I never will understand why children must come into this world as children and then have the nerve to act like children. As an adult in the role of parent I have reached adulthood by some miraculous propulsion, which somehow avoids the period of one's life known as childhood, or so it seems.
Have you ever noticed that adults never experienced childhood and if we did, we chose to ban it (for reasons each to his own) to the inner depths of one's memories, forever denying that childhood and that period of development known as youth ever existed.
During brief lapses of memory, adults delve into that long forgotten past period to relay sorted sketchy tales pertaining to a period which they refer to simply as "When I was your age!" (whatever age that may be). Then they produce the picture of a hard working, long suffering person who is perpetually self-sacrificing, mixed with continuous references to an almost reverent, God fearing relationship with a peer group known as parents.
According to the adult, childhood is a non-existent "Fantasy-Land"- a "Fairy Tale"that never really existed. Birth occurs and instantaneously is produced a self-reliant, responsible, miniature human being, who is supposed to function in an adult world- as adults, regardless of their age.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
December 9 1980
To All my Children,
Jim, Don, Ken, Kyle and TJ
Robin, Deanne, Karen, Jody and Lynn
To my Precious Grandchildren,
John and Jenny
To my Brother,
Bob
To my Mother,
And especially to my Wonderful Husband,
Bob
I would like to share some of my feelings and thoughts with you. I feel things happening to me now which I am aware of but don't seem to have any control of. My hands are growing numb but at least I don't have the severe pain in my arms. There are things beginning to happen inside my head. I am having trouble concentrating and simple things confound me. Like adding small numbers. My emotions are close to the surface. I get so angry so quickly and then wonder why. I cry at the strangest things. I sometimes fond myself thinking about the fact that I can't remember what I'm thinking about. Simple daily chores confuse me. I'll start dishes a dozen times a day and even then I may not get them done. I also find myself avoiding people. I don't want pity. I have been working so hard to do everything so when you are all here at Christmas you won't notice anything.
I suddenly realize that time ran our before my commitments did. I never did knit me a sweater. See- all the trivia I think of.
I suppose each person wonders what mark they will leave on this world. I am thinking what my children will tell their children.
I feel a need to talk to each one of you.
Jim, Don, Ken, Kyle and TJ
Robin, Deanne, Karen, Jody and Lynn
To my Precious Grandchildren,
John and Jenny
To my Brother,
Bob
To my Mother,
And especially to my Wonderful Husband,
Bob
I would like to share some of my feelings and thoughts with you. I feel things happening to me now which I am aware of but don't seem to have any control of. My hands are growing numb but at least I don't have the severe pain in my arms. There are things beginning to happen inside my head. I am having trouble concentrating and simple things confound me. Like adding small numbers. My emotions are close to the surface. I get so angry so quickly and then wonder why. I cry at the strangest things. I sometimes fond myself thinking about the fact that I can't remember what I'm thinking about. Simple daily chores confuse me. I'll start dishes a dozen times a day and even then I may not get them done. I also find myself avoiding people. I don't want pity. I have been working so hard to do everything so when you are all here at Christmas you won't notice anything.
I suddenly realize that time ran our before my commitments did. I never did knit me a sweater. See- all the trivia I think of.
I suppose each person wonders what mark they will leave on this world. I am thinking what my children will tell their children.
I feel a need to talk to each one of you.
July 1 1980
Bob and I, Kyle and TJ. went to the Temple today. Bob and I were married for all time and eternity. Kyle and TJ were sealed to us. After Kyle and TJ were taken back to the motel for Kenny to watch. Bob and I did the initiatories and endowments for my dad and his mom. That evening Kyle was baptized for my dad and I baptized for his mom. Went thru the visitors center before it closed.
June 19 1980
Graduation Day for Karen and Ken. Don picked me up at 5 PM. Graduation was exciting and short. Thank heavens they both made it.
May 5 1980
Up early to get the boys off to school. Late breakfast with Bob. Finished putting in all the garden but the potatoes. Having abdominal pains. Rested this afternoon. Rearranged Living Rm and put in new couch. did everything but dishes. Tomorrow I will do that. Robin and Mike over to talk about our trip. Bob and Mike gave me a blessing. To bed around 10 PM
May 4 1980
Area Conference Afternoon Session
Presiding Spencer W. Kimball
Conducting James E Faust
Choir "An Angel from on High"
Invocation Jessie Jackson Forbes
Choir "Sweet is the Work"
Elder Mark E Peterson presented the leaders for a sustaining vote.
Elder N Eldon Tanner
John Tanner was crippled- went to hear missionaries- was annointed and healed - and baptized.
When Prophet was in financial trouble he sold all to help the cause.
Church started =6 person- now 4,300,000
81 countries
1125 stakes
62 languages
184 missions
30,000 missionaries
5,600 meetinghouses under conctruction
6,500 + church buildings
4 Temples under construcion
2 Temples finished next year
7 Temples to be built in 1981
The church has received more opposition -
Why were they prosecuted?
1- Are we true to the faith- are we keeping the commandments? True to our covenants?
2- Do we believe in God the Eternal Father and Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost?
3- Do we live the example?
4-Do we keep the Word of Wisdom?
5- Do we strictly follow the church leaders?
6- Do we keep the Sabbath Holy?
7- Are we honest? With our tithing, children
8- Do we fulfill our callings?
9- Do we pray daily?
Sister Shirly W Thomas
Keeping a journal
Moses 2
Each day is good
All the things were created spiritually before they were naturally upon it.
Begin each day with Planning and Prayer.
It must be orderly.
Avoid being overzealous. Be patient.
Evaluate each day.
Abraham 4:18
Watch and Guide.
Choir and congregation sings "We Thank Thee God for a Prophet"
Elder Carlos Asay
What are we planting?
Are we planting for the future?
1. Righteous example
2. Prayer
3. Family Home Evening
4. Personal Interviews Alma 45
5. Do your Patriarch bless your children?
Elder James E. Faust
What to do in bad times
1. Pay tithing
2. Fasting
3. Deeply Love
4. Keep the commandments
Keep the Commandments- Love your Family
Choir sings "I Know my Redeemer Lives"
President Spencer W Kimball closing remarks.
Benediction Pres. J.B. Jones
Presiding Spencer W. Kimball
Conducting James E Faust
Choir "An Angel from on High"
Invocation Jessie Jackson Forbes
Choir "Sweet is the Work"
Elder Mark E Peterson presented the leaders for a sustaining vote.
Elder N Eldon Tanner
John Tanner was crippled- went to hear missionaries- was annointed and healed - and baptized.
When Prophet was in financial trouble he sold all to help the cause.
Church started =6 person- now 4,300,000
81 countries
1125 stakes
62 languages
184 missions
30,000 missionaries
5,600 meetinghouses under conctruction
6,500 + church buildings
4 Temples under construcion
2 Temples finished next year
7 Temples to be built in 1981
The church has received more opposition -
Why were they prosecuted?
1- Are we true to the faith- are we keeping the commandments? True to our covenants?
2- Do we believe in God the Eternal Father and Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost?
3- Do we live the example?
4-Do we keep the Word of Wisdom?
5- Do we strictly follow the church leaders?
6- Do we keep the Sabbath Holy?
7- Are we honest? With our tithing, children
8- Do we fulfill our callings?
9- Do we pray daily?
Sister Shirly W Thomas
Keeping a journal
Moses 2
Each day is good
All the things were created spiritually before they were naturally upon it.
Begin each day with Planning and Prayer.
It must be orderly.
Avoid being overzealous. Be patient.
Evaluate each day.
Abraham 4:18
Watch and Guide.
Choir and congregation sings "We Thank Thee God for a Prophet"
Elder Carlos Asay
What are we planting?
Are we planting for the future?
1. Righteous example
2. Prayer
3. Family Home Evening
4. Personal Interviews Alma 45
5. Do your Patriarch bless your children?
Elder James E. Faust
What to do in bad times
1. Pay tithing
2. Fasting
3. Deeply Love
4. Keep the commandments
Keep the Commandments- Love your Family
Choir sings "I Know my Redeemer Lives"
President Spencer W Kimball closing remarks.
Benediction Pres. J.B. Jones
May 4 1980
Area Conference- Sunday General Session
Elder Mark E Peterson conducting
President Kimball
Elder Tanner
Elder Piniger
Elder Faust
Elder Asay
The choir sings "The Morning Breaks" music directed by Harlan Boone
Invocation by Pres Mellow. Little Rock Ark Stake
The Choir sings "Oh My Father"
Pres Kimball talks-
From 6 original members in Fayette NY to 4.3 million members now.
