July 1986

July 2, 1986

Tonight I met with a young man who is very special to me.  Last Sunday, as I was sitting on the stand, while singing with the choir, in church, I looked down over the audience and saw this young man.  I had an overwhelming feeling come over me to talk to him.  I did, and asked him to come to my home.  I had no desire to lecture; only to listen.

He has always been a special spirit to me.  He served a mission to the Dominican Republic – came home & got started in accounting at the BYU - then abruptly stopped.

He told me without hesitation that I was one of a very few people that he could trust and he welcomed the invitation.  I didn’t realize what a very private person he is.  Basically, he told me he felt the pressure was on for him to grow up – too fast, and he wanted to slow down the process temporarily.  He can see the enormous (in his eyes) responsibilities that our generation has had to deal with and is reticent to become committed.  He asked if we couldn’t meet again and read his patriarchal blessing.

How grateful I am, now, for the lessons of my own life that make my life, counsel, and love of some little worth to others.  How marvelous it is to be trusted by the young people.  As I am a friend to them, I feel that Jesus, the Christ, my beloved Savior, is a friend to me.

July 3, 1986

Today, Norma & I worked at the welfare farm gardening raspberries.  There were to be 10 people.  Instead there were only 6 from our ward.  We really worked, but it was enjoyable.  2 of the people present were our Stake Pres. – James Nelson, and his choice wife, Louise.  I sincerely can hardly believe that my heavenly Father has allowed me to associate with such choice people.  Louise told me how she automatically awakens at 2:00 AM & gets up & reads or does things about the house.  This is because of her concern about her son with whom I met 2 days ago.  Oh! How I understand with compassion.  Norma and I have gone through such “sorrowing” for a major part of our married lives, as it pertains to our children.  It has been particularly for Kirk James currently, Eric, in the past, and Rick, also.  We now understand what Elshim meant when He told Eve that she would bring forth her children in sorrow.

Insert: Birthday Card / Caption: Love Norma

Insert: Birthday Card / Caption: Dear Kirk  You’re truly appreciated at this household for oh so many reasons – probably more numerous then the quills on this porcupine.  Have a really neat birthday – you almost were born on the right day.

Love Russ & family

Insert: postcards of Alaska

July 17, 1986 – A most unusual experience on the Alaska Cruise

I had long planned to have a family trip after I retired.  Norma and I settled on a cruise with the BYU Travel Study to Alaska.  Unfortunately, Kirk and Holly had conflicting problems that could not allow them to join us.

A week before we departed Duncan came down with what appeared to be a sinusitis.  One Dr. thought the symptoms to be a virus.  Because Duncan was not getting better I placed him on antibiotics and the next day he was much better.  Eric & Chris joined us, and on Sunday we departed by bus from Seattle for Vancouver where we were to board the boat, the Regent Sea, a large beautiful ship of Greek origin, and registered in Panama.  It required 350 people to man the ship.  They represented over 23 notions.

Dr. Richard Gunn, and his wife, Jeanne, were the tour & cruise directors.  He was a Prof. of Art at the BYU, and, as head been our experience when we were on the Mediterranean – Israel.  Egypt cruise with them 3 years ago, he brings to life the very essence of spiritual life in all things that we see on this earth – in its architecture, nature, its people

On Sunday, when we boarded the ship I believe Duncan wasn’t feeling too well, and by Tuesday he was becoming quite ill.  That evening Eric and I administered to Duncan.  Before doing so, Norma, Carol, Chris, Eric, Duncan & I prayed together to know the will of the Lord concerning Duncan before administering to him.  We then anointed him with oil, & I sealed the anointing.  He was informed that he would become well and that his sins were forgiven.

The next day Duncan became violently ill.  He had severe photophobia, excruciating headache, stiff neck, and elevated blood pressure.  We had a Filipino ship’s Dr. who was skilled & most helpful.  When we docked in Juneau, Alaska Carol & I left the ship with Duncan to admit him to the Juneau hosp.

I cannot express the seriousness of Duncan’s condition while on the ship.  I was almost certain that he had a leaking aneurysm (a life threatening condition) at the base of the brain.  Those fears were alleviated when we found the Cat scan & spinal tap to be normal.  My concern for Duncan was so deep that I covenanted with God that I would give my life in turn for Duncan’s – if his could be spared.  I’m not sure but that I may be called upon to fulfill that promises according to the Lord’s will.

At any rate – how are the negative Cat scan & spinal fluid studies to be explained in view of the extreme incapacitation that Duncan was suffering.  I can only surmise that it was in answer to the administration or to my covenant & promise.  Future time will tell.

July 29, 1986

My dear brother Sorenson,

I address your reverently as “brother”, because I feel such a kinship to you in the realm of the spiritual, the scientific, and the domain of the scholar.

As I profoundly study – it would be an act of betrayal just to superficially read – “An Ancient American Setting For the Book of Mormon”, words cannot express the gratitude I feel toward you for the enormity of this gift.

First, the gift of yourself in following the pursuits, with steadfastness, that embody a life times work and that far surpass the scope of required academic publication.

