Elmer Manwaring Dies

Gene & Perry at Corona del Mar,  May 1978

[Entry from Perry's journal]
January 22, 1979: It has been 6 days since Gene has had any pain medication.  Last Friday, the 19^th, she went shopping with me and Harriet.  I pushed her in the wheel chair through the mall.  When she would get out of the wheel chair to shop around, I would sit in the chair.  It worked out very well that way.

February 14, 1979

Dear Linda,

Just want you to know I truly did appreciate that beautiful birthday card you gave me, and the Valentine box of candy just made my day. And this Valentine's Day I'm still enjoying them!

Thank you, darling, for remembering me. I appreciate your thinking of me each day too. It helps to make each one of my days "special." I love you very much. Your Mom

[More from Perry's journal]

May 6, 1979: My birthday!  My father died on this day.  I was at priesthood meeting when Bishop Ohman came and called me out.  Gene had called the church after getting the word from the nursing home where he had been for only 6 days.  His passing was quiet and peaceful.

I came home, called all the family, and the funeral home, got things going, then I had to go back and teach my Sunday School, Gospel Doctrine, class.   Somehow the lesson seemed to fit with what had just happened.  I told them about my father, how true to the gospel he had been, how hard he had worked, how willing he was to do anything for his children.  I recalled once when I was quite young, it was early spring and a cold wind was blowing.  I came home from school and walked out into the field to see where my father was plowing.  But the sun was getting low and the wind was colder.  When I came to my father, he immediately saw how cold I was, and he took off his jacket and put it on me.  Few experiences I have ever had have made me feel so warm, comfortable, and loved as that one simple act.  That, to me, symbolizes his life.

Gene is quite weak.  I told her all the family would understand if I stayed with her rather than flying up to the funeral.  But she insisted on my going, and she will fly up with me.  She is strong spiritually though weakened physically.  We had already flown Mother up when we had to put Dad in the nursing home.

On Saturday the 5^th I came by the nursing home to see Dad.  I had just been to the hospital with Gene.  She was too weak to get out of the car so she waited while I went in. Dad was very weak.  He could barely whisper.  He asked about “Mama.”  He said he wanted to come home.  How it hurt me to tell him that I could not bring him home, that he needed to stay here where they could give him care and help that I could not give.  How it hurt to know that I did not have the physical ability to care for him any longer the way I had done for the past three years.  Then I leaned over and whispered softly in his ear as I stroked his head and told him how much I loved him, how much all of his children loved him.  Then I enumerated a few of the many, many things he had done for each of his children, starting with the oldest and down to me again.  He didn’t try to speak any more.  He seemed at ease and at peace.  That was the last time I saw him alive.

May 12, 1979: Gene and I flew up to Salt Lake earlier in the week and Dad’s funeral was held on Saturday the 12^th.  Many, many relatives and friends attended.  The chapel at the old Hillcrest Ward was filled.  Gene was not feeling well at all.  Her brother, Dick, sat by her.  I was on the stand.  During the service, Dick had to help her out where she lay on a couch during the rest of the service.  It is so sad, so sad to see her in this condition.  But there is not grief for Dad.  He filled a full, complete life.

May 14, 1979: Today is my father’s birthday.  He would have been 92 had he lived eight more days.  Gene and I made a sudden change of plans while in Salt Lake.  We decided to come back Saturday night rather than wait until Monday.  I could see that Gene was feeling just too poorly, and I was anxious to get back too.

I still had today off so I spent the time being with Gene as much as possible.  I also washed all of Mother’s and Dad’s bedding, mopped and waxed, and it looks very nice.  I took Gene to the Danson for lunch.  She had a pineapple boat with lots of fruit.  Sometimes I am actually quite hopeful.

May 21, 1979

Dear Perry,

Here are the things that needed signatures for you. Mother has been looking for some word from you. I think she is really lonesome for you. She keeps saying, "I'm wondering how Perry is." and "I wonder how Gene is." So even though the news is not good, it was still good for her to hear about you.

She is doing fine. She said she thinks she will never get rested. She is sleeping and eating good and can read some again now. Grant went and bought her a hand reader with a globe light attachment which automatically goes off when it gets hot. Mother calls it "magic."

