September 22, 1974

Today was a special day in our lives – Tom has been called on his mission – the London South Mission. I am so impressed with his devotion to the Lord and his quiet, determined, self-control. I’m so grateful that the Lord arranged for us to play a part in rearing Tom for a portion of his young teenage and adult life. [Enclosed are some note cards in which Kirk wrote “regarding my respect and love for Tom”. He writes that “while there are those in our country who cry for external controls… to protect them from their lack of self-control, Tom has quietly come to rule over himself by self control.” Kirk expresses his gratitude for “sharing the home atmosphere with this extraordinary spirit that I cherish and love so much.” Kirk lists the following things that he likes about Tom “a) his sense of humor, b) wrestling, c) his strength, obedience and simple faith.” Kirk reports that Tom “is prepared to render a remarkable service in a culture alien to him but yet keep his principles intact; Tom has refused to become bitter as he has encountered personal injustices (loss of his parents); Tom has great generosity of spirit; he is a model to his brothers and sisters and his family because he is absolutely without guile and prejudice; he desires to be involved – to give of himself, and accordingly will impart the wonder of this great religion to others; he is comely.]

September 21, 1974

When in Chicago giving the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons examinations two weeks ago, I took the Airline Transport Rating written test. It was hard and much of it was a “word game” based on a question being answered correctly dependent on an “and/or”. I just don’t fare very well in these types of exams. I studied hard, not having any previous knowledge whatsoever on performance charts, weights and balances, etc. of large civilian transport planes (Boeing 727). I’ve undertaken this because it means a period of strict discipline and concentration in my part to rise above the level of mediocrity as a pilot.

            I just received my grade – 82. I passed!!! I should be grateful because many professional pilots have to repeat this test more than once but my old affliction of perfectionism plagues me and I find myself dissatisfied. How marvelous it will be when we can accept ourselves as we really are – with our imperfections and find peace in our hearts. At any rate, I’ve now got to refine my flying technique so that my skill will reach the highest level of proficiency it has ever been. Then and only then will I have a chance of passing the flight part of the test.

            I hope in the Lord’s eyes I am not spending my time foolishly. It’s the same thing as one climbing Mt. Everest. I really believe as a outlined in D&C – Sec 122 that the Lord wants us to have experiences that will expand our capabilities which will be required for the tasks ahead.

September 10, 1974

Today I had a wonderful thing happen. A young orthopaedic surgeon (Sam Baker) who is not a supposedly “religious” person came to me for counseling. He had spent the last six months in our office as a resident and had decided to go to a small community practice. Since making the decision he has been terribly depressed. He said that he could not explain it but that he had a deep “force” that was telling him that he had made the wrong decision.

            He had come to me because he knew that I would “understand” and that we could truly talk about what was troubling him. As we talked I sensed that members of his family on the other side of the veil are directing him – he needs to be in our clinic. He is a choice person and has an important mission beyond being a dedicated doctor. The Gospel and Priesthood makes me a powerful person in other peoples lives for good. Time will tell!!!!