning. I persisted for several hours - then after I lay down and rested a while I seemed normal again. My doctor told me if it recurred again he wanted me in the hospital immediately. They have learned how to arrest these small strokes. I have worried about Dad for so long without being aware of it. Pat has not had a care to take me back and forth even once a week so I've had to rely on friends. My cousin from Delta has been here a couple of days and we have been working on genealogy most of the time. From  here on I will have to confine my work to a few hours per day. If I have a nap I am all right. 

As far as Dad is concerned he doesn't suffer - if they can keep him from falling he gets along very well. This week he is quite coherent - he was very co-operative when Bea was here. She has a way with her that draws him out and we can tell what he is thinking about. He has a new man in his room now. He doesn't hear well but other wise quite compatible. His name is Babcock and Muriel says he is the father of her friend's daughter-in-law. I hope he stays on. 

If you can send Lu this sheet he will appreciate it I know. 

We love you very much and look forward to our next meeting. I went to the Mortuary last night for Wally Toronto (mission president still to the Czechoslovakian people in bondage). Bea's dear friend Helen was his sister. And his family our neighbors in University ward. Give our love to Lu and tell him you are all in our prayers and I know all will be ell. 

A hug for each one of you, 

Lovingly,

Grandmother Winsor

Wickie, please do not overdo this work. Just leave it long enough and Lu will find time. After all we cannot get into heaven any sooner than there is room for us. You have long work days ahead and need a reserve of strength. 

Note:  

Monday January 15, 1968

Dearest Lu and Wickie: I am writing a few carbon notes this morning to let you know that your father is in a deep Coma this morning. He cannot last long. Do not plan to come home until we call you by phone or telegram. He had a heavy stroke yesterday followed by a smaller one. Cannot swallow very good - in fact refused all food yesterday. We are standing by - Pat's baby is quite sick so she is handicapped. I can get back and forth. 

Love you, Mom

Luther Murkins Winsor passed away three days later on January 18th 1968, three days before his birthday. He would have been 84 years old on January 21st

Postcard

Feb 11-1968

Dear Ones; I thank you Wickie for your sweet letter  you are very thotful. I am improving each day - sleeping badly but in time I will feel myself again. What happened to the R. R. ? I'll try to write a letter in a few days. I still have so many waiting in answer to Dad's "Passing". I miss him terribly but so glad he could go on ahead of me.

I want to pay the price of your trip home * please do not refuse because I have my reasons. 

Carbon with added typed note:

Feb 18th 1968

My darling Children" Since I have a bit of Sunday in the middle of the day I am going to use it to send my love to you and let you know I am thinking of you tenderly - hoping you are all well and happy as parents can be when "teens are flying high in different directions" - or when professors and librarians are deep in other directions of great momentum. 

I wanted you to know I am nearly back to a normal pace now, having watched my daily slogan - "Don't worry, don't worry but smell the flowers on your way"  The R.R. has not yet shown up although I wrote Lu and Wickie. For some good reason it is delayed and I am sure it will be on the way shortly. I do notice a steep grade for walking or stair climbing and I am watching for short cuts.

I have used every spare hour I have up in the store room getting ready for the man Dean Peterson from Utah State who will check on all Dad's books and photographs and papers. Four weeks have passed and no sign of him.  I wrote another letter yesterday. I do not want to miss him and I am anxious to get it done. I have 100 of your fathers' "Irrigation and Flood Control" bulletins as well as sixteen books of various projects all over the country. There still others in several packages all typed up titles etc. There still stacks of film and pictures and miscellaneous maps. When this is finished this week I will breathe easier. 

Hugh and Nan have been using my tape of the funeral service to see how much is there and Nan is trying to copy the text in shorthand of the speaker. Only one speaker and a small part of the one next to him is not there. Andy's is missing two speakers. I have not heard from Rulon yet. I do not know about Luther's copy. I will keep you informed. 

In the quiet moments I find I can weep out the tears that have waited so long and I feel better after it. I keep very busy during the day - usually find time for a nap and more letters. Thank you all for your telephone calls and letters - greetings of all kinds. They are all very welcome. Wen everything quiets down I will plan to visit some of you. A friend is trying to convince me I should take a European Church Tour. In Jul. It doesn't appeal to me now. Too much "go-go" for my constitution right now. Business details are almost all taken care of now much of which reached into a couple of months from now. 