Second, the gift of courage that has dared to transfuse a spiritual lineage record into the realm of probable reality.  The emotion generated by reading this choice book parallels that experienced by the instrument pilot who enters the hostile, uncertain world of adverse weather entirely dependent on the instrumental symbolic readings or manifestations governed by “Signals” from an unseen source (faith) when suddenly he emerges into a world of light (sunshine) with the reality of a true horizon that is no longer at (copier cuts off last word)

Third, as a Stake Patriarch, and because of the profound wonderment and intrigue I have experienced for the true scope of lineage, you have given new light and direction for meditative study and prayer

Lastly, as you have placed this work uniquely in the realm of historic credibility; anyone dealing with enhanced knowledge of the Book of Mormon and its antiquity, must become knowledgeable about your work, whether Church member or not, and if their credentials are to reflect honesty and integrity.

With all my heart I thank you for this gift of gifts.  It will hold a most highly prized position in my library

Sincerely,

Kirk J Anderson

Insert: letter addressed to Dr. Kirk J Anderson

Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies

P.O. Box 7113, University Station

Provo, UT 84602

20 August 1986

Dr. Kirk J Anderson

13567 Linden N. #112

Seattle, WA 98133

Dear Brother Anderson

Your kind letter of July 29, and others like it, mean great deal to me.  It is gratifying to know that someone is influenced for good by what you have done, as I am sure you know in your own life.  Particularly at a time when others, whom we can wish had more faith and perceptiveness, doubt or even scorn my work, I can use a boost.  Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness and sentiments.

I recently retired from teaching at BYU with the particular aim in mind of gaining relief from routine tasks of administration and teaching in order to concentrate more fully on making available the body of information on scriptural subjects that a life time of scholarship has permitted me to gain.

I wish the blessings of the Lord on you that you may complete your own sphere of work.

Sincerely your brother,

(signature)

John L. Sorenson

Professor Emeritus, Anthropology, BYU

June 1, 1986- transcribed by Mandi Anderson

Insert: “Royalty and Temple Marriage” talk given by Elder Royden G. Derrick, Seattle Temple President, June 1, 1986

ROYALTY AND TEMPLE MARRIAGE

Nearly everyone, if not all, has read the beautiful story of Cinderella.  It has kindled dreams and aspirations in the hearts and minds of little girls that have smoldered through adolescence.  Nearly every young lady has dreamed of marrying a prince, but have placed doing so beyond the realms of reality.

The Apostle Peter, writing to the saints of his day who held the Melchizedek Priesthood, addressed them as “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).  Why would he make such a salutation?  The most clarifying attribute of royalty is the blood line.  “In general, the Lord sends to earth in the lineage of Jacob those spirits who in pre-existence developed an especial talent for spirituality and for recognizing truth.  Those born in this lineage (have) the blood of Israel in their veins and (find) it easy to accept the gospel…  Since much of Israel has been scattered among the gentile nations, it follows that millions of people have mixed blood, blood that is part Israel and part gentile.  The more of the blood of Israel that an individual has, the easier it is for him to believe the message of salvation as taught by the authorized agents of the Lord.  This principle the Lord had in mind when he said to certain Jews: ‘ I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine… But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.’” (John 10:14, 26-27; Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 81)

The royal line of Israel is through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Nevertheless, one can enjoy all the promises and special blessings the Lord has given to the children of Israel through the law of adoption.  Those who received the gospel and obey the principles of the gospel, regardless of their blood line are adopted into the lineage of Abraham (Abr. 2:9-11).  “The effect of the Holy Ghost upon a gentile is to purge out the old blood, and make him actually the seed of Abraham” (Teachings, pp 149-150).  In the oath and covenant of the priesthood we learn that those who magnify their callings in the Melchizedek Priesthood are “sanctified by the spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.  They become the … seed of Abraham” (D&C 84:33-34).  Therefore, all the promises that have been given to Abraham and his posterity are given to them, predicated upon their righteousness, as though they had been of the actual blood lineage of Abraham.

Royalty connotes that there is a king and a kingdom.  In temple marriages Heavenly Father is the king.  The kingdom of heaven.  The groom is the prince and the bride is the princess.  The prince inherits his father’s kingdom.  “Therefore all that (his) Father hath shall be given unto him, “ the Savior promised (D&C 84:38).  The princess shares the kingdom, for “man is not without the woman nor the woman without the man in the Lord.”

In the sealing room of the temple a beautiful princess kneels on one side of the altar and a handsome prince on the other.  He who is authorized seals the couple in holy matrimony, not until death do they part, but for time and for all eternity, for he holds the authority to bind in heaven that which is bound on earth.  This is the same authority to which the Savior referred when he said to Peter, “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven: And whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth will be bound in heaven.” (Matt. 16:19)  these same keys were given by Elijah the prohphet to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836 and the sealing authority has been given to others for this purpose.  Thus haing satisfied civil and eternal law a new family begins in mortality to be extended into the eternities based upon their remaining faithful to the covenants they received in the temple.  The two are welded together in the bond of holy matrimony and share together all the promises and blessings extended through the oath and covenant of the Melchizedek Priesthood.  It now behooves the young prince to build his wife into a beautiful queen and the princess to build her husband into a great king.  Her childhood fantasy of Prince Charming thus becomes reality – which is only a beginning.

