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

March 9, 1975

This has been an unusual day. I was asked by Elder Gordon King (who is finishing his last three months of his mission assigned to the eighth wad) to give him a special blessing. He asked to return to the eight ward because he felt there was special possibilities for missionary work because of the spirit of its members. Therefore, I prepared by fasting and prayer. The blessing I gave him with the Bishop (Fillerup) was informative regarding his activities now and in the future. I was also able to tell him that his calling and election would be made sure. What a frightening—awesome experience to make such a pronouncement.

                                            

I also gave Eric a father’s blessing—he is now going to Salmon Idaho to work on a ranch and it is a major move in his life. Hopefully, his move will launch him on a course that will lead to a life work and hopefully provide a key platform for our family business activities.

I also ordained Ricky to the Aaronic Priesthood. In doing all these things I was physically exhausted  . As the Savior asked who had touched his garment because “virtue had gone out of him” I understand to some degree what he meant. It takes tremendous effort to execute ordinances—blessings—etc with Priesthood power in tune created by righteous living and spiritual preparation.

January 18, 1975

I have just finished writing a letter to my friend Mr. Bunyan Perkins. Mr. Perkins is black--we have worked together for over 25 years at the clinic. He has done janitorial work and in the last few years, as he has aged, he has just run errands. I have always enjoyed and loved this man. I truly look upon him as a brother!! He is now leaving Seattle to return to Texas.

I know not why, nor do I need to know why men are born black. The Lord has his reasons and will make them evident when it is expedient. All I know is that without having all the answers we must learn to gain the gift of charity and love ALL men regardless of their color without prejudice and with reverence for their worth.

I am deeply grateful for the relationship that I have had with this man and how it has enriched my life.

January 13, 1975

Below is a note from the husband of a grateful patient. They are "the honorable of the earth" and fine people. They own the Mercedes Benz agency in Seattle. I am grateful for competency in the use of medical techniques that will allow me to help those in the grips of disease--pain--and anguish. Most of all I feel grateful for their acknowledgement and expression of my feeling of compassion towards others.

Nonetheless, as a physician treating people of the world, the status of the person--his worldly position--has a bearing on the attention he receives. The healing art of medicine is anything but that in many cases--as it is practiced today.

Letter: Dear Dr. Anderson--

Just a short note of sincere appreciation for what you have done and are continuing to do, for Helen. Her recovery from that terrible plateau of pain has been remarkable to both of us and for that we are especially grateful. Beyond that however, I must comment on your personal interest in her condition. Her confidence in you is continually a subject of conversation and your obvious success within your peer group cannot really surprise you in light of the sensitivity, compassion and total professionalism you constantly demonstrate.

Kindest Regards, Phil Small, Sr.

January 11, 1975

Miracles in our lives take place through our inter-relationships with others in the Lord's kingdom. The picture of the saint on the left is that of President Floyd Bennett. When serving as a member of the Seattle Stake Presidency he offered the kind of love and support that helped Norma and me grow and develop confidence and self-esteem in the Church. I have spent many precious moments with this wonderful man in soul searching and trying to better understand myself. Truly, I feel such a spiritual closeness to him that each time we meet we are able to look deeply into one another's eyes and express our love and respect for one another without speaking a word. If I am ever privileged to enter the celestial kingdom, this man will have been a great force for accomplishing it.

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On the right are true men that have meant a great deal in my life. On the left is Brother Fred Schwenmann born in Germany, a man who is not well understood by many. He has helped me to understand those of a different background than mine and has helped me to deal more effectively with some of my prejudices that came as the result of WWII. He was fighting in the German army while I was in the US Army.

On the right is Brother Ray Loveless--both of us have worked together as Elders, Seventies and High Priests--growing together in the church.

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A reply to my letter of December 26, 1974, I know this humble man is a prophet--The Prophet who receives direct guidance from the Lord to direct His church here upon this earth.

January 9, 1975

Dear Brother Anderson:

I appreciate very much your kind letter of December 26; and although you stated your letter required no answer, I want you to know that I am very grateful for the love and support of the many faithful Saints like yourself and family.

May the blessings of our Heavenly Father attend you and your loved ones as you strive each day to serve Him and live in accordance with His gospel.

Faithfully yours,

Spencer Kimball (signature)
President

January 1, 1975

The first day of 1975 starts off with a beautiful day for 1975--The skies are clear, the sun is shining and it matches my spirits--life is good--the Spirit of the Lord is with us and all I care about is learning to live a cleaner life--to become more sanctified. I desire to stand ready to do anything that the Lord desires of me.

Today I have finished reading Isaiah again. This time I tried to ponder--pray and search understanding of each word and passage. It has taken me few months and although I understand about 50-60% of Isaiah I do understand why Nephi, Jacob and the Savior refer to him a a prophet's prophet in the Book of Mormon.

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?