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

Jan 1, 1978

January 1, 1978

Today is Sunday and the beginning of a New Year. We have come together in Boise at great expense and in jeopardy of our lives because of inclement weather to accomplish additional steps in our family organization. There will be 28 people present today.

I wish to reiterate some of the events of the past weeks. Eric and Chris and their children, Kathy, Tolm and Nancy, Jane and Bob and Rebecca, Carol were together for Christmas. Those traveling from Utah did so in a snow storm and it took them about 27 hours.

The spirit in our home was truly centered about the birth of the Savior and His importance in our lives. There is much love and no contention in evidence. I see only a spirit of cooperation and desire to obey our Father in Heaven’s commandments.

In traveling to Boise on December 28^th, we had intended to ski together but we had to drive through a storm that caused us to stay in Pendleton for 2 days. We had an accident with Kathy’s car which posed additional problems.

The roads were so icy and snowy that there were innumerable accidents.

Our weather is no so unpredictable and takes such violent changes that we cannot make definite plans that are completely reliable for travel. Again, we see evidence of fulfillment of prophecy in these last days.

December 29, 1974

Several things have happened in the last few days I wish to record.

I: After driving our relatives to the airport to fly home on Friday, I was driving home. While engaged in prayer, really a recitation to the Lord of my list of unlimited things to be grateful for, I received a definite spriutal impression that Warren and Wilda had received the Gospel. The veil was extremely thin. I followed the direction as given to us in D&C 9:7 and the answer came back an unreserved "YES!!" I am sure that they, Warren and Wilda, are in close contact with us and are directing or assisting us in our direction and affairs here upon the earth.

II: Warren was married on 12/28/74 to Margaret Sandmayon of Boise. She comes from a Catholic family of nine and is a great girl with many talents. There is no question that Warren and Margaret are devoted to one another. I am sure that now they are thinking of "family things" we will have a chance to draw closer with better communication and understanding and love for one another. I am sure that now they are thinking of "family things" we will have a chance to draw closer with better communication - understanding - and love for one another.

We were able to fly over and arrive in Boise at 1:30 before the wedding and then fly home afterwards. The weather here in Seattle en route and in Boise had been so treacherous because of cold fronts, moist, unstable air. Severe icing and a barometric pressure of 29.35 that I didn't think we would make it. It was as if we had been given a reprieve for a few hours so we could make this important trip to attend Warren's wedding.

III: Kirk James talked to me ad told me of a talk he had heard given by Elder Boyd Packer. Kirk counsels me--this is a unique wonderful experience to be counselled by my son. He has been very strong in his stand that we must learn, study, and concern ourselves about the BASICS of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Elder Packer stated that in his work as an apostle he always asks Stake Presidents, etc. if they have any questions or if there is anything that he can do for them. He said most of the time the question will be "how can we improve our computer readout service?" or "How can we get better delivery service, etc." Occasionally a question will relate to the mysteries. Elder Packer said that only occasionally would the most important question be asked, "How can we become more clean?" If we learn the basics of the Gospel and cleanse ourselves, then the veil will become so thin that the mysteries will be made manifest to us and we may speak about the mysteries when the Spirit is right without the question even being asked.

Kirk tells me such things in concern that he is too critical. But I accept it as guidance for me as an individual to rebalance my perspective and study of the Gospel. {Perhaps, I see why Kirk and Leland did not enjoy the BYU --as I would expect--because in the religion department there are many things expounded which are presented as "truth" when they are really "the precepts of man" who though their intellectual pursuits and research come to believe what they believe and say is true without depending more on the Spirit. Even the elect can be deceived!!!

IV: This morning a man that I admire very much, Brother Luis Fife--one of our LDS Institute teachers approached me and addressed me in a special way as "his beloved brother" -- I asked him to tell me why he approached me this way because he has done it before. His reply was because our encounters were very special to him (they are to me because he is such a fine man and teacher) and because I have attributes that he desires most such as empathy, integrity, being people oriented and not program oriented.

As I walked into the church this morning I saw him sitting in a room in his High Priest Quorum group. His face was like a light to me and in all that group of men I could only see him. I am not being melodramatic in saying this. I honestly believe that there is spiritual attraction and "chemistry" between men or women that draw them to one another for spiritual nourishment--direction and encouragement. That another person of such quality should feel this way about me is a humbling experience to me.

V. Tom called us the day after Christmas from London. We surely missed not having him home for Christmas but his voice sounded good--he is happy--hardly complains and adapts to new situations so well.

