When we moved to California it was a regular vacation to drive to Santa Cruz
and visit with the Kearns, who we called Aunt and Uncle. They were not
really our Aunt and Uncle. Ila was the neice of my step grandmother, Carrie
Bowman McIntre Smith.
Uncle Bert had built a log cabin up in the mountains above Santa Cruz back
in the 1920's. He had worked with the WPA during the depression and had
been part of a crew that built the Grand Cooley Dam. We used to love to
listen to him tell stories about those days. He always wore a hat, and long
sleeved shirts, and smoked a pipe. He was a grand old fella. They had goats
and he would go down in the morning and evening and milk the goats. I did
not like the milk, but Dad thought it was great. One feature of the kitchen
was a window that had been a mirror. Uncle Bert had cleaned all the silver
off the back, made a frame and put it in the wall of the kitchen right next to
the back door.
Aunt Ila had an unusual stove. Half of it was electric for cooking in the summer
and the other half was wood burning for cooking and heating in the winter.
She was a wonderful cook. One thing I remember most is that she saved just
about everything. She kept and strained her bacon grease, and used it to
make her pie dow. You never tasted a better pie in your whole life. They had
all kinds of fruit trees and she made fruit pies every time we were there. She
canned so they had fruit year round.
They had a large water tower outside the back door that supplied their home
with running water, however for the first few years we went there they did not
have a bath room in the cabin. They used the "out house". Under the water
tower was a cooler where they kept their fruit and root vegetables. They had
a freezer later on so they could store more food longer.
Uncle Bert finally installed a water heater and built on a bathroom. That was
the coldest room I have ever been in. Aunt Ila didn't like to use it. When we
went there, she gave in for us. When we first went there, we took a bath in
a large wash tub. I guess that was the way she had always lived on the farm
back in Ohio, so it wasn't unusual, but for us kids, it was strange.
We could take the 22 rifle and shoot when we were there. We kids thought
that was wonderful. I got poison oak every time I went up there. It was on
the hills and even in their yard. Didn't seem to bother the boys, but it was
a real trial for me.
I can remember we went there when the Worlds Fair was in San Francisco
I think that was in 1939. I got sick and had to stay at the cabin with Aunt Ila
while Dad, Mom and the boys went to the Fair, I felt robbed.
Aunt Ila had an old upright piano and she would play the old World War One
songs and we would sing. There was only one bedroom in the cabin, so we
either had to sleep on the floor, or in the guest house in the yard, down by
the garage. It was a small one room cabin with a bed. Nothing was built to
code. We had to use carosine lamps most of the time. Uncle Bert didn't
wire the place. In fact the cabin they lived in didn't have electricity when we
first started visiting. That would have been in about 1936.
One of the things that I loved about going there were the local gatherings
and pot lucks they would have. Down the hill they had a social hall and on
certain Saturdays they would come from all around and have a
Social. There was plenty of good food and desserts. They would
play games and dance. Well it was a real old time party. Everyone was
friendly and we had such fun. I don't imagine there are any such things
going on up there these days.
When the earthquake of 1998 hit there, the whole side of the mountain
where the cabin was, fell off and the property was lost. Sad to think that
so much history is gone. I remember the red wood trees that were on the
ranch and the fun we had getting burls to bring home and watch grow. I
have such great memories of the times we went there. In fact I think that
Paul and Dawn enjoyed their visits there. I know Jay sure liked it. The
drive was so lovely, and I am reminded a lot of the road when I drive out
to Dawn and Gregs place. There is one spot along that drive that is so
like what we went through on our way to Granite Creek Road. How we
hated the drive after we left the highway. It was near inpassable in
winter as they never paved it.
It was on a trip to visit that Granny and Grand dad Smith had their
accident, and Dad was killed. Dad always liked to go up, and after Uncle
Bert passed away, he liked to spend time and help with repairs and to
fix things Aunt Ila couldn't do herself. She was a resourceful old gal,
but she was getting older and just couldn't manage everything like she
once had.
Childhood memories are wonderful. Especially those that were fun and
so different than what we did at home. BertIla Ranch was so rustic and
rural. I don't believe there is a place left like it anywhere today.
Written this 12th day of February 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The boys smashed my right index finger in the car door
I always said that Ronald did it on purpose. As I recall, I had just had my
small pox vaccination and my left arm was pretty swollen and sore. I was
about 3 or 4 then. We came back from some place in the car. Being the
little sister, I was slow getting out. Ron slammed the door before I got my
hand all the way out and my index finger was pinned in the car door. I let
out a scream, and someone, I don't recall who finally came and released
my poor little finder. Well naturally the thing was purple and bleeding. It
healed after I lost the fingernail. The result is the finger was pretty strange
looking from the first knucle to the fingernail. I hated it, but there was not
a thing I could do about it. The nail was flat on one side.
