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!!!!

August 21, 1974 – more info needed

Today another spiritual occasion in our family prompts me to write of its nature. It is a sequel and another manifestation of that which I recorded on page 56 (*** add entry date as p. #'s will be lost***). This morning after breakfast, Carol, Jane, Chris and myself were reading the scriptures in front of the fire – each of us reading in silence and in our own way. Then Norma suggested that she wanted to play for us a tape from Br. Richard Cown (BYU) on the Doctrine and Covenants. 15 of us then gathered together to earnestly learn together. How can I ever thank the Lord enough for this rich blessing and spiritual atmosphere of learning that our family enjoys. He is truly leading us by the hand. My confidence waxes strong in giving blessings and using the power of the priesthood in our home because I know that as long as we are righteous our prayers will be answered as they have in the past.

PG 107 [No Date Provided] – This letter is a sequel to my notes on page 98 (see Aug. 12th entry regarding his visit with his father). I wrote to Pres. Ezra Taft Benson and told him how much his gesture of friendship to my father meant to our family and to the generations to come. I also told him how I sustain him as an Apostle of the Lord because I have a testimony of what and who he really is.

[The letter is dated Sept 3, 1974 and reads:]

            Dear Dr. Anderson:

            For your very thoughtful and generous letter of August 12, I am deeply grateful. It was a real joy and inspiration to see your father at the funeral of Aunt Carmen. It called to mind many memories, all of them pleasant, of my association with your father and mother, and you and your brother as boys of the Aaronic Priesthood. I have no doubt that your father is might proud of you.

            God bless you in all the days to come. Thank you so much for sending the letter. It gave a great uplift to Sister Benson and me.

            With prayerful wishes for your welfare.

            Faithfully your friend and brother,

                        Signed Ezra Taft Benson

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.

August 15, 1974

Today, Eric, Kirk and I went to the practice area to shoot golf balls. I thoroughly enjoy their company, it’s great to be able to learn together, whether it be things that strengthen our mortal bodies, things political, things that embrace the majestic beauties of this world, or things spiritual. This is the way celestial life will be. Mortal life is simply a forerunner and a place for preparation and repentance so that we can unlock the mysteries of Heaven and catch a glimpse of the eternal verities.