1955 Temple dedication in Switzerland Shortly after in England. If each family were to bring one family into the church there would not be a building big enough to hold an Area Conference. Each family asked in Family and Private prayers - for the Lord will open Foreign Missionary Work in those countries that are now closed. Every young boy and girl should be on a mission. Do your Genealogy and Temple work. 13,000 missionaries to 30,000 missionaries today.
19% increased to 36% Sacrament Attendance
He bore his testimony.
Elder Donald Long Hilton Reg Rep New Orleans, LA
Job 1:8-10
1 Corinthians 10:13 Temptation
D&C 95: 1
Family Prayer Patriarch- Family home Evening
Reading good books
These are some of the way to put a "hedge" around us.
Attend all our meetings to gain strength
D&C 1:23
Missionary Program- Strengthen us- and brings new spirits to the realization of the truth of the Gospel.
Choir and congregation sings "Now Let us Rejoice"
Sister Norma Smith
Published in Kirtland "Now Let Us Rejoice"
1 Nephi 8: 20, 21
1 Nephi 15
Follow the straight and narrow path.
Elder Ray D. Piniger
The Greatest kind of love.
The kind we have for our Parents.
Honor thy Father and thy Mother.
A baby is a spirit that has just left the Presence of God. We should return that spirit to our Heavenly Father as pure as it was sent to us.
Honor thy Mother and Father first.
Elder Mark Peterson
Covenants- Follow commandments and Word of Wisdom
70,000 directly attributed to cigarette smoking Cancer victims.
200,000 deaths due to Cancer.
Birth defects
Mouth, etc cancer 6x greater to cigarette smokers
Lung Cancer 10x greater
Alcohol
25,000 deaths directly attributed to drunk drivers
Billions lost attributed to alcohol
Birth Defects-
Smoking and Alcohol increase 30-50% chance of birth defects.
Caffeine in tea and coffee causes increased risk of birth defects
3 million mental
Follow the word of wisdom
Choir "Come Come ye Saints"
Benediction Pres Robert Scott Alan
Baton Rouge LA Stake
May 3 1980
Are Conference, Jackson Mississippi
Women's Conference 3:00-5:00
Mother and Daughter Session
The Prophet arrived. He is such a small man with an impressive smile. Appears in good health. His wife joined him. She also is of small stature, white haired and smiling. There is an aura of peace around him and his wife. He dons his glasses and checks his notes. His counselors are seated alongside him. The cameras are busy. He seems patient and continues to smile for all those trying to get photos.
We were greeted by Sis. Sherry Thomas-Second counselor and she introduced the Counselors to the Prophet-
Elder Eldon Tanner Elder Peterson Elder James E Faust Elder Piniger
and their wives.
The Choir sings "The Lord is my Shepard" and the invocation will be given by our fellow Relief Society Sister, Sister Deanna Flake-
It is an all women choir-dressed in white blouses with blue skirts. Directed by Sis Carolyn Blaylock.
Choir sings again, "More Holiness Give Me"which will be followed by Counselor to the 12 Elder James E Faust.
Recently toured one of the Communist countries with the young Ambassadors. Surprised at the equality of labor between man and woman. In fields, roadwork- woman highly valued for physical strength. They were disciplined to hard work. Would treasure time to be at home to sew, and pursuing home family projects.
Women's greatest responsibility is in the home raising her family. Meaning to life is found more at home than out in the world of liberated womanhood. Dominating work world doesn't necessarily mean fulfillment.
As Women's roles look more like mens, so do the problems- Alcoholism grows among liberated women, Liberated women grow resentful.
Fulfillment, appreciation, achievements are necessary to emotional fulfilment.
Wife caring for family seems less glamorous and important, but in the teaching and training of children has lift a more permenant record upon the children. Each marriage partner has to fulfill his own creative responsibility.
Men- Priesthood Responsibilities- mechanical precision
Women- Sensitivity- Special talents-teaching and rearing children- exquisite beauty from lands, loving capacity. Women are more emotional but stronger. They are less liable to suicide and endure longer lives.
Cherish differences- man o man- man to woman- woman to woman.
Present day concerns are not new. There are endless possibilities to enlarging the worlds of both men and women. Neither is inferior, neither is superior.
To the single sisters- do not dwell on "singleness" Reach out and be you. No blessing will be denied you. Be patient. It will be all the sweeter for waiting.
The Lord needs your hearts, minds, sensitivity, faith. Look to your blessing, challenges, obligations and responsibilities- Proverbs 39 Strength and honor are
Priesthood holders should be appreciative mothers, wives, sisters. Men and women join hands to do the work to which we have been called.
Sesquicentennial Tribute-
Sis. Emeline B Mills was directed to write Editorial "Sisters be in Ernest" - direction for storage of grain by Pres. Brigham Young.
Lord to Farmers
Lord to famine stricken families
Lord to U.S Government. 200,000 bushels of wheat
Grain storage blessed by the Lord and the Prophets, store food, store Gospel teachings, Store Hymns,
Personal Improvement
Quiet acts of Service for friends and neighbors.
Redeem the time- Preserve and Protect our home-
Serious scholars of the Gospel
Follow counsel of the Prophet
Enlarge your capacities
Sister Norma B Smith - 2 Counselor Young Women
Scripture Story-
Know what you want to be when you are old- then start now to make it that way.
Set goals, work on them daily.
Check the language of love
Children need models not critics
Models of manhood and womanhood at its best.
Moral integrity is most valuable quality.
Young Women find the vision of yourself.
Church requires single morality.
The choir and audience sings "There is Beauty all Around"
Elder Carlos ..
Special Spirits
10 % of a 90% man instead of 90% of a 10% man.
D&C 25
10 instructions
#1 murmur not because of the things which thou hast seen (verse 4 )
(have faith and trust)
#2 The office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant (verse 5)
(comfort your husband)
#3 Thou shalt go with him (verse 6)
(accompany your husband physically and spiritually)
#4 thou shall be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures and to exhort the church (verse 7) Teach your Children
#5 thy time shall be given to writing (verse 8) (read good books)
#6 Thou shalt lay aside the things of this world. (verse 10)
(strive to build his kingdom first)
#7 Make a selection of sacred hymns (verse 11)
select good environment for your family-decorate home.
#8 Obey, cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made- (verse 13)
(Cleave to our covenants, faithful to family
#9 Continue in the spirit of meekness and beware of pride. (verse 14) avoid that which will make you puffed up.
#10 Let thy soul delight in thy husband and the glory which shall come upon him. (verse 14)
Blessings
1. Preserve they life (verse 1)
2. Inheritance in Zion (verse 2)
3. The Holy Ghost
4.
5. Crown of Righteousness
6.
Elder N. Eldon Tanner
Sister Tanner read his talk-
Influence of women on men in their lies
Eve- Mother of all
Mary- Mother of Jesus
Elizabeth- Mother of John the Baptist
Queen Elizabeth
Joan of Arc
Joseph Smith's Mother
Sis Barbara Smith R.S Pres
Sis Elaine Cannon YW
Sis Young Primary
It's important to remember that home and family come first.
Mother should have a testimony of the Gospel/
The Devil is at work. We must teach our children to resist temptation. .
How does my child live? Teach Prayer and the value of prayer and the strength of prayer. Family prayer - frequent prayer.
Teach honesty- Discipline ourselves so we can discipline our children. Hold Family Home Evening.
Positive encouragement. Encourage husband and children in their private prayers. Make plans for the future, study the gospel. Follow Fam. Home Evening manual. Family is oldest institution and will only survive according to its strength.
Mother must teach love, sustain Father, teach children worthiness. Live during day so you can answer to Lord in prayer at night.
Choir sings "How Gentle Gods Commands"
Benediction by Sis Charlotte Fernly
Women's Conference 3:00-5:00
Mother and Daughter Session
The Prophet arrived. He is such a small man with an impressive smile. Appears in good health. His wife joined him. She also is of small stature, white haired and smiling. There is an aura of peace around him and his wife. He dons his glasses and checks his notes. His counselors are seated alongside him. The cameras are busy. He seems patient and continues to smile for all those trying to get photos.