Insert: Poem (author unknown), handwritten caption on side of poem: I have treasured and drawn strength from this Poem so many times.  Hope it does the same for you –

EDUCATION WEEK PROGRAMS

Jaynann M. Payne, Instructor

A Solitary Way

There is a mystery in human hearts.

And though we be encircled by a host

Of those who love us well, and are beloved,

To every one of us, from time to time,

There comes a sense of utter loneliness.

Our dearest friend is “stranger” to out joy

And cannot realize our bitterness:

“There is not one who really understands,

Not one to enter into all I feel”;

Such is the cry of each of us in turn,

We wander in a solitary way.

No matter what or where our lot may be;

Each heart, mysterious even to itself,

Must live its inner life in solitude.

And would you know the reason why this is?

It is because the Lord desires our love.

In every heart He wishes to be first.

He therefore keeps the secret key Himself,

With perfect sympathy and holy peace

Each solitary soul which comes to Him.

So when we feel this loneliness it is

The voice of Jesus saying, “Come to Me.”

It is a call to us to come again.

For Christ alone can satisfy the soul.

And those who walk with Him from day to day

Can never have a solitary way.

And when beneath some heavy cross you faint,

And say, “I cannot bear this load alone,”

You say the truth, Christ made it purposely

So heavy that you must return to Hi.

The bitter grief, which “no one understands,”

Conveys a secret message from the King,

Entreating you to come to Him again.

The Man of Sorrows understands it well

In all pints tempted He can feel with you.

You cannot come too often, or too near,

The Son of God is infinite in grace.

His presence satisfies the longing soul.

And those who walk with Him from day to day 

Can never have a solitary way.

June 1986

Insert: picture of Kirk J. Anderson / caption:

Labor Day, 1986

How wonderful to be free!  To be spontaneous! To do what is desired on the spur of the moment.  This date, I asked Norma if she would like to drive down the Oregon Coast with me on a date.  She accepted, and we saw the beauty of God’s creations.  We stayed at Salishan, Oregon.

Insert: picture of teddy bear dressed as surgeon / caption: This is a record of a weakness of mine.  I love stuffed animals!  Probably a longing for that glorious day in the millennium when we will be able to converse and socialize with the animals.

June 24, 1986

Today was my last day at the temple as a sealer.  Five wonderful years!!  Norma & I are now on a leave of absence to prepare for our full time mission.  There are a number of brethren with whom I have felt a special bond – Pres. Perry, Pres. Shuntz, Pres. Kay & Conger, Bro. Hannebey and Hauck, Bro. Tame, and Pres. Waddell.  I shall miss the impact of their spirits deeply.  I feel like I’m really giving up these precious associations to go on our mission and that perhaps the Lord will look upon it as a sacrifice

Today Pres. Snow & Shuntz assigned me two difficult sealings that others did not want to touch.  I was most grateful for them because in both instances I was able to handle the problems with sensitivity and the atmosphere of love and charity was marvelous.  God seems to have treated me with favor by allowing me to pour forth understanding through love.  I left the temple today in sadness, but with profound gratitude that I have been able to touch the lives of others who mourn, and who have deep wounds.

June 22, 1986
(Note! – This is a letter composed to send to all our children that we might communicate better, and create deeper family ties)

I have just returned home from Stake Conference where one of our Stake Presidency spoke of the dire necessity to “communicate” with our families.  This, of course, was based on the meaning of Elijah’s mission, and the prophecy of Malachi that the hearts of the fathers must be turned to the children, and vice versa, lest the earth be smitten with a curse.  In past, we are now seeing, in our day, partial fulfillment of this, wherein the major percentage of murders, child abuse, incest, etc. is arising from family contention and the waxing cold of family devotion and love.  Thus, I am writing to you with a plea that we continue to open our hearts to one another to foster family unity and love.

As Pres. Toolson pointed out, as fathers, we really don’t really know our children, and vice versa.  I’m going to attempt to bridge that gap by letting you know a lot more about me than you already know.  My only motivation for doing so is because I love you and respect each of you for who you are.  I can never thank you enough for how you have enriched my life.

I speak to you from the patriarchal prerogative.  To be a natural patriarch is to be a “master father” – one who creates life.  To bring an innocent child into the world through an unmanned birth is just the beginning.  “Creating life” really come through rearing the child in love and teaching him correct (God’s) principles so that he matures into a self-reliant, self starting, righteous son of God.  Believe me, I didn’t understand these things when I was young.  However, because of the unique circumstances in my life that have also influences yours, and the opportunity that the Lord has provided for me to be a “father” to thousands of the “ spiritually orphaned”, I have come to understand the scope of being a father.