Dearest Lu and Wickie: 

I am sure you must know how much I appreciate your letters and special cards when you are short on time. I guess Lu, you have been "on the go" since you arrived home. Did you remember the R. R. was still resting at your place: Maybe it is on its way now. How did your tape come out? The others are all missing one and some two speakers. Hugh and Nan have been playing mine to see what is missing there. It seems one and part of another is missing. Nan is trying to do a shorthand job of it and take off other copies because Andy wants a whole one (two of them). I cannot play mine of course without a machine. I haven't heard how Rulon' tape came out. 

I mailed you a copy of a "life" article both of you should read. It describes Dad's case through the years of the wrong diet and the need for avoiding the animal fats. Will you return the article when you have read it? You can use the same envelope I think. I hope Luther you like your new Scout position and will be able to serve accordingly. God bless you in it. Wickie, maybe your release will be a blessing. You must not force your physical to go into high speed - not even at your age. The letter above seems quite ambiguous. I hope you can make out its meaning. Pres. Chase Dean Peterson to send a man from his office to get these things and they have procrastinated so long. I hope you will let me know when the best time to come to Atlanta would be. I hope to feel stronger before I commit myself to any travel. I love you all so very much. Mom

The Israelsons are coming in to see me tonight. They have been in California

March 26, 1968

Luther Dearest of sons:

Your letter was so welcome and I do understand how hard it is for you to write when you want to. So, I doubly appreciate it when you do take the time. I understand the procedure of the tape recording all right but it did not work for me. Col Thomas machine was so slow and stopped several times before we finished playing one side. Thomas did not get the procedure any better than I did. So, I have a friend who has been copying tape for a long time now and he put it all on one side by piecing it. 

I have been having a bad time the last few weeks keeping my good sense uppermost in order to take the "strain" of Bennett trouble. Pat has nobody to turn to except me and I would feel worse if she kept from me all her worries. Kathy has been giving her reason to start proceedings with the Church committee on delinquents. They have a very fine set-up and I feel sure if they can get started with the family counseling it will not be long before they will see results. Kathy has stayed out all night several times without reporting to her parents. So the sheriff had to be brought into it. Pat understands the set-up now and realizes that Marshall will have to be a part of the counseling whether or not he is obstinate. If he will not listen to Pat the sheriff will force him to the counsel table. They took Kathy to the Detention Center for three days - when she came home again she was told to make her own rules of conduct and abide by them. - she was on probation to her parents. If they handle her carefully it may work out.

I spent last Friday out there to help Pat with an overload of ironing - about nine hours of it. About 3 P.M. Marshall called Pat and asked if she would like to fly with him to W Palm Springs. She made it in twenty minutes to the airport and they had a marvelous time returning at midnight. She has been cooped up so long with no outlet of any kind. I had not been over there since your father left us. Marsh refused to communicate on anything and let it be known he wanted no contacts at home. He has melted some and has really begun to wake up. Until he is willing to face home responsibilities nothing will be accomplished. 

Last Friday Chris got away from me in a split second while I was in the basement. I knew Kathy said she would be just outside but she wasn't and all the children had deserted too I had nobody to look for Chris. Kathy promised to report to me if she were leaving the house As it happened she had gone off with a young fellow and taken Chris along but failed to tell me. She was real sorry when she realized what had happened. I should have said they were in this boy's car. I was thoroughly shook up. They took advantage of me, of course. I was forced to stay over night but Marshall brought me home next morning on his way to the airport. 

I am trying hard to dismiss my fears when I come home and pay attention to the things that must be done. The management have had my annual house cleaning done & we are clean again for another year. The dirt in the window screens was black and when they are replaced they will probably wait another two years. If a smaller apartment is available some time this year I may take it. 