We were greeted by Sis. Sherry Thomas-Second counselor and she introduced the Counselors to the Prophet-
Elder Eldon Tanner Elder Peterson Elder James E Faust Elder Piniger
and their wives.
The Choir sings "The Lord is my Shepard" and the invocation will be given by our fellow Relief Society Sister, Sister Deanna Flake-
It is an all women choir-dressed in white blouses with blue skirts. Directed by Sis Carolyn Blaylock.
Choir sings again, "More Holiness Give Me"which will be followed by Counselor to the 12 Elder James E Faust.
Recently toured one of the Communist countries with the young Ambassadors. Surprised at the equality of labor between man and woman. In fields, roadwork- woman highly valued for physical strength. They were disciplined to hard work. Would treasure time to be at home to sew, and pursuing home family projects.
Women's greatest responsibility is in the home raising her family. Meaning to life is found more at home than out in the world of liberated womanhood. Dominating work world doesn't necessarily mean fulfillment.
As Women's roles look more like mens, so do the problems- Alcoholism grows among liberated women, Liberated women grow resentful.
Fulfillment, appreciation, achievements are necessary to emotional fulfilment.
Wife caring for family seems less glamorous and important, but in the teaching and training of children has lift a more permenant record upon the children. Each marriage partner has to fulfill his own creative responsibility.
Men- Priesthood Responsibilities- mechanical precision
Women- Sensitivity- Special talents-teaching and rearing children- exquisite beauty from lands, loving capacity. Women are more emotional but stronger. They are less liable to suicide and endure longer lives.
Cherish differences- man o man- man to woman- woman to woman.
Present day concerns are not new. There are endless possibilities to enlarging the worlds of both men and women. Neither is inferior, neither is superior.
To the single sisters- do not dwell on "singleness" Reach out and be you. No blessing will be denied you. Be patient. It will be all the sweeter for waiting.
The Lord needs your hearts, minds, sensitivity, faith. Look to your blessing, challenges, obligations and responsibilities- Proverbs 39 Strength and honor are
Priesthood holders should be appreciative mothers, wives, sisters. Men and women join hands to do the work to which we have been called.
Sesquicentennial Tribute-
Sis. Emeline B Mills was directed to write Editorial "Sisters be in Ernest" - direction for storage of grain by Pres. Brigham Young.
Lord to Farmers
Lord to famine stricken families
Lord to U.S Government. 200,000 bushels of wheat
Grain storage blessed by the Lord and the Prophets, store food, store Gospel teachings, Store Hymns,
Personal Improvement
Quiet acts of Service for friends and neighbors.
Redeem the time- Preserve and Protect our home-
Serious scholars of the Gospel
Follow counsel of the Prophet
Enlarge your capacities
Sister Norma B Smith - 2 Counselor Young Women
Scripture Story-
Know what you want to be when you are old- then start now to make it that way.
Set goals, work on them daily.
Check the language of love
Children need models not critics
Models of manhood and womanhood at its best.
Moral integrity is most valuable quality.
Young Women find the vision of yourself.
Church requires single morality.
The choir and audience sings "There is Beauty all Around"
Elder Carlos ..
Special Spirits
10 % of a 90% man instead of 90% of a 10% man.
D&C 25
10 instructions
#1 murmur not because of the things which thou hast seen (verse 4 )
(have faith and trust)
#2 The office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant (verse 5)
(comfort your husband)
#3 Thou shalt go with him (verse 6)
(accompany your husband physically and spiritually)
#4 thou shall be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures and to exhort the church (verse 7) Teach your Children
#5 thy time shall be given to writing (verse 8) (read good books)
#6 Thou shalt lay aside the things of this world. (verse 10)
(strive to build his kingdom first)
#7 Make a selection of sacred hymns (verse 11)
select good environment for your family-decorate home.
#8 Obey, cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made- (verse 13)
(Cleave to our covenants, faithful to family
#9 Continue in the spirit of meekness and beware of pride. (verse 14) avoid that which will make you puffed up.
#10 Let thy soul delight in thy husband and the glory which shall come upon him. (verse 14)
Blessings
1. Preserve they life (verse 1)
2. Inheritance in Zion (verse 2)
3. The Holy Ghost
4.
5. Crown of Righteousness
6.
Elder N. Eldon Tanner
Sister Tanner read his talk-
Influence of women on men in their lies
Eve- Mother of all
Mary- Mother of Jesus
Elizabeth- Mother of John the Baptist
Queen Elizabeth
Joan of Arc
Joseph Smith's Mother
Sis Barbara Smith R.S Pres
Sis Elaine Cannon YW
Sis Young Primary
It's important to remember that home and family come first.
Mother should have a testimony of the Gospel/
The Devil is at work. We must teach our children to resist temptation. .
How does my child live? Teach Prayer and the value of prayer and the strength of prayer. Family prayer - frequent prayer.
Teach honesty- Discipline ourselves so we can discipline our children. Hold Family Home Evening.
Positive encouragement. Encourage husband and children in their private prayers. Make plans for the future, study the gospel. Follow Fam. Home Evening manual. Family is oldest institution and will only survive according to its strength.
Mother must teach love, sustain Father, teach children worthiness. Live during day so you can answer to Lord in prayer at night.
Choir sings "How Gentle Gods Commands"
Benediction by Sis Charlotte Fernly
May 4 1980
Up early. We had Sacrament, then ate breakfast. Packed the car. Off to the Coliseum. Ate picnic lunch between sessions. The Thompsons, our older couple missionaries joined us. Left after the afternoon session to head home. Stopped to eat dinner. (The Smiths treated) Got to the Smith's around 10:15 PM. Packed our stuff in the truck. Stopped at the Housenights and picked up our "new" couch. Home around midnight. Had family prayer- off to bed sure felt good to be in our own bed.
Friday, November 29, 2013
May 2 1980
Went into Heber today. Busy getting ready to leave. So many details to take care of. Bread to bake salads to fix. Picked bouquet of wild flowers for Mrs. Travis who is down sick. Baked cinnamon rolls for Chad- Mrs. Travis left on time and got to Smith's around 6:30 PM. There has been nothing but smiles and non-stop talk til late at nite. Family prayer and off to bed.
May 1 1980
Went into Heber today. Took Fran with me so she and Bob could sign up for unemployment. Did laundry and grocery shopping today. Started cooking for the weekend. Late nite again. Got a letter today from Stavanger, Norway with more info on our Genealogy. Joyous day. Robin and Mike stopped by today. Sure do find we rely on each other more and more. That's good.
April 30 1980
Up early to clean and get ready for Bob's Homecoming. Stopped at Inez's to say Hi! Bob home at about 7:30 PM. What exciting news he brings home. Lynn is planning on going on a mission. Grace who was at the Baptism, is very interested in the church, says Aunt Charlene. Deanne is investigating the Church in New Mexico. Bob's nephew, Glen and his fiance are now taking the preparatory lessons in Oregon. What great news, our whole family is beginning to see the truthfulness of the Gospel. Didn't get to bed till midnite.
April 29 1980
Beautiful weather, warm, breezy - Senator Musky was appointed as Secretary of State to replace Vance who resigned. Alfred Hitchcock died today at age of 80. Planted part of the garden today. Bob still not home. Got another letter from Sis. Smith today. She's still hung up on the word submission. She accepted the Primary teaching calling. I wrote her back and answered only the positive aspects of her letter. She sounds happy about our trip to Jackson Mississippi this coming weekend.
April 28 1980
Beautiful day today. Kids off to school. Cleaned house, put Branch Family into envelopes, waiting for stamps. Secretary of State Vance resigned today. World situation worsening. President Carter announced tonite that the Government Food Stamps Program may be cancelled. So glad we belong to the church so we don't have that worry. Bob didn't come home. His visit must be going well. Sure miss him and the kids let it be known today that they sure do to. Diet going well. Almost at the 10 lb mark. Hope to reach that in the next day or two.
April 27 1980
Sky is clearing, cool 44 degrees. We are ready to go to church, don't know if Robin and Mike will come after us. Robin and Mike never came. We had a quiet day today. The Fullos stopped by after church.
April 26 1980
Very overcast and drizzling this AM. Seemed strange to be able to sleep in. Woke up at regular intervals till finally got up at 6:30 AM. Cleaned up pine tops and burned all day. Robin, Mike and kids came over for a while around noon. We stopped at Inez's to visit a while after we were done. Set clocks ahead one hour.