I made the decision to be a doctor when I was around 13 or 14.  I lived with the fear of that decision for over 10 years until I graduated from medical school.  I just couldn’t see how in the world I could even cut the mustard.  A miracle!  I did.  Within the past 2 years the spirit has testified to me that I was influenced to make that decision to be prepared mentally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually for the enormous responsibilities that would befall me.  In 1942 Norma and I were married.

Prior to that I was reared by parents that I honored and respected.  But that was an era when “children were to be seen and not heard”.  I can not even recall being told by my parents that they loved me.  They taught me by example.  However, Dad was so busy as a physician that I hardly saw him at home during the week, and he slept most of Sunday to catch up for the next week.  These things are said not in criticism, but only to acknowledge things as they were.

I have always believed what the Lord tells us – namely, that from weaknesses come great strengths.  My starvation for love, as an adolescent, fostered a sensitivity to the nature of others that has allowed me to truly experience the true love of God.  I also believed that I would make and adequate living as a doctor, but was totally unprepared for the economics of medicine that was to come.

As I look back, I see where the Lord had His hand constantly in our affairs and desired us to come to Seattle when the LDS church atmosphere was such that we would truly be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ in proper perspective.  

Was it by chance that I would be asked to come to Chicago to train as an orthopaedic surgeon?  Was it by chance that I would meet Dr. Sofield, one of the world leaders and consultants to the Surgeon General?  Was it by chance, then, that I was sent to a major Army med. Hosp to ultimately become the chief of the orthopaedic section?  No!  All of this was happening before I was 30.  I some ways I was just like Chuck Yaeger.  I was in the right place at the right time.  Then, toward the latter part of our Army tenure, while home on leave, I was asked to see a woman with a very painful hip.  For the life of me I don’t know why the doctors in Boise refused to treat her correctly.  Moreover, I was annoyed to have to play a part in her problem.  I’m grateful I did.  She needed surgery.  I advised her that I would arrange for her to see an orthopaedist at her home in Texas near where I was stationed, but, also, gave her names of doctors to see in Salt Lake & Portland & Seattle.  She elected to come to Seattle for her surgery.  This prompted an offer for us to return to Seattle.  Prior to that Norma & I had offers to return to Chicago or to San Francisco.  Could this ladies choice to come to Seattle have been a flip of the coin?  I honestly don’t believe so.

Kirk James was almost 2 years of age when we came, and Eric would be born a year later.  It was really the first time in my life that my norm. living wage of 30 - $50.00 / month jumped to $400.00 / month.

I must be up-front and say that to me medicine came first.  In spite of the face that my two children were so very important to me, I had been taught that medicine is a jeoulous (sp?) mistress, and must come first, and living by the code was a matter of survival in a very competitive, harsh, and demanding field.

In the next 10 years several critical things happened.  Norma was called to teach in primary.  This was the beginning of a serious, steadfast, pursuit of knowledge, spirituality, and love in the church.  It wasn’t easy.  There was much repenting, and change was slow and painful at times.

During this period, my medical practice flourished, and I embarked on a research program as Director of Research in Orthopaedic at the U of W medical school.  Carol was born, and I resolved to spend more time with my children than my father had spent with me.  The problem was that it was still not enough, and I still didn’t know how to make it quality time.  Each summer we looked forward to seeing Warren and Wilda and their children.  I had previously learned that vacations were to be enjoyed in activity, which can serve as the foundation for more serious talk.

In 1961 an exciting thing occurred in my medical life.  I was awarded the Kappa Delta award for the most outstanding orthopedic research.  This created a treadmill type recognition that almost escalated out of control.  I was approached by several medical schools to be the Professor and Chairman of the Orthopedic Dept. (U. of Penn., Northwester, U. of Kentucky).  I made a trip to Lexington, Kentucky to make a decision once and for all whether we would leave Seattle.  I made sincere requests that I didn’t think they would possibly meet.  On the very day that Dr. Ben Eiseman called me to tell me that they would meet all my demands, and wanted me to come, I had to tell him that I couldn’t because we had just learned that my wife, Norma, had a brain tumor.  Again, I have asked myself the question so many times: “Was this but a coincidence that was to keep us in Seattle?”

Norma’s tumor was associated with such a high mortality rate thtat we had to go elsewhere for surgery.  During those 3 lonely weeks the only voice I heard was her brother, Warren.  I realized then how alone we are at times.  I had never had a close relationship with my brother and sister, which I have since changed.

Now came a six year period of the most devastating trial.  I still wonder how we survived.

There were 5 deaths within 18 months.  I had a close doctor friend who amazingly had the same thing happen.  After the 5^th death in his family, he came home from the funeral in Michigan and died of a heart attack within 2 weeks.  Coupled with this were the sorrows that grieving parents feel for their –maturing young ones.