I am so happy Marilu is to have a year at the B.Y.U. I hope it will be a happy one. If I can help financially to give her a good start please let me. It means so much to her. It looks like you did not get the word about Dad's books, etc. Dean Peterson's office sent a young man and a young Iranian down with a car to take all the boxes and war weapons from Iran for the new library. I sent pictures of your father to go with each collection. It was  just like Dad to have everything in readiness and classified as to project and illustration. I sent films too along with each one. The boys were delighted. I even sent the tapestry where if I kept it here it would soon go to pieces. I found it falling apart in many places. The picture of the Isphahan mosque Dad had in his room was a favorite with the young professor-Isphahan was his home. He danced around the room when he saw it. 

So this is the end of the trail as far as your Dad's earthly things are concerned and I am sure he would be pleased. Not once did he mention to me the orderly way he had boxed up all these precious memories of his long hard struggle with nature and people Never have I appreciated him more than I do now. I am trying now to make his scrap books speak and arrange to have them available when you children want to go over them. 

I am planning to go to California about the middle of April -first to Ken's - then on up the line lastly to Polly's where I can really relax and paint.  They will be moved before that and want me to stay as long as I wish. But I intend to be home again by the first of June. I do not want to get caught in the hot part of the summer. 

I asked when I wrote Wickie last when was a good time to go to Atlanta?  But if she told me I do not remember - I thot your best months were in the spring. Would the fall be a good time? 

I miss you all so very much and look forward to a visit as soon as I can. The business I have had to wind up is about finished except a conference with Vernon about my will etc. That should do it. One of the mortgages from the old place is being transferred to another piece of property. 

I hope you are weathering the mad rush that comes with family problems. Keep close to the Lord all of you. I love you for hanging on to the scouting, Lu. Remember My Prayers for you never stop and these will speak for us at the throne of God. He will hear them. 

I love you all - Take care of each other. 

Your Mom

I had an experience this week at the library that I will not soon forget. A young woman just beginning her research was seated in a certain place and felt impelled to change her seat which brought her to my tale. She saw my pedigree and asked my name. I found she was a Snow also a Winsor. She had been fasting & praying for help. 

Postcard: 

April 6 1968

Luther & Wickie

Dears - I am so busy with details of living & getting things done before I leave on the evening of the 19th (Fri) for San Bernadino etc. I mailed the Books of Remembrance for Brian & Wayne Saturday realizing their birthdays come in December. If there is something missing let me know & I'll try to get them to you. They change specials on the table at Deseret Book real often. I've had some difficulty getting adjusted to new times & size of checks coming in. My nervous system still jangling. 

I love you, Mom Conference wonderful. It rained every day. 

Letter written on notebook paper in pencil

Fri May 24, 1968 Myers Point via Ft. Bragg Calif

Dearest Wickie & Lu & family. 

You seem so far away now from this point. Juist received your letter Wickie from Woodland. Jim sent over here. I have wondered about you, it's been so long. I know the loss of several letters last time R. R. went around and Pat was 3 wks late sending it on. So we are just now getting it on its way. I thot I should catch you up on general details. Pat has to be home almost constantly to stand guard over her family and see to it the counseling proceeds at the right time. She is almost worn out with having little or no help from the older girls or her husband. He is now participating with his part of the program but no time to function as a father. This means disaster unless something changes in their planning and his job is a little more adaptable to family needs. The complete responsibility has rested on Pat's shoulders. 

I should have broken down myself if I hadn't left town when I did. I've had to forget everything pertaining to the case. I think I am in pretty good shape to take up my load again. 

We are going to Chico Sunday to visit Janice & family & Dave & Sylvia  then back to Woodland on the plane by air Friday May 31 

I have enjoyed so much a real visit with Mike & Dennis & their wives & chasing more or less with Bea to her various meetings & a luncheon her friends gave for me. Also a D.U. P. (Daughters of the Utah Pioneers) gathering in Redlands. Many of these were also old friends of mine. Bea was involved in two wedding receptions in her home for friends of hers. 

Kenneth was glad to have me around ten days or so & while he was at school I rested and relaxed. Before leaving I accompanied him when he visited the families in his branch (he is Pres. there now & is doing very well) They like him & he knows how to approach "teens" Ken is training his Mexican counselor to take over as soon as possible. Ken & I ate our meals just as he had been doing under special treatment. A light breakfast-Fruit (unsweetened of course) at noon and a large green salad & dinner at night. Sometimes ice cream made with substitute sugar & non-fat milk. I never felt better. 