April 25 1980
Up at 4:30 AM - Bob ate breakfast and was on his way by 5:15 AM. Just heard on TV there was an attempt to rescue the hostages in Iran. It failed because of equipment failure. 8 Amer. Servicemen dead. Supposed to rain all day today with one to three more inches. No severe weather. Have lost 6 lbs - 214 lbs. Diet seems easy to stick to. Ate crackers and butter yesterday, could kick myself. Bob brought me lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Rainy on and off.
April 24 1980
Quiet day. Clear and sunny again today. Getting Bob packed and ready to go. Laundry in and folded, ironing done. Clouds moving in. Bob all packed and ready to go. Rain coming during the night. Started around 10 PM.
April 23 1980
Brought Robin a Mimosa tree from Inez. Robin and I tilled and worked in her garden all day. Boy I'm tired. Bob leaving Friday AM to go to Tucson to baptize Lynn.
April 22 1980
Stopped at Inez to say Hi - they are about to put a garden in. Went to Robin's to do wash. Lynn called, was so good to hear her voice. Bob came home - announced that he was going to be laid-off as of Thursday. That's O.K. he was offered a job at the Church. Day one of diet- 220 lbs.
April 21 1980
Beautiful weather - in the 60's and clear - garden ought to do well at this temp. Temp 86 degrees this afternoon. It's at least that temp in the house. Dishes done, house clean, got all the paperwork out of the way. Dogwoods blooming spatter the landscape and everyday the forest grows greener. Garden looked good this AM, after this heat I'm afraid to look. Got a package from Karen today. Herb tea, cookies, raisins, gum, fruit leather and a Birthday card.
April 20 1980
Beautiful day at church. I taught the social relations lesson on Intelligence Cleaveth. It went well. Sis. Dew and Sis. Buchannan had a good visit and got everything straightened out as far as Relief Society is concerned. Had a long talk with the Smith's after they had a long talk with Randy. If only Sis. Smith wasn't so hung up on herself. She has a real problem with the word "submission". Cliff was released as the Elders Quorum Zone Leader - he is feeling down too! They seemed in good spirits when they left. We'll see what the week brings. Stopped at the Swopes and McCarthys to Home Teach and Visit Teach. They have a really neat garden, lots of fruit trees. We watched Beyond and Back. To bed.
April 19 1980
Worked in the garden almost all day getting it ready to plant. Bought pepper and tomato plants, transplanted rhubarb, planted carrots, beets and onions. Tonite I'm tired and sore.
April 18 1980
Little Kitty had three kittens during the night one charcoal grey and white, one lt grey and white, and one white and a grey patch on head and grey tail. Raining this morning, foggy. Cleaned house, went back to bed till noon. Bob's airline tickets arrived today. Stopped to see Inez and Fran. Their fine. Transplanted plum trees to flower bed out front. Ralph walked over to Inez house, he had trouble getting home. Boys haven't come home - must be over at Inez's. The sun has been shining since noon - clouds overhead but no threat of rain. Bullet had been standing guard over Little Kitty and her babies. There is a strange union between that cat and dog, a real love. Worked in the garden some. Radishes, Broccoli and cabbage, garlic all up. Hope to plant flower seeds this evening.
April 17 1980
Tore Living Rm. apart early this AM. Robin came over for me to go with her to register Melissa at school. Have been trying to put the downstairs back together again. Thunder this afternoon. Got a letter from Karen. Raining.
April 16 1980
Beautiful warm sunny day. Wish I was up to enjoying it. My overweight condition is hampering my enjoyment of life. Sent to Claudia Creason for the ingredients to start my diet. I would like to lose 40 - 50 lbs. by the time we go to the Temple. No word from any of the kids. Got some ironing and mending done. Supposed to start raining manana.
April 15 1980
Temperature cold - 32 degrees but skies clear. Temp up to 60 - 70 range, sunny and pretty. Spring flowers all over the forest. nothing in the mail today. I must learn patience. Must start getting Bob's clothes ready for his trip to Tucson. He leaves in 10 days. Some days like today I really get to thinking about my children. I feel a consuming loneliness for them. I have not heard from Jim since Dayle went to New Jersey to be with him. I have so much trouble keeping from having hurt feelings. I feel so shut out and I don't even know why. Somehow I've done something wrong. I guess I was too truthful. I'll have a lifetime to regret. I just feel badly that Dad has to be punished too. I guess Lynn is the only one of Bob's girls that hasn't turned against us. I don't care for myself, but it really hurts Bob. I sure do miss all the kids and wish I could see them all soon.
April 14 1980
Snowed most of the night and is flurrying this morning. Cold, 32 degrees. Got lots to do today. Inez will need water unless she can get out. School is going to be held, I guess. Snow stopped mid-morning. Made six batches of wild grape jelly this AM and bread and rolls. Quiet day today. Bob feeling better tonite. He had an upset stomach last night.
April 13 1980
Today is Stake Conference is Jacksonville. We will not be going, instead we will be going to the Fullo's for Sacrament, Bible study and dinner. Rained almost all night and has been raining and cold all day today. Jonesboro station just announced that the forecast is for rain mixed with snow. The announcer can hardly believe his ears. I can believe it because it feels so cold. It is difficult to believe but it started to snow on the way to Robin and Mikes' and before we left there was already two inches on the ground, and it is still coming down. Inez came home today. One of her pipes broke so she, her sister and niece came over for water. We stopped by on the way home to be sure all is well. Talked to President Hilkinson on the phone and he told me to do nothing about Sis. Smith. He also received a letter and she does it to get attention. I feel much better.
April 12 1980
Cloudy day, cooler than it has been. We got a lot of cook stove wood cut and I got the kitchen cleaned. Lazy day. Got a belated Birthday card from Ken. Bob and I do agree on Sis. Smith. Spent several hours reading scriptures regarding this situation with her. Quiet evening.
April 11 1980
Overcast today. When I get the wash done it ought to rain. Finished the laundry, and the weather is worsening. Severe storm warnings, tornado watches and warnings. It is raining really hard. Got a letter from Sis. Smith today. She is becoming a real test to my testimony. Tuesday our hour conversation was directed to her claim that Bro. Joens is teaching "false doctrine". Today's letter is directed at me claiming I don't understand that I am my brothers keeper. I have called for a consultation with President Hilkinson. I have talked with Robin and Bob about this and I have decided not to tackle this alone.
April 10 1980
Beautiful day today. Clear skies and sunny. A good day for walking in the forest to look at the spring flowers.
April 9 1980
Kyle home sick again today. Worked on our genealogy today, cleaned house. Bro. and Sis. Plumb came to visit around noon. It is always so good to see them. Bad storms on the 7th, but beautiful weather ever since. Bob is working as a carpenter for a few weeks - added pay and presige. He finds it more rewarding. State income tax return check arrived today. $22.80? Not much, but it helped.
April 8 1980
This was the first Homemaking Day with all three counselors and president in attendance. Sis. Buchannan is so knowledgable about the Relief Society and I'm sure will enhance our Relief Society. Sis. Smith is giving us a lot of static. Sis. Dew is very negative. Talked at great length with Sis. Smith and I think we cleared the air. Sis. Dew walked out mad. Sis Buchannan is going to visit with her and isolate the problems. The Presidency must remember to discuss problems in private. Sis. Walls was home ill and so Sis. Buchannan did her lesson. Fair turnout for Quilting - no one showed up for the flannel board project. We had a presidency meeting after everyone left. Kyle was home sick today.
April 5 1980
Received a birthday gift from Lynn today. She will be baptized April 26th in Tucson. Bob will go out and baptize her. What a joyous day. My mother completed the day by sending her consent for me to be sealed to Dad. Tomorrow is General Conference, Easter Sunday, the 150th Anniversary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and My Birthday, and not the least - the Birthday of Christ. Relief Society Second Counselor will be released and set apart tomorrow.
14 December 1994
Up early to change clothes. I'm swollen and tired. Bob up and feeling good - swelling in throat down.
IV's disconnected - heparin lock in for anti-biotics.
Dressing taken off and Bob took a shower. We went for a walk.
Dr. Mason came and discussed the surgery - removed 2 discs and fused bone grafts in. Limited activity for 3 wks. Cannot resume normal activity for 16 wks. Bob can go home tomorrow - early. Bob eating good and looking forward to going home - he's taking - Colace [..cut..] Calcium - Tagamet, deckagron - {steroid - like drug)
IV's disconnected - heparin lock in for anti-biotics.