So far I have not left Mother alone. I don't want her to get mixed up and wonder if she's alone. We love having her. Perry, I do wish things could have been different for at least a little while for you. We all send our love, Mother, Grant & Hope

Perry & Gene work on a project together to
reupholster some chairs, Winter 1978

May 25, 1979

Dear Mother,

Hope said you had a new reading glass. I am glad because I know how much you enjoy reading. I am sure Hope and Grant will keep you supplied with plenty of good reading material. I hope you will be able to enjoy doing a lot of other things too. You can visit with a lot of friends and family and just relax and sleep when you want to.

I have your room all cleaned up and changed around some. There is a lot more room in the bedroom now with just one bed in it. I hope to get the bedroom painted this summer. Your place is all ready whenever you want to come back, but I imagine you want to spend a lot more time up there yet. The summers in Utah are a lot nicer than they are here in Southern California. I know all of your other daughters want you to spend some time with them too. That must be nice to know that so many people want you to live with them. And remember, you have your place back here too. I am sending Hope some money from your account to help with the living expenses. So you can relax and know that you are helping out and paying your expenses.

Things are about the same here. Gene is about the same, but she doesn't seem to be getting any better. Linda and Marian have been taking turns coming in and staying with her. Next week Harriet is coming to stay for two weeks or so. That will just about take us to the end of school when I can be with her for the rest of the summer.

Perry & Gene at home, June 3, 1978

Sometimes Gene and I eat our supper in your room. We can open the sliding doors which allows a nice breeze to blow through, and we can see all of the beautiful roses. As Gene said, "It is just about like eating outdoors without being bothered with the flies and bugs."

I just about have all the business of the funeral taken care of. There are just a few more bills to pay. I am going to the hospital today and expect to settle that. Yesterday I took care of the doctor bill. You and Dad were very thoughtful in planning ahead so that there is no financial difficulty. I have been to the Social Security office. You should start getting a small increase in your check soon. So you just relax, enjoy yourself, and know that everything is all right. It surely makes me feel good to know that you are getting such good care with Hope and Grant.

Much love from us here in California. Perry

Gene's Cancer Worsens

Gene, Mother's Day 1978

Sunday February 5, 1978

Dear Gene & Perry,

Hazel told me about Gene in a letter last night, so I called the folks here in Vernal and told them and they are all fasting and praying for her today that the Lord will grant her a blessing in the way He sees best. I know it can be very discouraging, but as your Dad always told me, "Don't get discouraged. That is the devil's tool." And I know it is hard to do sometimes.

I bawled yesterday. That old arthritis has got in my left knee so bad. This winter both knees are so stiff--made me feel real bad to have the other leg go out from under me. As long as I had one good leg, I could go and do what I pleased, but I haven't left the place since the Sunday before Christmas. And since it snowed, I haven't stepped off the porch. Yet I know my lot isn't near as hard as some others have to bear.

Hazel said your dad and mother were ok now. You have a man there in your home that really has faith and is willing to have the Lord's will to be done. I hope they can stay well. May you have peace and the blessings of the Lord with you all through this. My love to you all, Aunt Thelma [Elmer's sister]

Gene’s Testimony, June 6, 1978

I was walking through the back door to hang up some clothes today, and Father Manwaring stopped me just as I was about to go out the back door.  I could see he had something to say--something on his mind--and he said, “There were two people that I knew that their doctors said weren’t going to live anymore, and they’d given up on them--told them that they weren’t going to be able to live. One of them was an accountant, and the other one was a woman--I think maybe a relative of Grandma’s.”  He said that those two people did live, that they amazed everyone, and that they overcame the cancer conditions that they had--totally and completely amazed everybody. And he said that people do live even when doctors say that they won’t--that it can happen. And I said, “Yes, I know that’s true.  It does happen that people can be made whole and well again. Those doctors are so sure that some will not or cannot, can totally recover. I don’t know why these things happen; all I know is these things. Only the Lord knows when it’s time for people to be called home, or people to be told or shown that their lives will be extended here yet. I know that’s true.”