I don’t really know what effect Warren and Wildas deaths, as well as, that of your Grandmother Anderson and Grandfather Farmer had on each of you individually, because we’ve never really opened our hearts to talk about it.  But, for me, it had a devastating effect.  I can never give an adequate accounting of how profound my hurt was, how deep my loss was for the theses 4 most important people in my life.  This cruel blow had brought me so low that I had no place to look, but up – to my Father in heaven.  How grateful I am that there was no bitterness – only humility that allowed me to see the true values in life.

I would plead with you that each of us will resolve to convey our true feelings to our mates, our children, and to one another.

During this period, and early on when Jane, Tom, John, & Rick came to live with us, I found myself at another important crossroad.  I had to decide whether I was going to let Norma become the major parent, or whether I was going to enter into a true patriarchal role.  There was some negativism on the part of my medical partners.  In fact, one partner pleaded with me not to do it, because it would kill me – so he thought.  I was now 46 years of age and in the so-called prime of life.  The escalating medical treadmill had placed me in several executive responsibilities with invitations to several societies that eventuate in a call or election to the Presidency.  I decided that I had to reverse myself and give it up.  Why?  Because the gospel of Jesus Christ had become all important to me, and because you were so important to me that I wanted to be the best father I could be.

Norma and I have earnestly tried to bring the families together as one.  We feel that this has come to pass and that you feel the value of the family organization as we do.

We are immensely proud of each of you.  We have seen divine influence in your marriages where in your mates complement each other.  What a tribute it is to you to desire to bring forth so many beautiful, choice spirits into the world.  

I, personally, feel that each of you are the most unique, choice people upon the earth

Do I have any regrets?  I certainly do!  I find myself wanting in so many are as I know that I can improve my relationship, my line of communication, and love for each of you will you help me try?  

We need one another and the stability we can give each other.  One reason I have rehearsed all this is because you have some of the same trials awaiting you.  Its not just a matter of surviving, but one of profiting from the human condition.

The ultimate reward will be to strengthen one another unto salvation that we may be together in the presence of God.  Believe me, when I have my personal interview with the Savior it will be a true accounting – not an accounting of the family in a general way, but an accounting for each of you as individuals.  

Sincerely,

Dad – Uncle Kirk

June 20, 1986

Today I made my yearly sojourn to the zoo with Courtney and Scott Biddle.  I made it into a generalized occasion. I taped their voices for them to listen to when they become adults.  We started out by watching Scott collect pollywogs out of their ditch at home.  Then, off to the zoo we went.

I enjoy being with them so much.  They do not argue a cry because they are not allowed to do something unreasonable.  They are just marvelous, delightful companions, and I enjoy being taken into their world of viewpoint with confidence, and they enjoy being admitted into mine as we teach one another.

June 29, 1986

Today, Norma and I had our interview for a full-time mission with our Stake Pres. – Pr. James Nelson.  It is such a privilege to be in his company.  His humble, sweet spirit admits the spirit into the interview room with ease and promptness.

He made us feel so worthwhile – that our lives have been of some little worth to others.  I don’t know of a time in my life when I have falt the spirit so intensely and feel such profound, constant, intense gratitude for my blessings.

Insert: Fathers Day Card / Caption: Dear Dad, You’re the best!  We love you – Carol, Duncan, and Courtney Scott and Brooks

Insert: homemade card / Caption: (written with crayan) “Dad”  “Courtney” and drawing inside of kite and design

Insert: Birthday Card / Caption: Uncle Kirk  Love John, Linda, Annalise & Alicia

Insert: Birthday Card / Caption: Dear Dad,  Love Carol and Duncan Courtney Scott Brooks

Insert: Birthday Card / Caption: Hope you have a happy birthday.  We both love you very much and appreciate all you do.  Love Laurie & Rick

Insert: Birthday Card / Caption: June 18, 1986  Dear Uncle Kirk:  We sure do love you  Wayne & Lesli

(additional note in card)

Dear Uncle Kirk & Aunt Norma:

Just a little note to wish you a happy birthday & to tell you both how much we love & appreciate you.  How is the family – I bet Carol’s kids are getting huge as well as Eric’s & Kirk’s.

We are all well, just taking one day at a time.  Mom just got back from visiting Leland in Utah he is well & happy but now thinking about law school – I guess he just can’t help himself.

Wayne & I are leaving today to ski for a week – look what you guys started yuk!

So when are you going on your mission?  Let us know when & if you’re heading this way we’d love to see you.  We think about you often, and feel so blessed that we’re apart of this family.

Say hello to everyone.

Much Love 

Leslie

March and April 1986

Insert: picture missing / caption:

This is a picture of Rick & me in our tuxedos at the reception in Medford, Oregon.  On Sat., March 1, Norma & I drove with Rick & Laurie to Medford for their reception.  I was able to attend, but still not well.

Norma & I were most impressed with Laurie and her family who feel very grateful that Rick has become their son-in-law.

Insert: series of four pictures of Kirk J. Anderson in leisure, tuxedo, and suit attire / caption:

A pleasant experience _ when Norma & I were walking through Nordstrom’s store on our way from the genealogical library to eat our lunch – we were in Salt Lake – Norma says: “Kirk there is a Madras jacket that you would enjoy very much”.  Spontaneously we went about purchasing it.  I had not even noticed it, but Norma’s eye had caught it and in her consideration for me she made the suggestion I buy it.  I am grateful for her and for the jacket.