Dressing taken off and Bob took a shower. We went for a walk.
Dr. Mason came and discussed the surgery - removed 2 discs and fused bone grafts in. Limited activity for 3 wks. Cannot resume normal activity for 16 wks. Bob can go home tomorrow - early. Bob eating good and looking forward to going home - he's taking - Colace [..cut..] Calcium - Tagamet, deckagron - {steroid - like drug)
13 December 1994
Arose a little p (with a line over it) [post] 5am - Finished packing, animal chores, etc. Left for LR abt 7am. - dropped Juanita's gift off at the clinic and headed for LR. Got to BMC [Baptist Medical Center] abt 9:15am and had a little breakfast - Bob has been NPO [nothing by mouth] since midnight. Checked Bob in at admissions and they took him to pre-op -
Abt 11am I was allowed to go be with Bob and I read scriptures to him Helaman 10, 11, & 12. I just really can't understand how anyone can read the B[ook] of Mormon and Not believe! Gary - the nurse, gave Bob his pre-op meds about 12:45 and they took him to surgery. I feel really apprehensive about this surgery. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to Bob. He is so much of who I am. I know we knew each other in the Spirit world and that we belong together - here and in eternity!
3:45pm Dr. Mason came to waiting room to tell me Bob was out of surgery. It was more extensive than he had thought. But surg went well; Good grafts in place
Should be able to go home Wed night or Thurs pm. Calls made to Lynn - not in office - Sandy - who will make calls - Ken Defani and Sandy Thurman at Health Dept.
Bob will be in recovery for 1 1/2 hrs and then will go to a room.
5:15 Bob in Rm 527 - Looks good
Cut R[ight] side front neck - Bandaged
Bob is alert and making jokes - Settled in some private room - washed shoulders and upper back - it was sticky with Betadine & blood. I called Pres. Sherwood
I read more to him in Helaman and then he got up to the bathroom and ate dinner. I went and got dinner in the cafeteria. He asked for pain meds. I called Diane Spill [sp?].
Lynn called - she wanted to be dad was a-ok - Susie is back on full time. Chemo and still working - Birdie went to Germany and is doing better. Lynn also wanted to reassure us that she would help out financially if dad's recovery took 16 w[ee]ks.
9pm - Bob got IM [intra-muscular] pain meds and is sleeping now.
Rough nite - Bob did well - roommate up & down all night.
Abt 11am I was allowed to go be with Bob and I read scriptures to him Helaman 10, 11, & 12. I just really can't understand how anyone can read the B[ook] of Mormon and Not believe! Gary - the nurse, gave Bob his pre-op meds about 12:45 and they took him to surgery. I feel really apprehensive about this surgery. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to Bob. He is so much of who I am. I know we knew each other in the Spirit world and that we belong together - here and in eternity!
3:45pm Dr. Mason came to waiting room to tell me Bob was out of surgery. It was more extensive than he had thought. But surg went well; Good grafts in place
Should be able to go home Wed night or Thurs pm. Calls made to Lynn - not in office - Sandy - who will make calls - Ken Defani and Sandy Thurman at Health Dept.
Bob will be in recovery for 1 1/2 hrs and then will go to a room.
5:15 Bob in Rm 527 - Looks good
Cut R[ight] side front neck - Bandaged
Bob is alert and making jokes - Settled in some private room - washed shoulders and upper back - it was sticky with Betadine & blood. I called Pres. Sherwood
I read more to him in Helaman and then he got up to the bathroom and ate dinner. I went and got dinner in the cafeteria. He asked for pain meds. I called Diane Spill [sp?].
Lynn called - she wanted to be dad was a-ok - Susie is back on full time. Chemo and still working - Birdie went to Germany and is doing better. Lynn also wanted to reassure us that she would help out financially if dad's recovery took 16 w[ee]ks.
9pm - Bob got IM [intra-muscular] pain meds and is sleeping now.
Rough nite - Bob did well - roommate up & down all night.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
1 May 1994
Lab here draws blood - Telemetry here to run clear tape - X-Ray - for chest - Wht. down 4# I weighed - down 6# B/P 110/60 temp 98.4 Wt 178 - Breakfast - eating well - Resp [illegible] - here Bob up to 2100.
We'll walk in a while.
Dr. Ransom in - took out the cardiac probes - Bob can go home tomorrow if he doesn't have any problems.
Dr. Hicks in to see Bob Mary Lou & George Swope here -
Judy & Ken Dows & children here to visit
Lynn, Jim & Rose called
Lynn coming next weekend - will drive here from St. Louis - Rose gave me names of good cookbooks
Bobs breathing better - up to 2500.
Walked a total of 5 times
We'll walk in a while.
Dr. Ransom in - took out the cardiac probes - Bob can go home tomorrow if he doesn't have any problems.
Dr. Hicks in to see Bob Mary Lou & George Swope here -
Judy & Ken Dows & children here to visit
Lynn, Jim & Rose called
Lynn coming next weekend - will drive here from St. Louis - Rose gave me names of good cookbooks
Bobs breathing better - up to 2500.
Walked a total of 5 times
30 April 1994
Bob slept til 5am - he feels better. I cleaned him up - brushed teeth, back rub, by 6:45 he was asleep again.
2 bouts of trots
Dr. Hicks in - will change meds to see if we can stop his diarrhea.
Dr. Fiser's nurse in O2 level 96 - great. B/P up 107/60. Tomorrow - x-ray - ECG - bloodwork
Bob is exhausted - sleeps a lot today
Walks this afternoon - feels better - has not been to the bathroom. Pres & Mary Sherwood visit - they are so uplifting. Bro Williams visits also.
The diarrhea seems to have stopped and what a difference it has made in Bob's attitude.
He eats dinner - then sleeps
Our nurse is Dina and she is from Chieti, Italy - located in central Italy. She says it's built on a hill by the Romans - there are still Roman ruins there. It is a small village - but pretty.
Dr Fiser - associate Dr. Ransom visits - new meds may help ["c" with a line over it or "without"] c diarrhea but may create problems with rhythm of heart.
David & Molly visit tonite.
No pit-stops since early am.
Up around 3:30am to pot & pain meds
2 bouts of trots
Dr. Hicks in - will change meds to see if we can stop his diarrhea.
Dr. Fiser's nurse in O2 level 96 - great. B/P up 107/60. Tomorrow - x-ray - ECG - bloodwork
Bob is exhausted - sleeps a lot today
Walks this afternoon - feels better - has not been to the bathroom. Pres & Mary Sherwood visit - they are so uplifting. Bro Williams visits also.
The diarrhea seems to have stopped and what a difference it has made in Bob's attitude.
He eats dinner - then sleeps
Our nurse is Dina and she is from Chieti, Italy - located in central Italy. She says it's built on a hill by the Romans - there are still Roman ruins there. It is a small village - but pretty.
Dr Fiser - associate Dr. Ransom visits - new meds may help ["c" with a line over it or "without"] c diarrhea but may create problems with rhythm of heart.
David & Molly visit tonite.
No pit-stops since early am.
Up around 3:30am to pot & pain meds
Saturday, November 23, 2013
29 April 1994
1:30am - Bob is awake with cramps and we head for his favorite room.
2:30am - Still up and same old, same old. He is so exhausted and tired of the bathroom
3:00am - Back to bed.
Dr Fiser's nurse was in - Bl Count way down
Bl Pressure 90/60 O2 - 91 - considering idea of another transfusion temp 99.2
15 trips to the bathroom - Lomotil does not seem to be working
Dr. Hicks in - says Bob doing well - Stool culture ordered
Walked x3 in hall -
Tom arrived - late afternoon - took me to Target to get socks for dad.
Nurse Toon from CCU here to visit Bob - she's so sweet - Her boyfriend came by
Mike & Angie called.
Last bout of diarrhea about 10pm - Bob took pain meds / and sleeps - slept all night
He is also getting indoril - to slow heart beat down.
Nutritionist/Dietician came to talk 2 us.
2:30am - Still up and same old, same old. He is so exhausted and tired of the bathroom
3:00am - Back to bed.
Dr Fiser's nurse was in - Bl Count way down
Bl Pressure 90/60 O2 - 91 - considering idea of another transfusion temp 99.2
15 trips to the bathroom - Lomotil does not seem to be working
Dr. Hicks in - says Bob doing well - Stool culture ordered
Walked x3 in hall -
Tom arrived - late afternoon - took me to Target to get socks for dad.