As I went through this routine I went back many years to diet problems with Dad when his diet varied so much & always with high animal fats, gravies & desserts high in sugar & starch. His arteries took this over 25-30 years. How he suffered the results! Our men could live longer & better if they would deny themselves these things & walk instead of ride. 

Polly & Jim have a lovely rustic home here atop the hill - (2 sides of glass) & the wood is especially as Dad loved it (in the natural). Dad himself was in my room the last two nights (in the early morning hrs-in his work clothes & Stetson hat)Nearly petrified me but I'm still trying to figure it out. He did not speak & the light was dim. I've wondered if something was troubling him. 

Polly has taken wonderful care of me & I occupy myself sleeping, walking every day (feet in the sand & water & warm jacket) Have painted with John Lambson every day. Jim isn't here this week but will come over tomorrow then home to Woodland next day for us all. The air is so invigorating & I feel more like myself.

I apologize for this paper. I forgot my pen. My love to all of you. I miss you. Mom

Thanks for your letter Wickie. It's good to hear details of your living. When are you going to be home for a couple of weeks Wickie? I'd like to come out your way in the fall maybe. 

Saturday, June 8, 1968

Dearest Wickie and Lu and the children: 

I have been home a week and am just about caught up with necessary business details and with only a few details missing. When you leave home for six weeks there's quite a lot of loose ends waiting. I found Marilu's announcement of her graduation which goes into the book of remembrance of my children. Congratulations to you darling and I'm sure you will have a wonderful year at the B.Y.U.  My prayers have been answered once more. I am grateful for your faithful devotion to the church and I know the Lord will bless you and guide your future. Colleen has had a rewarding year at the Utah State. Just one quarter it has been but she had a good seminary teacher and he gave her inspiration. She participated in a beautiful service where many hundreds of girls met in assembly (L.D. S. Girls) called together for a special reason. All over the church where they can these meetings are being planned to prepare the girls for a world without men who will be called to defend their country etc. They see ahead many things that we do not fully understand but this is vital now in our lives and the young women will have a role to play in it. 

I appreciate too, Wickie the lovely slip for Mother's Day. I wish I could wear it but even the elastic would not reach around me. As it is, I am having trouble with wearing the foundation garment I have now and I am on a special diet to keep from gaining. It is frustrating but I will hold it until you come home and maybe you or Marilu can wear it. I felt your love at Mother's Day time when I sat at Bea and Ray's table that day and wished you were all there. I never feel the lack of love from my children no matter where I go. Thank you for so many evidences you have given to us always. 

I am wondering if you received the last two "Books of Remembrances" I sent the boys I am sure you must have done but so much time has passed I should hate to lose them. 

I had a wonderful six weeks on the dot with the four children on the coast, I was pretty well exhausted as to nerves when I left. I stayed with Ken all told about ten days - he was in school on the school days of course but I just rested and slept when I felt like it. Ken took me with him to visit some of his Mexican families who needed help (one with ten children). I also had a chance to meet his first year students in an evening award affair and luncheon with a program. They were wonderful and already they were convinced he was a "fabulous" teacher. I went to Bea's in between to a special Relief Society affair where I met many old friends and stayed a few days watching her put over a wedding reception in her home because the mother was not well. Back to Ken's again where I attended church with Ken and participated in a testimony meeting wishing I could speak the Spanish. Some of them could understand the English. 

Ken was invited to bring me out to dinner in the home of one of his students (Mexican and Roman Catholic) We both enjoyed it very much and marveled at the care and attention they gave to their children to further their interests. They appreciate Kenneth and seemed to understand his problems - talked at the dinner table for two hours. Have a lovely home. 

Back to Bea's for a few days including Mother's Day - then I went to Daughters of Utah Pioneers with her at a beautiful home on the farm of the Robinson's their good friends. Met other old friends I would never have seen otherwise. 