I put this picture of me in my journal to remind me of certain feelings I had about tuxedos and how we must listen to the feelings of others.  I truly dislike wearing a tuxedo and think I’m only had one  on at the receptions of our children’s weddings, as well as, at a couple of medical meetings.  In my own heat I was very resistant to wearing a tuxedo at Rick and Laurie’s reception, but kept my mouth shut and honored their feelings.  After I got the tux on I rather enjoyed it and realized how important it was for one of the 3 major events in their lives.

Insert: article “Human Factors Workshop” Aviation Safety March 1, 1986 / caption: Some of the fallacies in aeronautical training & accidents that relate to life

March 28, 1986

Tonight Norma and I had a very traumatic experience.  Several weeks ago I had a call from one of my previous patients who state that he wanted to know more about our church.  I invited him to our home.  He then asked if he could bring a friend and I said “of course”.

We were hardly seated when I realized that “the friend” was a disciple of Lucifer.  He was obviously a student and tried to be most impressive with his diatribe about the great Alexanderum scholars and the Jewish Rabbis – I asked him why he has desired to come into our home.  He said, because he wanted to “save us”.

He was invasive, obtrusive, and a smug sophist of the first order.  The only thing Norma & I could do was to bear our testimonies, but I made at clear we recognized the nature of his spirit.  The utter gall of such a person who would gain entrance into the sanctity of our home and then be so rude was unbelievable.  

After they left we recognized that he was undoubtedly a Sherem – an excommunicated apostate-

Insert: 3 live shot pictures of ducks / caption: I placed these pictures of my friends the mallard ducks in my journal so I could refer to them when carving and painting my models.

Insert: picture / caption: (on the picture) overcast, cowling of 828ID (under picture) This is a familiar scene very dear to my heart that I have witnessed many times.  We are returning to Seattle in 828ID, our plane.  Below are the Cascade Mtn’s.  We have just passed Mt. Rainier on our left and ahead is an overcast at 8000’ that is just beginning to break up.  We have just been cleared to 8000’.

Insert: picture (labeled 1-9) / caption:

We are now established on the ILS – the instrument guidance system which aligns the plane with the runway at Boeing field and guides the plane as to the correct rate of descent to the runway.

The time is 16 minutes after 1PM (1). We are in the overcast with the altimeter reading 1000’. (2) The HIS shows the wings level and 1 breath below the horizon (3) which with the gear (landing gear) in the down position (4) allows the plane to descent at 500’ /minute (5) with an airspeed of 100 knots (6) as indicated on the airspeed indicator.  

The STEC autopilot (7) is locked onto both the localizer and glide slope radio signals being transmitted from the airport. The plane is right on the localizer as indicated by the centered indicator (8) and, also, right on the glide slope as indicated by the pegged glide slope indicator (9).  With all systems looking good we were supposed to reach the runway at 3 minutes 40 seconds.  We passed over the threshold at 3’ 43”

Insert: picture / caption (labeled on the picture) overcast, West Seattle, Harbor Island, 8281D Cowling (under picture) 8281D is just breaking out of the overcast.  We are about 4 miles from the airport and still can’t make out the runway of Boeing field because of fog and mist.

Insert: picture / caption (labeled on the picture) overcast (under picture) Runway 13R (outlined and arrow) is now identifiable straight ahead.

Insert: picture / caption (labeled on the picture) 1 & 2 (under picture) Now prepared & cleared for landing.  Runway 13R straight ahead (1) and freeway I5 is to the left. (2)

Insert: picture / caption (labveled on the picture) McCall runway (under picture) Flight over McCall, Idaho in March, 1986

Insert: picture(s)

• Airplane mechanic (no caption)
• Kirk J. Anderson with grandkids painting (labeled on the picture) Scotty paints Courtney holds
• Carved duck (labeled on the picture) Bufflehead duck decoy painted by Courtney, Scotty & myself

April 5, 1986

Teaching grandchildren Courtney and Scotty Biddle how to paint a Bufflehead duck decoy.

Insert: picture of Kirk J. Anderson / caption: This is my walking & golfing suit.  Since retirement Jan 1, 86 I have been able to walk with Norma regularly & play golf 2x weekly with a loss of 20 lbs!

Insert: picture of Kirk J. Anderson golfing / caption

About 25 years ago I took golf lessons from my good friend, Ray Bennett, and bought new clubs with the idea that I would probably join a golf club.  That idea was terminated when the Farmer children came to live with us.  Now, after retirement I started playing again & enjoy it tremendously.

Insert: picture of Kirk J. Anderson golfing / caption

My other golfing buddy, Ray Tame.

How I enjoy these righteous men.  They are great fun; sessions about their golf, and marvelous company Ray was married 2 days after Norma & me in the Salt Lake Temple.  We came to know one another in the 1^st Ward and subsequently the 8^th Ward.  Our friendship has always had great depth.