Pierce, Gene & Richard, June 3, 1978

I took the clothes out the back door and hung them on the clothesline. I was thinking about my blessings and the happy thoughts that have been in my mind these past few days. I wanted to be able to express something like this to Grandpa Manwaring when I came back in the house. After I finished hanging up the clothes, I came in, and I patted Grandpa on the hand.  He looked at me, and I said, “I am such a blessed person, and I am happy, and I am so content and so happy and feel so truly, richly blessed of the Lord.  I can’t help but kneel and say quickly to my Heavenly Father, ‘Thy will be done.  I will go where you want me to go dear Lord. I will do what you want me to do.’ I know the Lord’s hand is over me and His power directs all our lives. So I know that whatever happens to me, whichever way that it goes, if the Lord calls me, if I go to the other side, it will be because He did call me. And if I stay, it will also be because the Lord wants me here on this side.  Whatever it is, it will be my mission continuing here or possibly on the other side. It’s got to be good, no matter what it is. I shall rejoice whichever it is because I know it will be the Lord’s will.” I smiled at Grandpa when I said that because I wanted him to know how happy I am, and truly how I feel so content and happy about my life and the way I feel right now.  Grandma even said, looking over from the couch, “He wanted to see you smile.”  And I patted his hand again. I smiled, and he said, “You bet.  That’s the way it is.”

Yesterday, when I was lying here, I felt very, very tired.  And I was hurting--I was hurting all over because I was so tired I guess.  And I was beginning to feel something of a desperateness. I was thinking, if I am getting sicker then I’ll start feeling like this. And if I keep getting sicker, I’ll be feeling more like this all of the time.  And I started talking to the Lord, and I was saying that it seems so--I don’t know exactly how to say this--it seems so important for me to feel good.  I mean physically--I think I mean a happy, spirit kind of good. I like to feel like that is kind of the identity of my personality; maybe that when I’m happy that’s the real me. Is that right, do you think? Well, anyway, I was trying to explain, as I talked to the Lord, it’s important for me to feel good. I know it is important for everybody to feel their best, and I think it is what the Lord wants us to be is our best.

Well, I want very much to feel my best all the time. I think that’s a real important ingredient of my make-up--that I’m sort of feeling on top of things and feeling my best.  And so I was explaining to my Heavenly Father that even though here I am in this particular condition, I feel that it is very important for me to continue to feel my best, and be all I can to have myself be feeling my best. I was saying, if it’s truly this condition that’s rapidly overtaking me and overturning me, then would it be impossible Dear Lord for me to continue to feel good? And everybody’s telling me how good I look, and how good I feel, and then I was coupling those thoughts with reflecting upon my patriarchal blessing which tells me in the very last paragraph at the bottom of the page that I would have vital strength and health to the last of my days.  And if this could possibly be, and that’s what I want to happen, and I’m praying and I’m asking my Heavenly Father to help me.  Could I have this blessing?  Could it truly be that I could even be well and feeling good and looking good and maybe even beautiful to the very end to the very last day ‘til the last hours?  And I thought that something intervened, so that I know that Heavenly Father grants me my blessing and told Heavenly Father that I’m living for them, as I needed so eagerly those blessings in my patriarchal blessing. I have always been so terrifically impressed with the patriarchal blessing that was given to me and eagerly, always eagerly, looking forward to the things that would unfold to me in my life.  And as I came through my life and watching those things that were promised to me truly come about and come to pass, I know if these prayers and if these blessings that I have asked for are worthy, then the Lord is going to grant them to me. He surely will.

[Through 1978, Gene's condition worsens. Perry and Gene try to remain positive, but the cancer continues to spread. They go on several little trips to try and get Gene's mind off the pain. The following is an entry from Perry's journal:]

At Crater Lake, Oregon, June 1978

June 1978: Gene and I have had a beautiful trip to Crater Lake, Oregon.  We chose this place because we knew Gene would not be able to stand or bear a long distance drive in the car.  Here we could fly close.  We flew to Klammath Falls, then rented a car and drove to Crater Lake.  It is truly a beautiful place.  We rented a place at the Lodge and then later a cabin.  We drove around a lot, walked and took pictures--just being thankful.  We drove down along the Rogue River where there is much beautiful scenery, stopping occasionally just to enjoy it.  Gene got to feeling considerable pain on our way back to Klammath Falls.  We stopped and she took one of her pain pills.  This made her quite sleepy.  When we got to the hotel, I took her in and put her to bed and she slept for several hours.  I could do nothing but wait.  I read some and occasionally went out and wandered around.  I couldn’t concentrate on television, and didn’t want to disturb her.  Finally she awoke feeling better.  We had dinner and flew home early next morning.