When Paul was about 12 or so, we had the Hillman at the time, he may
have been older. We stopped some place for him to get something. The
car was a four door. It was a hot day and I had my hand out the window.
When Paul slammed the car door - you guessed it, he caught that same
finger in the back door. I screamed again, and he ran back and opened
the door. The finger was bleeding and the cuticle was torn pretty badly.
Of course I lost the nail, but this time it wasn't as flat on one side, but it
seems to have shaped up a bit better. The cuticle didn't grow back right,
but I don't think most people notice it. At least I can grow a nail on that
finger.
Moral of the story - keep you fingers out of car doors, or at least have
boys around who aren't apt to close the door on them. Not that either
of my boys ment to do it.
Written this 12th day of February 2009
small pox vaccination and my left arm was pretty swollen and sore. I was
about 3 or 4 then. We came back from some place in the car. Being the
little sister, I was slow getting out. Ron slammed the door before I got my
hand all the way out and my index finger was pinned in the car door. I let
out a scream, and someone, I don't recall who finally came and released
my poor little finder. Well naturally the thing was purple and bleeding. It
healed after I lost the fingernail. The result is the finger was pretty strange
looking from the first knucle to the fingernail. I hated it, but there was not
a thing I could do about it. The nail was flat on one side.
When Paul was about 12 or so, we had the Hillman at the time, he may
have been older. We stopped some place for him to get something. The
car was a four door. It was a hot day and I had my hand out the window.
When Paul slammed the car door - you guessed it, he caught that same
finger in the back door. I screamed again, and he ran back and opened
the door. The finger was bleeding and the cuticle was torn pretty badly.
Of course I lost the nail, but this time it wasn't as flat on one side, but it
seems to have shaped up a bit better. The cuticle didn't grow back right,
but I don't think most people notice it. At least I can grow a nail on that
finger.
Moral of the story - keep you fingers out of car doors, or at least have
boys around who aren't apt to close the door on them. Not that either
of my boys ment to do it.
Written this 12th day of February 2009
I Tie my Shoe Laces upside down?
Yes I do! You see Granny was left handed - when she taught me, I learned
upside down. They look funny to everyone else, but they are fine for me.
When Granny was in school, they would crack her hands with a ruler if she
used her left hand. It seems back then it was not good to be left handed.
Today everyone knows that left handed people are the artistic ones, they
use the right side of their brain. Well because she was stopped from using
her left hand to write, she learned to use herright hand, but did most other
things with her left hand. Paul does the same thing, but not for the same
reason, we never discouraged him, and I don't believe they did so at school
either. He writes right handed, but shoots a gun and throws a ball left handed.
Grand dad Charles Smith used both hands equally well. I think Greg does
too. I am not sure just what this means, but I know when I had my hand
operated on, I would sure liked to have been able to use my left hand to
write. I could eat fine, but writting was a problem. I got to where you could
read it, but just barely.
Written this 12th day of February 2009
upside down. They look funny to everyone else, but they are fine for me.
When Granny was in school, they would crack her hands with a ruler if she
used her left hand. It seems back then it was not good to be left handed.
Today everyone knows that left handed people are the artistic ones, they
use the right side of their brain. Well because she was stopped from using
her left hand to write, she learned to use herright hand, but did most other
things with her left hand. Paul does the same thing, but not for the same
reason, we never discouraged him, and I don't believe they did so at school
either. He writes right handed, but shoots a gun and throws a ball left handed.
Grand dad Charles Smith used both hands equally well. I think Greg does
too. I am not sure just what this means, but I know when I had my hand
operated on, I would sure liked to have been able to use my left hand to
write. I could eat fine, but writting was a problem. I got to where you could
read it, but just barely.
Written this 12th day of February 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
As the Sands of the Sea
After setting at this computer for over a week now, I begin to understand just
what the LORD ment when he told Abraham he would have a posterity as
the sands of the sea. In doing genealogy, I learned, if we could trace our
line back 13 generations there would be a common ancester for all of us.
I have been fortunate to get back seven generatioins on some of the lines
and am amazed at just how many people that turns into. Lets think about
it! For each of us to be here, it has taken 4 people to accomplish. If you
mulitply each of those 4 the numbers begin to grow at a rapid rate.
On the 7th generation most of us will reach the 1500's and the Church will
not accept any information beyond that date. The reason, the records are
so hard to find, or read, that it takes very intense research to locate a true
connection.