I took a plane to the Oakland airport where Mip and Mary met me. Stayed two days and enjoyed and their lovely little home and glorious grounds of their own making - enjoyed it to the limit although they were at work all day. I really rested. Stayed two days. They will be passing through here on the 27th of June on their way to the Flaming Gorge so we'll see them then again. 

The following week-end I went to Ft. Bragg and spent more than a week - enjoyed the new home on the rocks - two sides in glass. Beautiful scenery everywhere. I painted with John Lambson every day and learned many tricks with the brush from him. Even when it rained we sat in the car to work. Had a long walk every morning in the sand and water on the beach. The hoarseness I have had so long disappeared Went to Chico to visit briefly with Janice and Joe and the children. They are all well and busy -their home hospitable and welcoming. About a week from to night they will be coming this way and spend the night with me and go on to Michigan next morning for a wedding - Joes' brother's wedding. They will return this way and spend more time with us seeing Salt Lake.

Will you be bringing Marilu to Provo next fall? If so, do you think I could go back with you for a couple of weeks providing You, Wickie are not working? I would not want to put you out for a minute or make myself a burden in any way but I'd love to keep close to my families at this time...Things are very critical everywhere. Be very frank with me. 

Pat and family are moving slowly forward taking counseling from the church group that has been in service longer than I thought. Marshall has joined now and it is a long, slow progress. Kathy breaks loose once in a while - the children resent going to church regularly- Gordy now is rebellious - the boys in the ward boycotted him and he is nursing his pride. I am trying to keep hands off - have been over once - a week ago. I returned a week ago yesterday from California. 

I think I shall have to say "Bye now - it has been raining every day or two and seems like April more than June. 

Lovingly, Mom

I forgot to mention Dave.- He came to visit us at Jan's. His wife up and left him for no rhyme or reason. He is giving her the summer to make up her mind - seems a school girl fancy or wanting to play around a bit longer. Hard to explain in a letter. So I did not meet her while there. Do you blame me for wanting to keep in touch with the members of my family.?????

2 July 1968

Dearest Children: 

This is a cool summer morning - it is a long time since we have had such weather. It warms up during the day and sometimes becomes hot but we have had few such days. 

It was a real joy to read your letters that arrived last Saturday. I must get this over to Pat by mail today so she can do her share before too much time passes by. All of you are going hither and yon so I hope it means you are refreshed and ready for whatever comes. Life is most unpredictable with all of us. Michael, I must congratulate you for your determination school-wise. Keep up with it regardless of the obstacles. You will not be sorry. Thanks Myrna for your letter and the cheer it brought this way. 

The Davis' family should arrive here by next Sunday but I have not yet heard from them. We hope to do a few things tourist-wise and see Salt Lake. "Promised Valley" is beginning now at the summer theatre over here. There's a small train going and back from Saltair - Temple Square - "The City at Night". and day time too. 

Luther your letter was a bit disturbing at first but as I read it again I can see it is going to be profitable all round. I hope you will not be uprooted again from your new home. As to the trip if I go to Atlanta I will pay my own way thank you dear. I am feeling much better and am "up to my ears" in many things. Had the Eyring reunion last Saturday. It was preparing to rain but held off long enough to hold our program and have lunch. I had a lot of material to give the family this time and I had worked overtime to get it ready. (the genealogy sheets.) You will get these later on. 

Polly, I found my toaster over to Z.C.M.I. It's real nice and I can broil my meat beautifully. It can be turned over to do the other side. 

Kathy and Laura spent two days and nights here with me. They enjoyed the quiet and slept all the hours they wanted and shopped with their eyes to their hearts' content. I was working on genealogy most of the time so they cleaned up for me. 

I hope to go up to Anna lee Corbridge's place in Soda Springs (she is Aunt Theresa's granddaughter ). Maybe this week or next. She wants me to make a water color of their place. It is dear to her heart and I promised. I go by bus and it is by way of Preston Idaho. I have not been able to go out to Deanas' to paint because Delsa Has been on vacation ever since I returned home. I've worked at home though and painted two pictures for two weddings. One was for Alice Mitchell;s daughter (Aunt Louise' great granddaughter) the other Harold Snow's ggdaughter. The Kimballs had a wedding too but I could not get there - getting around by bus at night is "taboo". Our bus lines are planning now to discontinue service on four lines after 8 p.m.