Its been a marvelous Christmas spirit--How can we be the recipients of such marvelous blessings?

December 22, 1974...first page of "Journal No 2".

As I began to keep a journal in October, 1973, I did so with a prayer. As I look back over the past year it is evident that the Lord has blessed us immensely and wrought many miracles in our lives. Keeping a journal helps to be more aware of what is actually taking place in one's life. I truly believe that a journal does the following:

1.) provides a record of one's life and inner feelings while experiencing his mortal existence.

2.) Provides a means to more accurately reflect upon one's progress in life and most importantly--how he stands in living the Gospel

3.) Provides a means by which he can teach--particularly his family for generations to come.

4.) establishes a pattern of reflection and thought that brings one closer to the Lord--why? Because it takes time to sit down, and write and this breaks the habit of living each day the same--it makes one break the pace of the frenzied type of life we now tend to lead.--moderation.

5. it provides a stimulus for more letter writing of great importance in our lives. I am amazed that I have done more letter writing this year than ever before! I have written to many people who are important in my present and past life and I have written letters to all of our eleven missionaries, and weekly wetters to Tom while on his mission.

6.) By recording ones "spirit" and deep sacred innermost thoughts in a journal he is in essence preserving a constant prayer to his Father in Heaven.

October 6, 1974

Kirk James, Greg (Jane’s friend) and Tom and I went through the Provo Temple today where Tom received his own endowments. It was one of the very special days of my life. To be in the Lord’s sacred house with these choice young men brought me closer to my dear Father in Heaven and His beloved Begotten Son than I have known in some time. This same feeling continued throughout the day and I was able to have deep talks of committed love with Jane, Greg, I also called Chris and Eric by phone and proclaimed to them their great worth in our family and my personal love for them. I love my Father in Heaven because He has led me in the pathways of righteous love and “caring” for my wife, my beloved family, my friends, and all men, having removed the feelings of prejudice that I have known in the past. I will do anything necessary to continue this great blessing in a world where Satan rules as he did in the days of Noah. I serve my dear Father and the Savior because I have drunk at the fountain of their great love.

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.]

August 20, 1974

We have just returned to McCall from a road trip to Salt Lake City. Being able to fly has been a blessing to our family beyond measure. When we spend two weeks at McCall in the summer I have flown close to 20 hours taxiing member of the family and friends back and forth between Boise, McCall, Seattle, and Salt Lake City, etc. Also, I have been able to fly with Kirk several hours and have been able to impart to him many of the things I have learned. We have had a wonderful time together this summer. Perhaps this is the last time we will have so many family members together. Tom will be on his mission, Jane and Carol may be working, but I keep hoping for continued family unity and this year I have stressed and made a fervent plea that we offer up our prayers in unison for a family business.

            I feel a sense of satisfaction in having completed my reading and abstracting of the book of Alma and Helaman and also the Book of Joshua. In addition, I have studied considerably on the Airline Pilot Transport Rating. I will drop this endeavor immediately if it interferes with the Lord’s work and responsibilities I have in this area.

April 27, 1974 Letter from Kirk James to Carol

On the opposite page is a letter of great importance to our family in which Kirk James writes to Carol on her 17th birthday and gives her counsel about what is most important in life. I am proud of Kirk because he has come through a very difficult year in law school being taught Priestcraft – or the precepts of men – and he remains strong in his testimony – what he has to say to all of us will have a great impact on all members of our family.

[Enclosed is a letter from Kirk James to Carol. The following is highlighted within the letter: “The most important thing you can do right now is to learn as much as you can about the Church and the scriptures and what they really mean. There really is a purpose to this life which very few people understand. Once you understand that purpose then you can feel secure. As I look around at all the so-called “great men” in the law school I realize how insecure they are. They have concentrated so much of their efforts in the direction of the law that they don’t know how to cope with life and people and their families. So as I look at you, Jane, Tom, John and Rick I see so much wisdom that those men will never have. Sure they know a lot because they’ve studied a lot, but they aren’t wise. So really, in a sense you’re a lot more grown up and mature than they are and ever will be. So don’t worry so much about what you’ll do in terms of a profession. Try and learn who you are and prepare yourself for a family, etc. If you do that the Lord just won’t let you down and you’ll be happy.” Additional highlights include Kirk James noting that the price of stamps had gone from 8 cents to 10 cents and stating that he had “tried to cut my letter writing down to a minimum.”]