Nurse Toon from CCU here to visit Bob - she's so sweet - Her boyfriend came by
Mike & Angie called.
Last bout of diarrhea about 10pm - Bob took pain meds / and sleeps - slept all night
He is also getting indoril - to slow heart beat down.
Nutritionist/Dietician came to talk 2 us.
28 April 1994
Busy day today - Tape off chest, incision and leg incisions - O2 cannula out. Walked the hall before lunch.
Breathing tx not going well.
Dr Hicks in to visit - dia[rrh]ea sets in - the accidents are embarrasing to Bob
He continues to try to do all that he is told to do.
Dr Fiser in - c/o pain around L shoulder blad[e] - he thinks it's pleur[is]y
Bobs temp is 99 at afternoon V.S. [vital signs] and 99.2 at evening VS
Bro Moody & Elder Dade here to visit
Floral Arrangement from Rose -
Floral Arrangement from Skil - Mini line
Card from Mike Graham
Quiet evening - we watch t.v.
Breathing tx not going well.
Dr Hicks in to visit - dia[rrh]ea sets in - the accidents are embarrasing to Bob
He continues to try to do all that he is told to do.
Dr Fiser in - c/o pain around L shoulder blad[e] - he thinks it's pleur[is]y
Bobs temp is 99 at afternoon V.S. [vital signs] and 99.2 at evening VS
Bro Moody & Elder Dade here to visit
Floral Arrangement from Rose -
Floral Arrangement from Skil - Mini line
Card from Mike Graham
Quiet evening - we watch t.v.
27 April 1994
Awake at 4am - I do "busy" work - fold clothes - get dressed - sort through stuff. I wish I could just roll over and see him - I think I could sleep then.
Robin, Jim & Lynn are going home today.
Ken will leave in the am tomorrow - I think or maybe today. I'm beginning to worry about money.
8:00am - Bob looking great - chest tubes out - BID probe in groin out - Eating Breakfast. IV's out
1:30ap Moved to private room on the 9th floor.
Ken makes masking look easy - he's coming down with grunge
Marsha and Jerry here to visit in CVICU
Karen Reynolds & Sonya Nix here to visit
Ken takes Robin to airport around 3pm and Jim leaves at 5pm and Lynn 6.
Ken leaves for home - All is quiet.
Ken Defani visits a while. Brings envelope with over $50.00 from Skil employees.
I will stay in room tonight.
Robin, Jim & Lynn are going home today.
Ken will leave in the am tomorrow - I think or maybe today. I'm beginning to worry about money.
8:00am - Bob looking great - chest tubes out - BID probe in groin out - Eating Breakfast. IV's out
1:30ap Moved to private room on the 9th floor.
Ken makes masking look easy - he's coming down with grunge
Marsha and Jerry here to visit in CVICU
Karen Reynolds & Sonya Nix here to visit
Ken takes Robin to airport around 3pm and Jim leaves at 5pm and Lynn 6.
Ken leaves for home - All is quiet.
Ken Defani visits a while. Brings envelope with over $50.00 from Skil employees.
I will stay in room tonight.
26 April 1994
4:30a arise -
5:30a With Father - pre-op given we had prayer and I read the scriptures to him til he slept
7:15a OR nurse came for Bob -
10:25a Dr [P]fizer came out to talk to us and tell us Bob had a triple by-pass and did well and was being moved to CVICU
10:45a We all went into CVICU to see Bob - he was on a ventilator with tubes from everywhere - IV's blood (his own thank heavens) The nurse explained everything
in deep sleep
12:45p Fifteen minutes to visit - he is still very sedated - still on a ventilator - opened eyes and made facial gestures which I failed to understand. Nurse says he's doing well.
opens eyes
5:00p Bob responsive and breathing on his own. They remove the respirator and gastric tube - he sounds like Donald Duck and is telling jokes. Lynn crying in relief.
8:30p Bob looking good and glad to see us. We take turns seeing him and at 9pm finally tuck him in for the night. Lynn crying in relief.
Ken is feeling grungy!
Note: to date we have had phone calls from friends and family
Ken Defani
Ken Dows
Pauline Wassler
Suzie Nation
Karen Stratz
Kyle Ewald
David and Molly
Mary Sherwood
Charlotte Powers
The Harmons
Dot & Bob Rice
Gracie Pinkham
Sherry
Rose Ewald
Jodie Ewald
Don Beane
Sandy Ewald
Martha Thomas
Judy Dows
Margie James
Pauline & Phil Wassler
MaryLou & George Swope
Pres Talbot
Mary & Gary Sherwood
Martha Thomas
5:30a With Father - pre-op given we had prayer and I read the scriptures to him til he slept
7:15a OR nurse came for Bob -
10:25a Dr [P]fizer came out to talk to us and tell us Bob had a triple by-pass and did well and was being moved to CVICU
10:45a We all went into CVICU to see Bob - he was on a ventilator with tubes from everywhere - IV's blood (his own thank heavens) The nurse explained everything
in deep sleep
12:45p Fifteen minutes to visit - he is still very sedated - still on a ventilator - opened eyes and made facial gestures which I failed to understand. Nurse says he's doing well.
opens eyes
5:00p Bob responsive and breathing on his own. They remove the respirator and gastric tube - he sounds like Donald Duck and is telling jokes. Lynn crying in relief.
8:30p Bob looking good and glad to see us. We take turns seeing him and at 9pm finally tuck him in for the night. Lynn crying in relief.
Ken is feeling grungy!
Note: to date we have had phone calls from friends and family
Ken Defani
Ken Dows
Pauline Wassler
Suzie Nation
Karen Stratz
Kyle Ewald
David and Molly
Mary Sherwood
Charlotte Powers
The Harmons
Dot & Bob Rice
Gracie Pinkham
Sherry
Rose Ewald
Jodie Ewald
Don Beane
Sandy Ewald
Martha Thomas
Judy Dows
Margie James
Pauline & Phil Wassler
MaryLou & George Swope
Pres Talbot
Mary & Gary Sherwood
Martha Thomas
Sunday, November 17, 2013
25 April 1994
6am - awoke - good nights sleep - feeling ap[p]rehensive - may be my struggle with my Heavenly Father to resist accepting the possibility that today may be the day I am separated from my eternal partner for a time. Then again may be that my faith is weak and I need a blessing of comfort and strength.
Ken takes us shopping for Bathrobe/Slippers for Dad.
Bob looks tired today and he is worried about the surgery.
Missionaries here in evening - Ken/Miss assist - give me a blessing. What power there is in the Priesthood. I know we will be blessed with many more years together.
O.R. Nurse / Supervisor was in to visit with Bob. A charming Christian man who explains what will happen, in detail. They shave his body - top side in preparation for surgery tomorrow.
Dr. Fizer in to check on Bob.
Bad storms tonight
Ken takes us shopping for Bathrobe/Slippers for Dad.
Bob looks tired today and he is worried about the surgery.
Missionaries here in evening - Ken/Miss assist - give me a blessing. What power there is in the Priesthood. I know we will be blessed with many more years together.
O.R. Nurse / Supervisor was in to visit with Bob. A charming Christian man who explains what will happen, in detail. They shave his body - top side in preparation for surgery tomorrow.
Dr. Fizer in to check on Bob.
Bad storms tonight
24 April 1994
Ken arrived early am - visited with Bob
Ken, Lynn and I go to Sacrament Mtg
11am Jody leaves in am for Florida
CCU Educator comes to show us video and explain what will happen during his surgery.
4pm Rose leaves for Dallas
Dr. Fizer in to let us know that he has two surgeries scheduled for Monday before dad - offered us another surgeon or a Tuesday first thing time for surgery. We opted for Tues. am.
Jim is playing chauffer
c/o chest tightness
Nurse with an "attitude" on today - Jim & I will find out.
Ken, Lynn and I go to Sacrament Mtg
11am Jody leaves in am for Florida
CCU Educator comes to show us video and explain what will happen during his surgery.
4pm Rose leaves for Dallas
Dr. Fizer in to let us know that he has two surgeries scheduled for Monday before dad - offered us another surgeon or a Tuesday first thing time for surgery. We opted for Tues. am.
Jim is playing chauffer
c/o chest tightness
Nurse with an "attitude" on today - Jim & I will find out.
23 April 1994
Rose, Jody & Robin arrive and spend time with Bob.