Well dear ones, I miss you all - I still think of the wonderful visit I had with you all and appreciate your kindness and your love. 

Take care of yourselves and keep your standards high for living. 

Love to one and all of you until I see you again. 

Mom and Grandma

July 14th 1968

Dearest ones: I have been re-reading your letters and feel guilty not answering before. But I have been going so fast and hard trying to fit everything into place with plans other people have for me it has really taught me to follow my own outline. It works. 

I went up to Soda Springs a week ago and visited at Anna Lee's and Dale Corbridge's home. Went up with her sister Kay and husband and new baby in their car. They have been at the B.Y.U. two years. Jim finished his Master's Degree and has a job now at Anaheim Calif. At least that is where he will live - I believe he is to teach at the University at L.A. 

I stayed two days there and traveled two days, arrived home the night before Janice and Joe came back from Michigan. They were gone so long they had only one day for us. Lani and Mark went along (Joe's brother's wedding was a gala affair) and there were scads of relatives to see. They had a wonderful trip and will always remember it. We spent the day - half of it on Temple Square and then Lunch and dinner over to the Bennetts. Joe & Family left at 5 A.M. next morning. 

Kathy had gone to California with a friend of her Rantoul Illinois period. We have tried to keep her away from this crowd she has been going around with. They have no life in the ward to speak of. The two girls have been over here a couple of nights. Kathy is highly keyed up and her nerves are raw. Pat will just have to get along without her help until she unravels herself. 

Thanks so much for giving me a taste of little things concerning the children. I am glad they like their books. Could you wait Wickie until I come back to see you and I'll bring some samples with me and sheets to illustrate as well as instructions. It would take more time than I now have to do anything to help you. I am making all new sheets for the Snow family pedigree and will bring some along. I paid yesterday for my attempt to do more than I should. The dizzy spells came back (preliminary to blackouts) so it took a little time to realize there is a limit. 

(Marilu- did Grandma Beatrice have stress exacerbated temporal lobe epilepsy? That would shed some light on my own five year bout with it. Mine was triggered by stress and fatigue.  I have a stepdaughter who has TL Epilepsy that manifested in dizzy spells and eventually black outs, so it sounds similar) 

I am convinced Luther that you are growing by this change in your activity and I know you will find the means to make it function for good. Your letters from Cape Hatteras were so good I am going to send them on to Polly and down the line. Hope you do not mind. 

We had a funeral service yesterday in our ward for Bro. Marler (a saintly person if there ever was one) whom you may remember. He is the father of Dean Barney's wife Gwen. Dean was and is the Bishop of our S. Highland Park ward. 

Please remember me in your prayers - I need them - I have a gigantic job of making some 25 new copies of the Snow pedigree in family sheet form and bundles to sell at our reunion this month. If I can make it successfully I can feel at ease about leaving the job to others when I am gone. I am doing the same for the Eyrings. So many are lacking in information that Aunt Theresa failed to finish. 

Do take care of each other and write when you have time - Lovingly, Mom

Friday, August 23, 1968  

Dear ones: 

I am mailing your picture in a tube today. It will be easy to remove and I do not think you will have any trouble. This was very difficult to do - and it isn't a faithful copy but I hope you will enjoy it. The original Kodak picture is so beautiful I hesitated to do it. 

We are having a turbulent August here in Utah - a small tornado this week up Ogden way - wind and rain almost daily. It is more like October of the old days. 

I am very busy with my typewriter daily trying to finish the Snow pedigree in family sheets. I find very few of these were done by Aunt Theresa but all are cousins or some relation to the same families. There is a lot of adjustment to make in bringing them up-to-date in form and extra research for some. They are very precious. As soon as I finish I will do Grandmother Snows' and begin work on a Winsor line. I am scheduled to go to another funeral service at noon and I have more letters to answer. I expect Bea up here next week or later. Ray's mother has had on e stroke and could have more any time so since it is her birthday this month they want to come anyway. I have a dizzy spell once in a while and my back seems no stronger than six months ago. I guess I am lucky to be here and I'm not complaining. I keep the same weight and eat right because I know I have to if I want to keep going. 