Gene recovers from a mastectomy

August 9, 1977

Dear Laura,

I loved your letter. Thank you for writing to me and for coming over to see me. It always cheers me up to see you and your brothers.

I love you all so very much. Yes, I'm getting well now and feeling better every day. Love, Grandma M

Perry & Gene

August 13, 1977

Dear Family,

This will be just a few lines to let you know how everything is down here because I am sure you have all been wondering.

Gene came home from the hospital just one week ago today. She is really doing quite well--very well in fact. She is amazing everybody with her recovery. I am sure this is largely because of her remarkable recuperative attitude, her determination to enjoy life, and the blessings of the Lord through the priesthood.

Yesterday we went back to the hospital to have the sutures removed. It was an anniversary for us, 33 years since our first meeting, so from the hospital we drove over to Riverside and had lunch at the Old Mission Inn which is being restored. We thought it appropriate since we had lunched there together just after I was discharged from the Navy.

Of course, a whole flood of thoughts have coursed through our minds, mostly in thankfulness for life--every day, each moment. We have thought about a few lines from Thornton wilder's play "Our Town." One of the characters, Emily, is permitted to come back and view one segment of life:

Emily: Oh, it goes so fast. We don't have time to look at one another. . . .Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it, every, every minute?

Stage Manager: No. The saints and the poets, maybe--they do some.

I can say that this past week we have both been very sensitized to life. When Gene came home from the hospital, just one week ago today, she broke down and wept. (We both did.) And she kept repeating over and over, "Oh, it is so good to be home. Oh, my home is so beautiful." We are both enjoying "every, every moment." I have been right at Gene's side constantly not only to meet her physical needs but more important her deeper spiritual support. I have read to her, often at two o'clock in the morning, to help alleviate the pain. (The only pain pill she has had is aspirin.) And often, at her request, I have even sung to her. Most poignant have been the words from the hymn, "Lead Kindly Light." '. . . Keep Thou my feet. I do not ask to see the distant scene. One step enough for me.'

Yesterday evening Gene went and stayed briefly at Reymund Fast's wedding reception. You see, she really has spirit. And last night she slept the best she has since the surgery.

We are thankful to all of you for your thoughts, kindnesses and prayers. We are so glad Hope and Grant were able to take Dad and Mother. It was not for the reason we had planned, but it surely worked out for the best. We love all of you, Perry

August 23, 1977

Dear Linda & Eric,

Here is a copy for you of Dad's letter he wrote for everyone as a report after I got back from the hospital. I am so thankful for your dad and his devoted care of me.

I'm feeling better every day though sometimes it seems the days and especially the nights are going rather slowly. But I keep exercising and working with myself. Be seeing you. Love, Mom

Harriet Maria Taggart Goodrich
Perry's maternal grandmother

September 14, 1977

Dear Grandpa & Grandma,

Today is your sixty-seventh wedding anniversary! It boggles my mind to picture being married "happily ever after" for that long (as you two have) when I haven't even been alive half that long! It gives me something to look forward to because I know how much love grows between two people year after year--you're such good examples of that.

We've hung the big picture of Harriet Maria Taggart Goodrich (that Dad gave me on my 18th birthday) above the mantle on our brick fireplace. I've been waiting until I had a perfect place to hang it up, and now I've found it. It looks beautiful!

Take care of yourselves and give my Tippy dog a pat on the head for me! We love you very much, Craig and Harriet Lea

[Leora Edith Young Fast died November 10, 1977.]

Gene with her brothers, Richard & Pierce
at their mother's funeral

Issues with aging parents

[Because of their age, Leona and Elmer left Salt Lake City and went to live with Perry and Gene in Claremont, California]

Craig & Harriet Lewis, (top left)
the newest married couple in the family

February 3, 1977

Dear Perry, Gene & Family, also Elmer & Leona

Was so good to get your nice newsy Christmas letter. Thanks so very much. I started to get cards and letters off for Christmas, but I got so sick with the cough and flu I had that Dee just told me to go to bed. So the only thing that got done was the tree decorated. If the neighbors hadn't been so good, we wouldn't have had much of a Christmas.

