I had promised you some fill in on some subjects I left dangling in Parts One and Two. I hope to complete some of that now!
First I believe I will start with Paul and Athletics.
Paul always wanted to play ball and be active, but he was the smallest one in his classes, and was never seriously concidered for the 'team'. He did however go out for baseball one year. It was when he was about 8 I believe. When he made the team he was excited. We had a long talk about the time and energy that would have to go into being a member of a team. The time to practice, the time to be at the games etc. It came up that a number of the games that season would be played on Sunday. Paul had just been baptised and wanted to fill all the requirements of his membership in the Church. We talked it over and it was left up to Paul which he would chose. Fulfilling his responsibility to the Team and play all the games, or for go being on the Team to fulfill his duty to be at Church every Sunday. Paul wanted to have 100% attendance. After some time deciding, he with drew from the Team and had 100% attendance from then through his Aaronic Priesthood years. Which netted him his
'Duty to God' award.
Speaking of his Priesthood beginnings I feel it might be of interest to note here that when Paul was 15 one of the Mothers in our Ward (name not remembered at this writting) came to me and asked when Paul would be ordained a Priest. I answered not until December when he turned 16. She said: "well than we will pospone my sons baptism until December, I want Paul to do it." Her husband was not a member and she had noticed Paul and had watched him as he progressed in the Church. He had impressed her as a good example for her own son. So Paul performed his first Baptism shortly after he turned 16 in December 1963.
Continuing on this line now, it should be explained that Paul was always exact in his performance in the Priesthood. He was 100% in his Home Teaching Assignment. As his Dad was not active at this time, he was the one to remind his Partner it was time to set the appointments to visit their families. He was usually at the Sacrament Table each Sunday and ready to accept any other assignment that was presented to him.
When we left Pico Rivera and moved to Taft, Paul did not find the same 'spirit' in the Taft Ward. The small town had formed a very small minded group. The Church being small, with some in it more concerned that a 'certain example' be set for the entire town by the members; I don't think their was a single member of our family that was not effected by this attitude. A trial that we all had to overcome. I am not saying all the Members were so narrow minded, but the Rosenbergs were city folk, and had to learn how to conduct themselves suitably. We did not however learn, but we did 'endure'. I only mention this because it had bearing on Paul putting in his papers for his Mission. I won't name names during this part of the history I am producing, only let you know that the Bishop at the time was a singularly minded fellow, who wanted his Priesthood boys to meet HIS idea of what they should be. Whether Paul was too 'free' of spirit or what I do not know, but the Bishop through a number of interviews made Paul understand he needed to 'shape up' before he would consent to submit his papers. To which Paul quickly stated: "well then I will just submit my papers through my former Ward, where they have no problem with my conduct, or attitude." Needless to say, the Bishop did not want that to happen so after some time did submit the papers. When it came time for Paul to be ordained an Elder, this same Bishop let us understand that it would be 'he' who chose who would ordained Paul and that it must of necessity be done in his office at the Church. By this time, my 'Irish' had been raised and I contacted the Stake President who was most clear on that subject. Paul could be ordained by any worthy member he chose and in what ever place he felt was fitting. Our final dealing with this Bishop was when we attended Sacrament meeting one Sunday and he announced what Mission Paul had been called to. We had not received Pauls letter at this time. Needless to say we were all upset over this. Pauls letter did not come for another week.
Speaking of Taft, I should mention that when we moved there during Oildorado, Paul was introduced to some young men who formed a band and asked Paul to be part of it. He played drums and was their lead singer. (One of the main objections I believe of the Bishop). I made vests for them, and they had a pretty successful run. Played for a number of things during Oildorado (which was in October after we had moved to Taft in June) and some dances through out that winter and spring.
As for Pauls Dress. He was rather a stylish kid. He wanted to dress with pants that had to be cleaned. I did not see the necessity of the expense, but if that was his choice, he could pay for the cleaning, I would purchase the pants. This ment Paul needed some money. He went to the Barber Shop that was on the Blvd. and got a job sweeping up and cleaning the shop. Wasn't a big paying job, but took care of cleaning two pair of pants each week with some left over, after paying his tithing of course.
Oh, I guess I should mention another job he had, for a short time. One of his friends, also a member of the Church offered to let Paul take over his Newspaper Route. It wasn't a big job, but he could make a few extra dollars every month so he accepted. He faithfully delivered the papers and then set about going to each person collecting for the service. He was well received, and collected successfull. After counting out his money and paying his tithing, he was shocked when the boys mother appeared at the front door demanding the money Paul had collected. Her son had delivered the papers and the funds were his. Paul explained that he had already paid tithing on the money and surrendered what was left. She in a huff left. The next day the boy came to Paul and was embarassed and sorry for the trouble. Confessing that was why he wanted to give the route up, his mother took all the money he collected and he didn't have anything to show for his effort. Needless to say Paul didn't continue in this endeavor from then on.
Now to Seminary - when Paul was attending, every student had a choice. They could attend 3 years and get a certificate or attend 4 years and receive a diploma. Paul opted for the 4 year term. Not all the kids did in that area. When he graduated he received his diploma from the hand of LeGrande Richards, who was invited to speak at the Graduation Ceremony. That was a thrill for Paul.
Then to Scouting. Paul was one of those who took to the routine set out by the Scouts with relish. He advanced regularly and was busy with every effort the troup had for making money with was used to pay for their outstanding camping trips. He had some of the best Scout Masters and family support any Scout could wish for. One of the biggest money makers they had was with a farmer who offered to let them sell eggs for him. Paul developed a great route with canvasing the neighborhood and both work places of his Dad and myself. They made a lot of money that year and were able to outfit the trailer with all the things they needed for successful camp outings. Paul was quick to help the younger scouts with their Merit Badge challenges. In fact I believe he became one of the Senior Scouts that spent many hours teaching Morris Code to those who wanted to pass that Badge. He was known as the Chaplin of his Troup. When ever they went on trips, he was the one who was asked to listen to problems of his fellow Scouts. He would find a spot where they could set and talk things out quietly. Always willing to listen and ready to give support when and where ever it might be needed.
Pauls Eagle Award. The night Paul was to have his Board of Review, his Dad was working. He asked a family friend to go with him in his Dads place. The evening was special because the friend did not have a Son and was most anxious to have this experience with Paul. Things went well, and we assumed that everything would follow in neat order. We were sadly mistaken. The man who was in charge was in the process of moving. He had all Pauls papers in his briefcase. He never submitted them. After some months an inquiry was made and proof was required to see that the proper papers might be submitted. The family friend was contacted and made the necessary information available as to time place, who was there, etc. The only problem was the matter was settled some time later and all the things that would have been presented at a Court of Honor were unceremoniously sent to Paul in the Mail. Thats right, Paul never had a Court of Honor. He received his award IN THE MAIL!
By now wouldn't you think Paul would have thought he was being picked on? Well he may have felt that way, but even with the amount of set backs and unfortunate incidents he had to pass through, he seemed to keep a stiff upper lip and 'carried on'. Never the question: "why me"!?
I have often wondered why one soul had to pass through so much in his early life, but then I hadn't a clue as to what yet lay ahead of him. Possibly this was all the pre-conditioning needed for what was to follow?
Thus ends this portion of our narrative. More later -
Written this 5th day of March 2011
by: Eileen Rosenberg
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