Cornellas' son Ted and family called to see me the other day. They live in Barstow Calif. Family come to see me frequently whom I would never see if I were not in this location. I hesitate to change to a small apartment because I need the space for genealogical supplies and my painting. So I go on because new renters are paying more for the small ones anyway. Financially I am doing very well. I am trying to keep one account at high interest rates so by economical processes I can live quite normally. 

I long to see you all and sometimes have a right good "crying jag" but it is soon over and I am in the groove again. I love you all dearly and proud of your accomplishments. Lovingly, Mom

Monday Morning - Sep 9, 1968

Dearest Lu and Wickie: 

Your letter was so welcome and enjoyed and re-read. I.e. your letter, Lu this time. Thank you for the advice and suggestions as to the trip I had planned. You are right of course and I can see your point of view. Right now is a critical time for you and for all of us. I have an annual check-up scheduled for this week so I will feel easier about myself at least and have my eyes open on the matter. There is no way to ease my load but to cut it and rest more. I try not to worry about the future of my grandchildren but everywhere I turn there is a job to do that might help them. I respond to such calls readily - we have our share here in Salt Lake. I have a survey to make here in our building on :"Liquor by the drink" which is on our ballot in November. Phil Hansen is determined to put over this immoral thing just to make money for himself and the criminal element in the city. He has tried many a criminal and won every time setting him Scott free to prey on his victims again. As long as our laws are not enforced Satan has his day. 

I will look for Marilu's coming this week-end. It will be wonderful just knowing she is close by. Tell her I want her to know we are on call anytime. Theresa Marie's son Frank came in for a chat last night. He is at L.D.S. hospital interning now. The family just returned from Hawaii last week and called briefly. Bea and Ray were here to see Ray's mother who had had a stroke - she needs her family around and nothing pleases her like a visit from Ray. All the children came too. There was "fishing" for days while Bea spent the time with me. The children stayed with Mother Riley and Helen who came home to be with her mother to give her sister a break. Their families went up to Heber Valley and the Bennetts with them. - spent several days and had a wonderful time. They spent Sunday up there and held their Sunday School and the Sacrament with a testimony meeting. Bea said that was worth all the effort to get there. Kathy and Laura stayed home with Chris. During the week Ray and the girls Bea and I went to Logan. Colleen had to get her status with the authority involved at Utah State about her standing since they failed her with an F. It seems Colleen did not report discontinuing her Physical Education class - she really did not start so lost that much. All told, she has seventeen credits to make up and will not be admitted again for a year at which time they thought she would be prepared and more mature & able to face problems. They were very nice about it when they understood the situation because her morale was at a very low ebb and to have this added to her load of problems it was too much for Colleen. 

I took the large picture of the Isfhan Mosque up to the Utah State Library Reception room where your father's exhibit is located in a case with the Iranian implements of war and the tapestry. It looks very nice and the reception room is very gay in three greens and yellow. In the library they are classifying the photographs of his projects and other things so they can be easily studied. The young man in charge is a very likeable young fellow and he will do a good job. Dr. Bishop from the engineering offices is an older man and he tells me that they are having Everett Thorpe do pencil sketches of the Engineering staff who have made names for themselves. The one O Israelson (who died last May) is finished - it is a composite of many photographs and very well done. In due time they will be ready for your Dad's photos. Bishop comes from Millard County - we had quite a visit on that subject. 

I hadn't intended to go on and on so I must get on my way - I love you so much and I would love to see you again but I can wait - I can understand Wickie's position.

I hope Wickie, you will guard your health and save yourself wherever you can. About my fare should I plan to go somewhere on a trip. I will not touch these bonds unless there is a great need or unless they should be cashed in. Lovingly, Mom

October 8th 1968

Dearest Wickie and Lu: 

At last I am going to start answering your letters- Lu's from Tennessee and yours Wickie from home. I am weary from conference pressures and I do not think too well when there is confusion or too many door bells. Ken was here for the three days and faithful to attend all his meetings, since his superiors sent him for that purpose. He enjoyed it so much. The conference was special this year. I'll send you some clippings if I can. 