We got Harriet's announcement for her wedding. It was late coming--must have been delayed somewhere. We are so happy for her and hope they will have a happy marriage. Saw in the BYU paper where Colleen Peppers, who was queen for the 'Y' when Harriet was her attendant, got married. Her picture was in the 'Y' paper.

We are so glad that Elmer and Leona are doing so well. Just hope they can continue to enjoy good health and strength.

We had a granddaughter married on December 22. Venice, Elvyn and Kent came to the temple for the wedding. That was so nice of them. Then Elaine had her son come home from Chili off his mission to be home and go thru the temple.

Did your sons move home from Provo? Dee has tried to call and they keep saying the phones are disconnected. Sorry we didn't get to see them. We wanted to go and visit with them. May the Lord keep all of you well and performing the Lord's work. Surely do love all of you. Have a nice new year. Love Dee & Mary

[In the summer of 1977, Gene discovered a lump in her breast. It turned out to be cancerous. While Perry was helping Gene recover from the operation to remove the cancer, Leona and Elmer went to live with Hope and Grant in Spanish Fork for a short time.]

Perry with his mother, Leona,
Memorial Day in San Diego

August 12, 1977

Dear Perry, Gene and family,

Mother decided she needed to write to you herself this morning, so I decided I'd send a line along myself. We are getting along just fine so far. Dad is surely enjoying our vibrator chair. You might inquire into the Niagra Company down there if they have one. I know the chair helps my back and hips, so I don't think he just has a crush on it nor that he's praising it unduly. If he can find something that helps--why not? Maybe you folks or someone in the family can enjoy it after they're gone.

Mother is getting a vacation. Grant and I do for Dad. The only thing she still has to do that she doesn't want to always do is go to bed at 5:30 or 6:00 pm with Dad. He even likes it if we can go to bed then too, so we just try to read and not come into the kitchen or bathroom. All the relatives have been warned not to ring the doorbell after 5:30 so he won't wonder who's here.

He really is trying really hard to be a good sport and help himself as much as possible. I've been helping Mother--possibly more than she needs--but I think she can stand a little spoiling without expecting it from here on.

I made a mistake one day and complained about how tired I was and what a rough night I'd had. When Venice and Elvyn came that evening, Dad asked her to take them out to her place so we wouldn't have all the burden. I'd seen him looking morose and feeling grumpy all day and had wondered what caused it. So then I had to assure Dad that I often have sleepless nights and that I often have leg-ache and that it had nothing to do with him. I know how it is to have to be waited on and how sensitive one can be, so I shouldn't have been so thoughtless and am more careful now.

We've been having lots of company so that in itself is more excitement than is good for sleep--much as they are enjoying it and them. Uncle Ashel will come later as he's in the hay. One day of Thelma was about all I could handle as she orders me around for her. I don't think she does that with Hazel.

I hope you and Gene are able to rest and enjoy each other and that you, Gene, aren't too sore and miserable. I've had enough operations to know that none are easy and that when they happen to you it's the worst there is. So if it helps any to say that, then I can offer that much comfort. Although no one can really say, "I know what you're going through," we should have enough compassion in ourselves to show mercy and love and to give hope if we can.

We've been talking, singing, playing guitar, organ and piano and remembering words to more songs. It's been fun. Love to all, Grant & Hope

August 12, 1977

Dear Perry & Gene,

It is about time I gave a report of ourselves. We have been here about two weeks, and the time has gone by fast. We are both feeling well. Grant takes care of Dad, takes care of his exercises, etc.

We were sorry to hear about Gene. I was aware that she wasn't feeling too well but didn't know the seriousness of her ailment.