Insert: picture of Gene Conger in golf cart / caption:

My golf buddy, Gene Conger.  He, along with Ray Tame got me started playing golf again.  He was our first bishop in the 1^st Ward of the Seattle Stake.  His wife got Norma started in the Primary, which brought us back into activity.  Our paths did not cross for many years until the Seattle Temple was built.  He was a member of the Temple Presidency and now we share duty as sealers in the Temple.

Insert: picture of Kirk J. Anderson & Duncan Biddle (no caption)

Insert: picture of tulips

April 6, 1986

This day Norma & I took Carol & Duncan to the Columbia Gorge hotel in Hood River, Oregon to celebrate her birthday.  It was magnificent weather and the setting was also.

Insert: picture of Duncan & Carol Biddle surrounded by spring flowers

Insert: picture(s)

• Kirk & Norma Anderson in doorway of Marquam Manor (apartments)
• Kirk J. Anderson in front of University Hospital North
• Kirk J. Anderson in front of University of Oregon Medical School

April 6, 1986

On the way home from Columbia Gorge hotel we stopped in Portland and showed Carol & Duncan the University of Oregon Medical School which I attended 45 years ago.  We alos chowed them Marquam Manor which was the first home (really an apartment) for Norma and me when we were married in 1942. 

April 12, 1986

Today while bathing I received a crystal clear impression that all my thinking and planning for a mission has been on my terms – my time limit – not the Lord’s.  This is not my mission!!  It is the Lord’s errand or mission.

Norma and I knelt in prayer and covenanted with the Lord that we would do anything He calls us to do.  We asked only in return that we might be assured that our family would be cared for and that their problems would be eased and resolved while we served.  Also, that our own minds and hearts might be freed of worry.

February 1986

Insert: article “Elder Nelson: husband, father are highest titles” by Gerry Avant.  Church News / week beginning February 16, 1985

Feb. 11, 1986

Norma and I were able to bring several family members together in McCall, Idaho to see the ice carnival.  The skill, innovativeness, and artistic gifts of the creators of many of the sculptures was most impressive.  This, in spite of the fact that the temperatures warmed up and it rained so that the sculptures could not maintain their complete form throughout the whole carnival.

While in McCall I was very sick with the flu.  I had not eaten for 4 days and was still running an afternoon temperature.  Norma and I proceeded with our plan to do genealogy work in Salt Lake City.   By this time I was feeling much better.  The new genealogical library is magnificent – the finest in the World our efforts we very productive.

We attended the Mormon Tabernacle choir broadcast.  I cannot listen to the choir, but what the tears begin to flow because there just isn’t a more beautiful body of voices that project as one.

Insert: picture of a sculpture (VW bug with ladder – no caption)

Feb. 22, 1986

I am placing this resume of Elder Russell Nelson’s life in my journal because as I read it I was struck by many similarities in our lives.  I would not be presumptuous enough to declare my stature comparable to his.  The similarities make me wonder about the manner in which our Heavenly Father watches over us and influences our lives.

Elder Nelson made the decision to be a doctor when he was 15.  So did I.  He followed the line of research and applied it to his clinical work.  Although his choice of work was more exotic than mine he received some of the top honors for his work and was one of the very early heart surgeons to do many procedures.  In the sense, I, too received a top honor the Kappa Delta Award in research, and was one of the original experimenters in total joint implants, and in other orthopaedic procedures.

Elder Nelson has seen the power of the priesthood in his work as I have.  Because of him, and his call as an apostle, I have had cause to reflect upon the service I have given, and sacrifice I have made to be a good physician, and how that has enhanced my skills as a husband, father, and priesthood holder.

I am so deeply grateful for men like Elder Nelson, who stand as magnificent examples.

Insert: picture / caption: This picture was taken on the last day our visit to Salt Lake City – Feb. 13, 1986.  Here, I am standing in front of the Monte L. Bean Bldg at BYU where we visited the Rameses II exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts.

Monte Bean was a patient of mine, for who I fashioned a total hip replacement operation.  He accumulated great wealth in Seattle through the development of a large grocery store, drug store, & hardware store chain.  He graciously donated this beautiful bldg to the BYU.

Insert: picture missing / caption: 

Feb. 27, 1986 – Our son Rick Farmer and Laurie Nielsen of Medofrd, Oregon were sealed today in the Seattle temple.  I was privileged to be the sealer.  February has been a bad month for me in that I had the flu twice.

On the day of the sealing I felt well enough to do the sealing and attend the luncheon afterwards.  By evening, however, I was flat on my back again and was not able to attend the reception.

Rick & Laurie made a beautiful couple and I was grateful that the sealing went well.

August 1986

Insert: pictures

• Kirk J Anderson in water (no caption specifying body of water / Payette Lake)
• Scorecard (unused) of McCall Golf Course
• Caption: Mandy Anderson on H2O skis for the first time
• Caption: Scott Biddle makes his first water ski trip
• Caption: Eric II skis on his feet!!
• Caption: Courtney Biddle makes her first trip on the water skis

The foregoing pictures are memorable because they record the memory of a wonderful month in McCall.  For years Norma & I talked about how we would like to spend an entire month in this special place, but work never allowed it.