Mary and Gary Sherwood visit with Bob
Mary slips $60.00 in my hand as they leave
Pres Talbot comes to visit
c/o [complains of] chest tightness today.
Mary and Gary Sherwood visit with Bob
Mary slips $60.00 in my hand as they leave
Pres Talbot comes to visit
c/o [complains of] chest tightness today.
22 April 1994
Bob is scheduled for an Angiogram this am.
Angiogram done -
[hand drawn diagram of 2 blockages and "new artery grown to compensate for blockage"
Dr. Hicks explains - they found 2 blockages - maybe 3
Surgery will be scheduled for Mon
c/o [complaints of] Chest tightness
Angiogram done -
[hand drawn diagram of 2 blockages and "new artery grown to compensate for blockage"
Dr. Hicks explains - they found 2 blockages - maybe 3
Surgery will be scheduled for Mon
c/o [complaints of] Chest tightness
21 April 1994
Today began as just another day - a day that I was to go to work at the Health Dept and so I was up around 5:30am, Bob & I are slow to rise these days but once up seem to function mechanically ... dress, brush teeth, animal chores, trash .. Family first video in van for Ken Defane. Bob drinks breakfast (Slim Fast) and then he gathers our lunches. This morning he insists on stopping to feed and water the duck and then we're off. I am busy now crocheting a baby afghan and most of the way I discuss with Bob my feelings about family - time and quality - or rather - lack of it. I question how we will teach our children what family is all about if we are not the example.
Just past the dam, on the bypass, Bob pulls over to the side of the road. I ask if we are having mechanical problems and he reassures me we are not. I ask why we have pulled over - he responds by telling me he doesn't feel well - numbness - chest tightness. At this I lifted my gaze from my lap of crocheting and looked at bob - eye to eye - he looked pale and grey - sweaty - and very ill.
I knew what I had to do. I got out of the van and ran around to the drivers side, I got in behind the wheel. It was a real struggle - but I knew I had to do something. I drove to the intersection of the by-pass and hwy 110. I had to decide which way to go - Bob suggested Hwy 110 through town. His color was worse and he asked that I pull off as he thought he was going to be sick. He wasn't - we continued. We were in town when Bob stumped over - I thought he was dead. He sat up again - he continued to look worse. I sped through town, arriving at the [Clebourne County] CC Hospital Emergency entrance. My body was wedged in and difficult to remove from the van but I did and ran into the ER. I spotted a nurse and screamed for help. The ER came alive - nurses with wheel chairs - calls being made - doctors arriving - Bob was on a gurney - they were running EKG's and starting IV's - so much was happening so fast. I called Ken Defane - he and Ken Dows came. I called the Health Dept. - Hazel came. Dr. Vaughan came - x-rays being taken - blood being drawn - meds administered IV - monitors hooked up - Bob looks terrible.
They confirm that he is having a heart attack. The Dr. speaks to me of a new medication - Strepto Kynase that dissolves clots and stops the heart attack. Bob agrees although there are side effects - hemorhage - stroke .. so I agree. They watch for bleeding - he is vomiting now - blood in basin - they have sent for Med-Flight to transport him to Little Rock to Baptist Med Ctr. Ken Dows & Ron Tillman administer a blessing to him. So many decisions - I just can't deal with this. I call Lynn - Ken is getting his wife to come after me to take me to L.R. Hel[i]copter arrives and the transfer begins. The flight person[n]el are great - he leaves in the hel[i]copter headed to Little Rock.
We take the Vanagon to the Health Dept. to leave it. All my friends at the Health Dept wish Bob well. They have taken up a collection and it is much needed. We leave for L.R. Judy is easy to talk to and changes the conversation to positive, constructive things. We eat and make lists all the way to L.R. Bob is in CCU and again hooked up to multiple IV's and monitors. Jim arrives from Phoenix, Lynn arrives from Wash D.C. When Bob is stable we go home to do laundry, feed animals and make decisions. I don't sleep well - I really want to be near Bob. Dr. Hicks visits
Just past the dam, on the bypass, Bob pulls over to the side of the road. I ask if we are having mechanical problems and he reassures me we are not. I ask why we have pulled over - he responds by telling me he doesn't feel well - numbness - chest tightness. At this I lifted my gaze from my lap of crocheting and looked at bob - eye to eye - he looked pale and grey - sweaty - and very ill.
I knew what I had to do. I got out of the van and ran around to the drivers side, I got in behind the wheel. It was a real struggle - but I knew I had to do something. I drove to the intersection of the by-pass and hwy 110. I had to decide which way to go - Bob suggested Hwy 110 through town. His color was worse and he asked that I pull off as he thought he was going to be sick. He wasn't - we continued. We were in town when Bob stumped over - I thought he was dead. He sat up again - he continued to look worse. I sped through town, arriving at the [Clebourne County] CC Hospital Emergency entrance. My body was wedged in and difficult to remove from the van but I did and ran into the ER. I spotted a nurse and screamed for help. The ER came alive - nurses with wheel chairs - calls being made - doctors arriving - Bob was on a gurney - they were running EKG's and starting IV's - so much was happening so fast. I called Ken Defane - he and Ken Dows came. I called the Health Dept. - Hazel came. Dr. Vaughan came - x-rays being taken - blood being drawn - meds administered IV - monitors hooked up - Bob looks terrible.
They confirm that he is having a heart attack. The Dr. speaks to me of a new medication - Strepto Kynase that dissolves clots and stops the heart attack. Bob agrees although there are side effects - hemorhage - stroke .. so I agree. They watch for bleeding - he is vomiting now - blood in basin - they have sent for Med-Flight to transport him to Little Rock to Baptist Med Ctr. Ken Dows & Ron Tillman administer a blessing to him. So many decisions - I just can't deal with this. I call Lynn - Ken is getting his wife to come after me to take me to L.R. Hel[i]copter arrives and the transfer begins. The flight person[n]el are great - he leaves in the hel[i]copter headed to Little Rock.
We take the Vanagon to the Health Dept. to leave it. All my friends at the Health Dept wish Bob well. They have taken up a collection and it is much needed. We leave for L.R. Judy is easy to talk to and changes the conversation to positive, constructive things. We eat and make lists all the way to L.R. Bob is in CCU and again hooked up to multiple IV's and monitors. Jim arrives from Phoenix, Lynn arrives from Wash D.C. When Bob is stable we go home to do laundry, feed animals and make decisions. I don't sleep well - I really want to be near Bob. Dr. Hicks visits
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
1 Jan 1999
Source:
Letter addressed to Ken Ewald, 801 NW 40th St. Lincoln, NE 68528 from "Ewald" 1815 Lucas Rd. Knightdale, NC 27545
Content:
Dearest Ken,
I was going to do all this on the E-Mail but computers... having a mind of their own...well here I am doing the snail-mail thing instead. This year on your Birthday I thought I would write to you and share some thoughts with your so please bear with me while I reminisce a bit.
I remember the very first time I ever saw you.....lying in a bassinet beside my hospital bed....bare naked..... and wailing to let the world know of your arrival. You were so white....and your hair seemed so red....and I wondered whose child you were and why didn't they come pick you up and comfort you?
You reminded me of Van Johnson....(he was an actor....long since dead) and I thought you would grow up to be an airline pilot..Silly the things you think of. When I found out that the child was mine I rejoiced because you were so perfect in every way...I checked all your little fingers and toes and was so amazed at how very complete your small body was....You were perfection! And for the first time in nine months I didn't start the day clinging to the now familiar porcelain throne! You had a quick smile and made these cute little cooing sounds when you were happy. You slept thru the night right away and never gave me a moments worry. Your siblings loved you beyond measure....Jim would spend long hours beside you......talking to you and telling you of his adventures for the day....and later would wonder why you always wanted to be with him.....guess he made life sound really exciting.I can recall from time to time thinking of your future....what would you grow up to be? I knew that you would be the best at whatever you chose to do. You were always the child I could rely on...if you said you were going to be home by 3p.m.....you were home by 3 p.m....if you told me you would wash the dishes then I could count on the dishes being washed....you always kept your word....and I could trust you to do what you said you would do......a quality I still admire as one of your many strengths.
Far too quickly you saw brighter lights in New Jersey and you went to live with Frank...one of the hardest days of my life was putting you on the plane knowing that I might never see you again....and then wondered if I had done the right thing.I think you were given some new and very different opportunities while you were in New Jersey....some of which helped to mold the man you are now.