Thanks so much for the superfine stationary, Wickie - I can always use it. You know it was not necessary of course. My birthday is never so important that you must express it in terms of "things" Just a greeting does so much for my heart hunger - I love and appreciate all of you and we all are conscious of "family" no matter what comes in the way. 

The Rileys were here for the week-end so Ken Pat and I went to Bountiful for a short "open house" call in the afternoon in honor or Ray's mother who was celebrating her ninetieth birthday. All the children were there with their families and we met some new relatives and came home while conference was getting ready for the next session. We were over to the Bennett's Sunday evening - a late dinner. Ken had taken the plane home at 2 p.m. Bea stayed there with the children over night and left early the next morning for home. Ray had gone to Alabama Sunday morning early. 

Here - I forgot Relief Society and I had to get my clothes on in a hurry and get out at a certain place to help a 90 year old neighbor into a car etc. Now I am back again - called my doctor Ershler for the last word on my "dizzy spells". he says if they come again he will give me some medication that will help. It's a sort of imbalance in circulation. I know little more than I did before. Just live normally and rest regularly. 

It was a treat to see how poised and leisurely Marilu appears - she seems much older in that respect for her years. She will make some man a wonderful wife. Congratulations to you!

Your letter Lu was most interesting and informative. I am worried about your symptoms of trouble, Wickie. I hope you can have a thorough check-up very soon. Use some of those bonds you were talking about. It couldn't be put to better use - Please.......... Diet can play havoc with these things. Get plenty of the right proteins and vitamins and avoid animal fats. I love you all dearly and want the best for you. Do not postpone important things like your health. 

Has R. Robin come to you yet: Seems like a long time. I am getting to be very lax in letter writing - cannot connect my thots. Please forgive  me and hope for some improvement. 

It is getting colder now and one needs protection from that as well as from the wind. So many funerals and people who need help and encouragement. Irene Wooton who has been hospitalized with her second hip break. her brother is your Stake President. My cousin Florence Ivins Hyde buried her husband last week and her daughter (cancer) this week. She herself has a back like mine (she tried looking after her husband at home). And on and on. 

I am doing fine except my strength doesn't last in spite of good sleeping and good food. When you lose in spite of care it means you are getting old. 

Is the young Indian boy still with you? How do you manage everything? I am reconciled not to travel East as you advised Lu. The coast has been good for me and I am sure isn't that which could hurt me. It's the travel I guess and the uncertainties of travel. Write when you can and do not worry if you can't.

My love to all the boys and let them know I Love Them. Yours always, Mom 

I've been painting flowers (Marigolds & zinnias.) There's a boy downstairs who sells pictures for 1/3 profit. 

Handwritten on blank greeting card: 

Nov 10, 1968

Dearest Ones!

Thank you again for your quick letter Lu when you should have been sleeping. It is good to make communication anyway. I hope you are keeping up your optimistic side of life & will be ready for most anything in the future. The news media certainly isn't helping much. All the world would be boiling and they would see nothing behind it. All is well!!!! I had a group of colored 18 or 20 year old negro boys out front here at J. G. M. comfortably seated on the steps & pavement cracking jokes & carousing. I stood it for an hour -then called the police. They came in here the back way & saw them - just barely. I was terrified! Our big iron doors are wide open of course. 

I am still going at the same rate but having some trouble with my back - take a hormone shot once every 6 wks - terrific pain after it up in my shoulders. it subsides then until next time. Wish I could tell you some of my experiences genealogy wise. I thot I was going to Provo next week & might be able to see your lovely daughter. I'll write her instead since our plans are not working out. 

Handwritten on a greeting card 

Darling 

Verse printed on the card: "May this birthday be especially glad for you may you know the pleasures of all your dreams come true: May you have a long life Filled with joy and cheer- Growing ever brighter year after happy year" 

God bless you and give you the strength to fight the daily battle I pray - Yours always, Mom

Nov. 11- 1968

My dearest Luther: my memory went beserk today forgetting your birthday until I saw the flags waving as I looked out the window. I have been absorbed in so many things I have trouble with . Many dates-please forgive me.