After our family reunion we utilized the entire month of Aug. ’86 before taking the last steps to prepare for our mission.

I worked with Eric II and taught him to play golf as the photo shows us on the green at the Cascade course with Cascade Lake and Cougar Mountain in the background.  The picture of me with the grandchildren is memorable because it will be a remembrance of the first time that Courtney Biddle (age 6), Scott Biddle (age 4), and Mandy Anderson (age 6) got up on the water skis.

January 1986

Insert: picture / caption: 

An unusual New Year’s party.  At Bob Hamm’s suggestion, we “surprised” Duncan and Carol by plaster boarding their upstairs.  Kirk James had come to Seattle for business and was able to join us.

Duncan has just come home from work taken a shower, and prepared for a peaceful New Year’s Eve.  He “looked” disappointed when we appeared on the scene and put him to work.  At midnite he was most pleased to see all the work done.

Insert: picture / caption:

Jan 4, 1986 – Picture of Bishop Kirk J Anderson, Holly, and Kirk Jared Anderson on day of baptism.  Norma and I made one of the most treacherous trips of all time from Seattle to Boise to attend.  We travelled by car and we encountered snow – ice – and fog which plagued us the entire trip.  Surely, this would indicate how important it has always been to us to attend major events (church, school athletic) in the lives of our children and grandchildren.

Jan 5, 1986.

Today I stood in the circle as Kirk Jared was confirmed by his father.  Also present was Eric Leland Anderson and the Bishopric.

I recorded the confirmation & blessing and wrote it out for Kirk Jared’s book of Remembrance.  It was Fast Sunday and it was a special meeting.  Bishop Kirk James Anderson gave a wonderful testimony & spoke of his gratitude for his heritage.  Kirk Jared’s other grandfather – Eldon Haskell gave a marvelous testimony.  I wanted to, but there just wasn’t time.

In the High Priest meeting, the time was devoted to testimony.  This time I was able to say a few things.  I pleaded with the brethren to pray for their Bishop – my son – that in todays world more than any other time our Bishops are on the firing line more than ever before.  When I finished I don’t believe that there was a dry eye in the room.  Several of the brethren said that their sons would not now be on missions were it not for their Bishop – my son.

Insert: Picture / caption: 

Jan. 7, 1986.  A visit with my sister Ruth, her daughter Laura Lee, and granddaughter.

I am trying diligently to get things worked out so that we can get Ruth to the Temple to be sealed to Dad & Mother before we go on our mission.

Jan. 9, 1986

Today Eric and I sojourned to Nyssa to see Jim, Peggy, and Warren Farmer.  They have established an onion processing plant and have done a wonderful job.  They are truly enterprising and we are very proud of them.  They have undertaken a large debt – load to do this, but I am sure they will succeed unfortunately, the onion crop did not fare well this year and the price is very low.

Jim is now in the Elder’s Quorum Pres. & recently baptized his youngest son.

Warren was just [reunited] to a high school sweetheart.  She is very fine woman, and Warren should be much happier.  He has been very lonely.

Insert: Christmas card (from Carol Biddle)

Dear Mom and Dad,

I’m sitting here with a guiet moment at Jane and Bobs what a year.  Dads retiring – you could be in Europe in the next few months.  WHAT WILL I DO?!

I hope you can use and enjoy this xmas gift.  We love you both so much.  You’re a constant support (that means more than materially).

With all our love from both Carol and Duncan and Jane and Bob

Insert: Christmas card & envelope from 

Elder Eric Jacobsen 

Monte Caucaso 1110 

Lomas De Chapultepec

Mexico D.F. 11000

Mexico

Dearest Andersons,

I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you this Christmas even though it’s arriving a little late.

You’re such good people and such good examples to me.  May the Lord bless you for your goodness.

With Love, Elder Eric Jacobsen

Insert: article “Truth – and More” by Elder Russell M. Nelson; The Ensign / January 1986

Insert: letter (from ? – can’t read signature)

28 January 1986

Kirk J Anderson

SEATTLE

My dear friend Kirk:

Jolene and I appreciated very much your coming to our home last night.  We both value our friendship with you and Norma more than words can express.

I just want you to know that having the Power of The Priesthood brought to bear in my behalf is a privilege which we esteem very highly.  We both feel very good about going ahead to get the solution to my medical problem, and have confidence the Lord has a purpose this particular challenge in our lives.  We have always been blessed beyond our understanding with good health and membership in His Church.  With all of these blessings a person can’t really ask for any more.  In fact it makes me realize that there is much more that I can do to repay the Lord and my friends for the many kindnesses extended to me.

Thanks again for your concern, prayers, and help.  Please extend my love to the Quorum for their fasting and prayers at this time.  With that kind of concerted afforded from such a great group of men there is no doubt that all will be well.

Love,

(Signature?)