This is awesome work. If we were able to gather everyone that has been, or
has had even the slightest part in our being here, well, it is beyond my thoughts,
or ability to appreciate.
For so many generations it has been the belief that this work was for the old
folks to do. However, as I see it, with the scope of what is before us, it will
take everyone who is now living to make sure that those who made it possible
for us to be here are found and placed in their proper order. It is no wonder
that the LORD has warned us that without our Ancestors we cannot be saved.
It is the linking of each generation that will make it possible for us to be an
Eternal Family. Will some be dropped from the line? Of course, but not by
being left out of our research. Those who choose to follow a different path or
life style, will of their own choice be dropped as a link in the Eternal Chain.
It is not our place to leave anyone out.
The work of gathering is not only in Jerusalem, but here in our own place as
we strive to bring our family together and join it in the beautiful expression of
our Saviors love - baptism, confirmation, initiatory, endowment and sealing.
It at times seems a daunting task, but with the new programs and the various
research capabilities available to us in this day, we should not shurk what is
ours to do.
As I gain the benefit of those who have worked so hard to bring their Family
together and find how each of those link up with mine, I am greatful for all
that has been sacraficed to help me along the path. By no means am I in
anyway finished. There are more that need to be found. Time is running out.
Many are being stubborn about being found, but with what I have been able
to gather, they will eventually have to come into the knowledge of someone
who is working as am I to get the work as finished as is possible.
One hope is that when we hit one of those "brick walls" that keep us from
going on, during the Millenium one of the family will be worthy enough to be
given the keys of the resurrection and bring forth that one soul that has the
link we need to go beyond the block. There is hope and help. We need the
courage to continue and the will to think how best to use our time and our
talents in doing the work. As new records are coming forth daily, we are in
a better position to find those who need to be found, and yes want to be found
so they may have their work done. It puts a great demand on our time.
I recall a conversation I had with a friend a few hours before he passed away.
He asked if I could check on his parents, he knew he had done their
endowments but was not sure they had been sealed. He knew it was a short
time until he would be with them and he didn't want to explain to them why he
had not finished their work. Fortunately computers had come to the Center.
I went over and found that their work had been done. I called him on the phone
and told him he had accomplished the work. He was so relieved. He passed
away the next day.
I pray that I too will be able to join my family on the other side and report that
I have done all that I could do, and left the remaining work in good hands to
be completed. I know I cannot be the one to do it all. What I CAN do is my
responsibility TO DO. As the scriptures tell us: "he that hath ear, let him hear.
he that hath an eye let him see." As it is written, so shall it be.
With my love - and in Jesus Name, Amen.
Written this 7th day of February 2009
what the LORD ment when he told Abraham he would have a posterity as
the sands of the sea. In doing genealogy, I learned, if we could trace our
line back 13 generations there would be a common ancester for all of us.
I have been fortunate to get back seven generatioins on some of the lines
and am amazed at just how many people that turns into. Lets think about
it! For each of us to be here, it has taken 4 people to accomplish. If you
mulitply each of those 4 the numbers begin to grow at a rapid rate.
On the 7th generation most of us will reach the 1500's and the Church will
not accept any information beyond that date. The reason, the records are
so hard to find, or read, that it takes very intense research to locate a true
connection.
This is awesome work. If we were able to gather everyone that has been, or
has had even the slightest part in our being here, well, it is beyond my thoughts,
or ability to appreciate.
For so many generations it has been the belief that this work was for the old
folks to do. However, as I see it, with the scope of what is before us, it will
take everyone who is now living to make sure that those who made it possible
for us to be here are found and placed in their proper order. It is no wonder
that the LORD has warned us that without our Ancestors we cannot be saved.
It is the linking of each generation that will make it possible for us to be an
Eternal Family. Will some be dropped from the line? Of course, but not by
being left out of our research. Those who choose to follow a different path or
life style, will of their own choice be dropped as a link in the Eternal Chain.
It is not our place to leave anyone out.
The work of gathering is not only in Jerusalem, but here in our own place as
we strive to bring our family together and join it in the beautiful expression of
our Saviors love - baptism, confirmation, initiatory, endowment and sealing.
It at times seems a daunting task, but with the new programs and the various
research capabilities available to us in this day, we should not shurk what is
ours to do.
As I gain the benefit of those who have worked so hard to bring their Family
together and find how each of those link up with mine, I am greatful for all
that has been sacraficed to help me along the path. By no means am I in
anyway finished. There are more that need to be found. Time is running out.
Many are being stubborn about being found, but with what I have been able
to gather, they will eventually have to come into the knowledge of someone
who is working as am I to get the work as finished as is possible.