We have had quite a few visitors. I told Hope that most of them had been to see her and Grant, but she said not, and she wrote a list, which I am sending. The weather is nice, and we still can eat "three meals a day." One day Grant took us up in the canyon to what they call "the ranch." That was a nice experience. One time when we stopped, I counted the train cars that were going by on the hillside and there were seventy-one. I don't know how many engines it took, but that was quite a sight. Love, and best wishes, Mother & Dad

Gene, Perry & Renee

August 13, 1977

Dear Mother & Dad,

We miss you here--no busy activity from your end of the house, and when we walk through the door back there we feel a "pang" of lonesomeness. It was good to hear your pleasant voices on the phone this morning and to know you are having such a good time there with Hope and Grant.

With Perry and Renee taking such good care of me, I am getting well really fast and waking up so happy every morning. Best wishes to you both and love always, Gene

We are going to be grandparents four more times!

Gene with birthday flowers

February 5, 1976

Dear Mother & Dad,

I have your letter before me, Mother, and I am so glad you can still see to read, and of course to write too. I have noticed when we are there that you still can sit and read from some of your old books. And you enjoy it so much. I am sure that helps to keep your mind active and alive. Gene always comments on what a good letter you write.

We are having a good rain now after the longest period of drouth in the history of Southern California. I'm wondering if this means you are getting a lot of snow there now. I am glad the people like Mrs. Sperry can come and help you get the snow off your walks. And I am surely glad that Hazel and Walter can come in and help you. How are both of you feeling? I hope you can avoid the flu this winter.

Renee and Harriet are hoping to get up to see you soon. Perhaps they have already. We expect to be up there to see you in April for spring vacation. That will be during the week of April 11-17. Please take care of yourselves and be careful. Love, Perry

March 7, 1976

Dear Aunt Minnie,

I'm so slow with my writing. Please forgive me. We think of you often and Mother talks about when all of you were small, nearly every day. She is remarkably well this winter. No colds or flu and she eats and sleeps well, helps with the dishes every day and sweeps the porches and walks.

Gene with granddaughter Charlotte, Spring 1976

Dale and his wife Carolyn and their three children have moved to Utah. They are buying a home in a small town just north of Provo where he works and tries to continue his education at BYU. Jan and Cara Lee have been married almost a year and a half now and are both planning to graduate from BYU this spring. They are such hard workers.

Renee graduated last August in the field of Health Science and is working now in a medical lab there in Provo. Harriet has finished her classes and will graduate this summer. She's working part-time in a bank close to the campus. She and Renee are still together living with their roommates.

I miss them so much. Perry and I are planning to drive up there at Easter vacation and see all of them--also his parents in Salt Lake City. Of course we will plan to see Dick and Betty at that time too. Do you ever hear from them. Their girl Jewel is a college student now. She attends Ricks Junior College in Idaho. We heard from them at christmas time.

Linda and Eric have a little home of their own in Upland. We see them often. They have 5 children now. Marian and Warren have moved to Riverside--that's about 25 miles southeast of us. It's so nice to have them living closer to us. They have two girls and two boys. Warren works for the health department there.

We've had a dry winter this year until last month when we finally got some rain. It's spring here now, and we are doing a lot of yard work. I am attending some art classes in a junior college close by. This is my 2nd semester. I am enjoying it so much.

Surely hope you folks are all well this winter and staying away from that awful flu. Please write us and I promise I'll answer immediately. Am so anxious to know that all is well with you. Love from your "slow" niece, Gene

Springtime trip to Provo

March 30, 1976

Dear Mother and Dad,

It has been some time since I heard from you, but I assume everything is all right. I heard from Hazel last week, and she said you were fine. If you have missed the flu or any bad colds this winter, you are really blessed.

I have been trying to get our property in a little better shape--get it looking better. I have neglected it for some time. I went out and bought a little garden tiller like we used to have. That helps. I even planted a garden last Saturday. I have planted vegetables along with my flowers. I hope we have something edible as well as something good to look at. But we are always plagued with so many pests. We have innumerable gophers here and little birds fly down and eat the tender shoots just at they are startng to emerge from the ground. But we are going to give it a real try.

We keep counting the days until our spring vacation. It will surely be good to see all of you again. With Easter coming a little later this year, perhaps we won't have a snow storm such as we have had the last two years when we came. But then it could still happen.