Over the years I have watched as you grew......I was so proud of you the day that you became an Eagle Scout and wished I could be there at the ceremony....and proud to be there when you graduated from High School. I guess when you told us you had been baptized was a really big moment for me...although I was still spiritually "young" and I knew it was a big step in your life. However, I would not understand that fully for a long time. I will never forget the night you called and told us you wanted to serve a mission...I have every letter you wrote home and from time to time I re-read them and feel your strengths and frustrations...your joys and pains....your growth in the gospel...and I am strengthened.
You came home from your mission and Our Heavenly Father blessed you with a wonderful Eternal Companion...I knew from the very beginning that this was a marriage that would be Eternal...I always think about how many struggles you and Sandy had from the beginning of your [relationship]..always wanting to do the right thing and in the end...marrying in the Temple. You will never know the joy my heart felt......as you and Sandy knelt across from each other and were sealed for time and all eternity.
You have always seemed to be able to see the eternal perspective of all things and I have admired you for that. You have known, somehow, how to strengthen your family when they need it most...and discipline when needed....some times I have mistaken your reactions because I have been far too sensitive...and react far too quickly....I am trying to learn not to react but to [prayerfully] consider the situation and then act appropriately. I will continue to work on that this year.
Another thing that I realize about you that absolutely puts me in awe of you...is not your ability to earn money...although that in itself is awesome...but your ability to maintain your lifestyle and keep your priorities in order. People tend to live to the maximum of their income....You seemingly have resisted this temptation.
Once you sent me a letter following a phone call that must have been very painful for you....you had been to the Bishop for financial help and it was a humbling experience. The letter was beautiful and I framed it and kept it next to my computer. I read and re-read it over the years because it gave me strength during the lean times. When your children are little it seems so easy for them to say.."I love you, Mom"..but when your children are grown and they thank you for all that you have been to them in their lives....that becomes really special. And for me...a treasure.
Something else that always makes me take stock of where I am...spiritually..is the way you always seem to find the good in everyone...I won't go into detail...just to say that it is a truly great quality that most of us lack.
You have such high standards for all your family...and maybe that is because you do see things in an eternal level. Sometimes it is difficult to meet all those standards because not all of us are up there where you are yet.....but until such a time as we grow sufficiently to reach those heights.
I am so grateful to you for your steadfastness in the gospel.It is a comfort to know that you and Sandy love us and that our mission is happening because you have sacrificed to make it happen.Maybe some day we will be able to find a way to show our appreciation. For right now we are striving to make this the most memorable mission ever and we hope we can impact our co-workers in a positive way that will leave the door open for further contacts from the church....We know this is the only true church on the face of this earth and that the gospel has been restored by Joseph Smith to the earth in these the latter days...and that temples will dot the earth in the end times....and that, through the Holy Priesthood powers...this very earth was created. We know that we have a prophet on this earth today, Gordon B Hinkley...who is such a great example to us.Having watched his tenderness with his sweet wife we were brought to tears. What finer teacher than one who practices what he teaches...
Suffice it to say that I love you beyond measure because of who you are.....and who you have become.....and who you will be in the years ahead. I could not have asked for a finer son....and My Heavenly Father has blessed me....I look forward to being an Eternal Family...
Signed "With great love - Mom"
Letter addressed to Ken Ewald, 801 NW 40th St. Lincoln, NE 68528 from "Ewald" 1815 Lucas Rd. Knightdale, NC 27545
Content:
Dearest Ken,
I was going to do all this on the E-Mail but computers... having a mind of their own...well here I am doing the snail-mail thing instead. This year on your Birthday I thought I would write to you and share some thoughts with your so please bear with me while I reminisce a bit.
I remember the very first time I ever saw you.....lying in a bassinet beside my hospital bed....bare naked..... and wailing to let the world know of your arrival. You were so white....and your hair seemed so red....and I wondered whose child you were and why didn't they come pick you up and comfort you?
You reminded me of Van Johnson....(he was an actor....long since dead) and I thought you would grow up to be an airline pilot..Silly the things you think of. When I found out that the child was mine I rejoiced because you were so perfect in every way...I checked all your little fingers and toes and was so amazed at how very complete your small body was....You were perfection! And for the first time in nine months I didn't start the day clinging to the now familiar porcelain throne! You had a quick smile and made these cute little cooing sounds when you were happy. You slept thru the night right away and never gave me a moments worry. Your siblings loved you beyond measure....Jim would spend long hours beside you......talking to you and telling you of his adventures for the day....and later would wonder why you always wanted to be with him.....guess he made life sound really exciting.I can recall from time to time thinking of your future....what would you grow up to be? I knew that you would be the best at whatever you chose to do. You were always the child I could rely on...if you said you were going to be home by 3p.m.....you were home by 3 p.m....if you told me you would wash the dishes then I could count on the dishes being washed....you always kept your word....and I could trust you to do what you said you would do......a quality I still admire as one of your many strengths.
Far too quickly you saw brighter lights in New Jersey and you went to live with Frank...one of the hardest days of my life was putting you on the plane knowing that I might never see you again....and then wondered if I had done the right thing.I think you were given some new and very different opportunities while you were in New Jersey....some of which helped to mold the man you are now.
Over the years I have watched as you grew......I was so proud of you the day that you became an Eagle Scout and wished I could be there at the ceremony....and proud to be there when you graduated from High School. I guess when you told us you had been baptized was a really big moment for me...although I was still spiritually "young" and I knew it was a big step in your life. However, I would not understand that fully for a long time. I will never forget the night you called and told us you wanted to serve a mission...I have every letter you wrote home and from time to time I re-read them and feel your strengths and frustrations...your joys and pains....your growth in the gospel...and I am strengthened.
You came home from your mission and Our Heavenly Father blessed you with a wonderful Eternal Companion...I knew from the very beginning that this was a marriage that would be Eternal...I always think about how many struggles you and Sandy had from the beginning of your [relationship]..always wanting to do the right thing and in the end...marrying in the Temple. You will never know the joy my heart felt......as you and Sandy knelt across from each other and were sealed for time and all eternity.
You have always seemed to be able to see the eternal perspective of all things and I have admired you for that. You have known, somehow, how to strengthen your family when they need it most...and discipline when needed....some times I have mistaken your reactions because I have been far too sensitive...and react far too quickly....I am trying to learn not to react but to [prayerfully] consider the situation and then act appropriately. I will continue to work on that this year.
Another thing that I realize about you that absolutely puts me in awe of you...is not your ability to earn money...although that in itself is awesome...but your ability to maintain your lifestyle and keep your priorities in order. People tend to live to the maximum of their income....You seemingly have resisted this temptation.
Once you sent me a letter following a phone call that must have been very painful for you....you had been to the Bishop for financial help and it was a humbling experience. The letter was beautiful and I framed it and kept it next to my computer. I read and re-read it over the years because it gave me strength during the lean times. When your children are little it seems so easy for them to say.."I love you, Mom"..but when your children are grown and they thank you for all that you have been to them in their lives....that becomes really special. And for me...a treasure.
Something else that always makes me take stock of where I am...spiritually..is the way you always seem to find the good in everyone...I won't go into detail...just to say that it is a truly great quality that most of us lack.
You have such high standards for all your family...and maybe that is because you do see things in an eternal level. Sometimes it is difficult to meet all those standards because not all of us are up there where you are yet.....but until such a time as we grow sufficiently to reach those heights.
I am so grateful to you for your steadfastness in the gospel.It is a comfort to know that you and Sandy love us and that our mission is happening because you have sacrificed to make it happen.Maybe some day we will be able to find a way to show our appreciation. For right now we are striving to make this the most memorable mission ever and we hope we can impact our co-workers in a positive way that will leave the door open for further contacts from the church....We know this is the only true church on the face of this earth and that the gospel has been restored by Joseph Smith to the earth in these the latter days...and that temples will dot the earth in the end times....and that, through the Holy Priesthood powers...this very earth was created. We know that we have a prophet on this earth today, Gordon B Hinkley...who is such a great example to us.Having watched his tenderness with his sweet wife we were brought to tears. What finer teacher than one who practices what he teaches...
Suffice it to say that I love you beyond measure because of who you are.....and who you have become.....and who you will be in the years ahead. I could not have asked for a finer son....and My Heavenly Father has blessed me....I look forward to being an Eternal Family...
Signed "With great love - Mom"
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