January 16, 1978

Tonight was a very special family home evening. We went to the church to play basketball (Norma, Chris, Carol, Duncan, Rick, Eric II, Trina and myself). We did it to teach Eric how to play.

Would you believe that it was the first time in my life I had played basketball? At age 57 I was able to run and keep up with the young ones of the family—I thoroughly enjoyed myself!!!

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 9, 1977

December 9, 1977 

I am learning how sensitive and how deep are the feelings of my grandson Eric II. This night I had the privilege of being in the home of my son, Eric I, in the midst of wonderful friends and saints. We watched the movie depicting the loss of the 116 pages of lost manuscript and felt the anguish and wounded soul of the Prophet Joseph.

How can I personally describe the emotion and love I felt when my grandson Eric (age 6) came to me, cuddled up, and then openly cried as he felt compassion for the Prophet in his suffering.

November 6, 1977

Today in Fast and Testimony meeting Eric (age 6) and Trina (age 3) went to the stand to give their testimonies. That takes a lot of courage. 2x they stood up and couldn't quite say what was in their hearts.

Finally, Chris walked up and helped Trina and I went to the stand to support Eric. Unfortunately for the 3rd time he couldn't say anything so I told the ward how much he loved his family and his Father in Heaven. Eric was then upset at me because I had said things which he did not have in his mind--how could I read Eric's mind?? I'm so proud of my wonderful grandchildren.

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.