We are going to be grandparents four more times this year. All of our married children are expecting. That will be sixteen for us. Wow! We will be arriving in Provo probably on the 10th, so we will likely see you on Sunday or so. Anyway, we will call you when we get there. We are surely looking forward to it. I must go now. Love to both of you, Perry

Grateful for Family Near & Far

Leona & Elmer Manwaring

January 5, 1976

Dear Perry & All,

The mail has come and gone but this can go tomorrow I hope. I have just been reading your letter over again and thinking of Christmases past and thinking of what it still means to us. Although it is really not our Savior's birthday, it is still a wonderful time.

We received a lot of Christmas cards and Hazel took care of most of them for me. We have had a visit from Grant and Hope recently (a short one) and he is still suffering from that hernia operation of long ago. Nelson called one day and played our organ a short time.

We get a lot of satisfaction from our nice carpet and compliments too, and I still like to play a few tunes on the organ. June sent us the "New Era" and the "Ideals" Christmas issue, and they are so interesting. I am glad I can still see to read with glasses. There is a lot to read about and to think about since this is the Bi-Centennial. On the last issue is the Goddess of Liberty with her raised arm, holding the lighted lamp. I am thankful for having had the privilege of seeing that statue in the New York Harbor when Grant and Hope took us back to get Nelson on his return home from his mission.

We have quite a bit of snow, but the roads are kept clear. I shoveled and swept a path to the gate. Mrs. Sperry came once with her snow blower and cleared the path to the garage. Looking out at the snow, I am reminded that your grandchildren don't see a "field of white."

Dad often laughs at the time you rode on the merry-go-round and got so dizzy and sick and wanted to "go home to Momma." Being sick and dizzy is not so funny either. I am very thankful for my health, and Dad feels ok most of the time, but he is so nearly blind it makes him rather helpless and dependent on me or somebody. Ruth and Arvel Stone came recently. We are glad they come once in a while. Ruth and I are the last ones living of the thirty-two children of our father.

Well there is a lot to think about and read about. We were glad to see Linda and Eric and children, and I enjoy seeing the picture of Marian's children on our organ. It brings a smile and wish we could all see each other more often. Well tell everybody hello, and I will get this in the mail. We hope you are all well and can have a good and happy new year. Love and best wishes to all, Mother & Dad

Bryan & Wilma Young

Fairview Park, Ohio
January 8, 1976

My Dear Sister Leora,

We have been separated (all of us) all our lives (almost) but so close in loving thoughts. God has kept us close together in love. I hope you are well and healthy. Wilma and I are fairly well--I can't hear any too well even with an aid. Wilma has had one eye operation (cataract) and now has another one on other eye. My eyes are not what they used to be, but thank the good Lord, with glasses, I can read and get around pretty well.

Minnie called me a week ago and talked to both Wilma and me for several minutes. We were in bed but sure glad to hear her voice. Arthur and she are just fair but up and around. I was so pleased to get your Christmas card and above all your nice picture. That was the nicest present of all. I am enclosing a picture to you of Wilma and me taken recently.

Try to stay well and may the good Lord bless you and keep you is our wish and prayer for you. We are always glad to hear from you. Love to all, Bryan

Perry Manwaring family all together

January 17, 1976

Dear Mother & Dad,

It was good to get your letter, Mother, and to know that all is well with you--your health and all. I wrote you two letters for Christmas. You didn't mention if you received them, but I suppose you did. They may have been a little late in arriving as we had so much company here for the holidays that it was hard to get any letters written. I surely hope you can keep in good health. And I am glad Hazel is there to help look after you. She is certainly competent.

The weather here has been so warm it is just like summer. But I know the rains will have to start soon, and I will get very weary of that because when it starts, it just rains and rains for weeks and weeks. Is it snowing there?

This letter is brief, but I wanted to let you know we are all well and also how much we love and appreciate you. At our high priests' fireside Sunday night, I was asked to speak a few minutes, and I could only talk about my parents and grandparents. I am certainly grateful for you. Much love, Perry

Leona & Elmer Celebrate 65 Years Together

Leona & Elmer celebrate one of many special occasions

August 27, 1975

Dear Mother,

Your birthday is coming this Sunday. Happy birthday! I hope I can be as well as you when I am 87. I wish I could be there but with this distance, all I can do is wish. I shall certainly be thinking of you.

