"I have decided to keep a journal because I believe that my life is important not only to myself but also to others. Perhaps I can stimulate others in my family to do likewise so that the family may be strengthened through deeper communication. Only that material which keynote the central themes of my life and its experiences will be recorded. Certainly it will not always be serious because I enjoy a sense of humor and do not take myself serious enough to think that everything that happens to me is earth-shattering. In fact, I enjoy a good laugh with others when my antics and habits are in review. It would be more than I could ever hope for, if my wonderful and choice family – those now living and those yet to embrace life here upon this earth – would read my thoughts and come to understand me as I desire to understand them. Then a love would develop in all our hearts for our God; for one another; for life; and for the quest for eternal life together. And so whenever a record is being made I pray that the Spirit might be with me that it will be felt by those who read these words in the spirit of truth. Only the decisions that pertain to our relationships with our Father in Heaven and the Savior are important. All other decisions will be of little consequence."

Sunday, November 2, 1975

November 2, 1975...a letter from Carol.

On November 5th, Kirk wrote:

The following is a letter from Carol--an expression of love and gratitude for our family. While people of the "world" are expressing a regret for having given birth to children who have cluttered up their lives, we have the blessing of finding ourselves in the midst of choice--loving children.

Letter from Carol:

Dear mom and dad,

Today was such a special day! Fast and testimony Sunday always has been special to me. People's testimonies always say something that I need to hear, that makes me think. Today a lot was said that make me think and realize a lot of things and make me snap out of my ATTITUDE. One girl stood up and said, "How grateful I am that my parents are members and sealed in the temple!" I've never thought about that really. I knew, but never thought--so many girls are struggling to get their parents baptized, or into the temple I never realized the anxiety, suffering and all they have to go through. I don't have to worry about that. How thankful I am. We're such an active family and doing what we're supposed to do. Becky and Laurie don't have fathers so they expressed how they missed the priesthood in the home and just not having the counseling of a father. Debbie's parents are divorced and not members so she's mission a father, family and a priesthood. Connie's family is not members and I think Trisha's family is not active. I cannot believe it! I have the ideal family (she underlined that). I cannot believe how Tom's taken a turn. How he's grown, and John. Today I pulled out your letter dad that you wrote me in the restaurant. It really has helped me to read that and when Laurie and I read that today we cried our heads off! She looked at me and said, "Carol, I love your family!" She only knows what I've gold her, huh! I'm excited for Laurie to come this Thanksgiving to really see my family. She's always saying, "I love your mom" and I "I love your dad" always. She says she sees the same things in your Dad as she remembers in her father, I know she'd love to be related as family and I'm sure wouldn't mind one of your "Time for an interview"! I'm so thankful for the roof that I was under while at home your really pulled us through those times we needed help. I love you so much and don't' know what I'd do without your! That's why I'm thankful we're sealed in the temple! I love Kirk and his family and Eric and his family how Eric's understanding has helped me--I need my brothers! Mom and Dad, thanks for being Dunc's Parents. Because of your he's got such a testimony and desire to do what's right! I'm thankful for my free agency and how you let me exercise it. I know that when I was dating non-member boys there was a big risk--still, I had my free agency! But I know that by the way I was raised if they didn't have the same standards in mind I stopped right there. I always wanted to date potential members.

That guy in my Missionary approach has been doing a lot of things with me---taking dances but no real date. I don't really feel the same way as before--he's neat but not that neat. Duncan called last night exactly the time I needed him to. I was excited and then we had a really good talk. I guess my missionary keeps staring over at me. Alright.

I love you mom and dad so much. I love my family. I'm excited I think for sure Laurie, Matt and I are driving to Portland Friday and then I could take a plane from there.


Love, Carol

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