We surely had a lovely time up there this last visit. It was brief but certainly pleasant. And I'm glad I was able to attend the Goodrich reunion. Keep staying well and maintaining that spirit with your little touch of humor. I'm glad Hazel can help you. Love, Perry

August 31, 1975

Dear Perry & All,

I guess I am one year older now, but things go on about the same. We eat three times a day, sleep plenty, try to read the daily paper so we will partially know what goes on in the world. A wind is blowing, and the big trees across the street are swaying back and forth, making one feel that fall is on the way.

Floyd and Sharon came Saturday bringing a beautiful cake. She said, "How old are you, Grandma?" And Floyd said "twenty-one." June came in and handed me a book by Carol Lynn Pearson, "Daughters of Light." Then Walter and Hazel came Sunday and took us out to Sandy where David and Barbara live. They have a real nice home. It was good to have a little get-together when we met on our back lawn and had some fried chicken, etc. The BYU boys and girls were here (that was a week ago.)

Well, I better get this out for the mailman. We hope you are all feeling "fit & fine" and let us hear from you once in a while. Love, Mother & Dad

September 10, 1975

Dear Mother and Dad,

Congratulations on your 65th anniversary! Sunday the 14th. I remember well the story you have told about the long trip by wagon from Vernal to Springville. Then from Springville to Salt Lake by train. On this day I want you to know how much I appreciate all the sacrifices you have made for me and your constant demonstration of love. You have been superb examples. May this day be filled with pleasant memories. Love, Perry

Perry, Gene, Renee & Harriet

October 12, 1975

Dear Mother,

I am certainly glad you had such a good remembrance by so many of your children and grand-children on your sixty-fifth anniversary. It must be a joy to know that so many of your descendants honor you and have such a deep love for you. Truly, I hope you can get some idea of what it means to have "joy in your posterity." They truly do all love you and Dad. I pray that I may have that kind of respect.

We listened to Conference on the radio. It always makes me think a lot of you and Dad. I knew you would be listening too, and it made me feel "at one" with you. The weather here was particularly beautiful at the time, but it has turned real cold the last few days--truly fall weather.

Jan & Cara Lee, Provo, Utah

Gene is up in Provo this weekend to go through some of the homecoming activities with Harriet. Renee is here with me, and we are doing just fine, but it does seem rather empty without Gene. I don't know if she will be able to come and see you--probably not--as her time is so limited and her transportation is limited too. But maybe she can write you about it when she comes back. She is coming back tomorrow.

I am certainly glad to know that you and Dad are both well. I have a prayer for you constantly. I am grateful that Hazel can be there to give you so much assistance. Please let her help you all she can. She wants to, and it is reassuring to us who are so far away to know that somebody so capable as Hazel can come and give you some help.

Yes, Sister Fast is still with us. She is quite well but is failing. We have to give her a lot of assistance.

Best wishes to both of you. Be careful. I hope you won't take any falls. I am grateful every day for parents who have given me such good days of remembering. Love, Perry

December 27, 1975

Dear Mother & Dad,

I recall how Christmas greetings and letters kept arriving all through the holidays when I was a child. I quite liked it, and besides as I view it now, it gives me a good excuse to delay my Christmas letter to you. But then one should not require either deadlines or special occasions to write a letter. That should be dictated by the heart.

I cannot help but recall with thanks the beautiful Christmases you gave me. As we were driving in to Los Angeles last night, the children, those who were riding in my car, started asking questions and I spent most of the time telling about Christmas and life on the farm. We went in to see an opera, which has been made into a movie, "The Magic Flute" by Mozart. It was very good and we all enjoyed it.

All of our children are here this Christmas. This is the first time we have had them all together for Christmas for a long time. We don't know when it will happen again--I'm sure such times will become less frequent as time goes on, so we are enjoying it to the fullest.

We have certainly thought a lot about you this Christmas. Mother, please write and tell us about your Christmas this year even if it was very quiet and all by yourselves. We certainly love you. Please keep yourselves well. We hope you can get through the winter without colds. I am glad that Hazel can be as close as she is and gives you so much help. Love, Perry