One hope is that when we hit one of those "brick walls" that keep us from
going on, during the Millenium one of the family will be worthy enough to be
given the keys of the resurrection and bring forth that one soul that has the
link we need to go beyond the block. There is hope and help. We need the
courage to continue and the will to think how best to use our time and our
talents in doing the work. As new records are coming forth daily, we are in
a better position to find those who need to be found, and yes want to be found
so they may have their work done. It puts a great demand on our time.
I recall a conversation I had with a friend a few hours before he passed away.
He asked if I could check on his parents, he knew he had done their
endowments but was not sure they had been sealed. He knew it was a short
time until he would be with them and he didn't want to explain to them why he
had not finished their work. Fortunately computers had come to the Center.
I went over and found that their work had been done. I called him on the phone
and told him he had accomplished the work. He was so relieved. He passed
away the next day.
I pray that I too will be able to join my family on the other side and report that
I have done all that I could do, and left the remaining work in good hands to
be completed. I know I cannot be the one to do it all. What I CAN do is my
responsibility TO DO. As the scriptures tell us: "he that hath ear, let him hear.
he that hath an eye let him see." As it is written, so shall it be.
With my love - and in Jesus Name, Amen.
Written this 7th day of February 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Second Time Around
Jays parents: Thomas Gower Rosenberg (Slim) and Itha Harris were divorced in 1948.
They split up on Jay and Charmaines' first Wedding Anniversary.
My parents: John Charles Smith and Edith Annie Hall were separated by death
in 1955. And thus the story begins.
In June and July Slim (Dad) had been hospitalized for a kidney ailment. He was in
French Hospital in Los Angeles. John and Edith went to visit him during this time.
Slim had become a regular at family get together following his divorce from Itha (Ike).
A friendship grew between these parents as they shared their children namely:
Jay and Charmaine.
Slim was released from the hospital just a few days before the accident that took the
life of John Smith. He was still not well enough to be home alone, so he came to
our house to get well. When the call came telling us of the accident, it was necessary
to move Slim to his daughters, Afton Cowles, in Bell. Jay and I were on the go with
visiting Mom in the Hospital in Lompoc, CA and making funeral arrangments for John.
When Mom was able to be released from the Hospital in Lompoc, she came to be
cared for at our house. (The training I had learned as a Home Health Aide at Taft
Community College was being well used).
Mom stayed with us for some time. Slim would come to visit to see how she was
coming along. When we was able to return to her own home, he came to see if he
could help her in any way. He had an apartment in Bell and drove close to the
house on his way to and from work. He would take Edith grocery shopping and to
do small errands. After some time he asked her to go to a show, or to the horse
races with him. They attended parties at Owens-Illinois Glass Co. where Slim
worked. After about a year, Slim asked Edith to marry him, but she didn't feel as
if she was ready for an attachment at that time.
After three years of their dating and becoming closer, Slim asked Edith to go with
him to Utah to meet his brothers and sisters. She thought it would be fine, and
they planned a two week trip. Edith was greeted by the Rosenberg family with
love and family fun. The two weeks were just great. Mom had found a family she
could fit into. I don't think she had realized how much she had missed her own
family in Ohio.
Just about the time the vacation was to come to a close the subject of marriage
was brought up by one of Slims' sisters. The couple got along so well, liked
the same things, etc. Why not get married? Slim said he had asked and had
suggested it was silly for them to keep two homes going when they were on the
go together so much. The time was apparently right, Slim contacted Jay and
asked for the hand of Edith in marriage. I don't know why he thought Jay had
the right to give it, but the family had become so knit together I guess he felt
good about asking Jay.
Slim went down to the jewelry store in Cedar City and bought a set of rings for
Edith. The family caravaned to Las Vegas for the Wedding. After a party with
everyone in Las Vegas, the family returned to Utah and the Newly Weds came
back to California. The vacation was over and the Honeymoon began.
A reception was held at the Belgrave home, and a very happy set of families
were joined together. When we had family holidays there after it was always
the Smith and Rosenberg clans that gathered.
I guess the length of time the folks had gone together gave both sides time to
get use to the idea. Everyone got along, there was no problems among the
children or grand children. It was just a continuation of life as they had known
it for some time.
For Jay and I it made for a few laughs. We always said when we called each
other Brother and Sister we ment it. I had a Mother and a Mother-in-law all
in one. Jay ended up with a Mother-in-law and Step Mother. Well you get
the idea.
Edith and Slim were married about 10 years when he began to show signs of
dementia. I went down to help her with him for awhile. He would wander off
and get lost. We feared for his safety so arranged for him to go into a care
facility. He didn't do much better there. He wandered particularly at night.
How he could get out of the confinment they had him in, no one could figure
out.
One night Slim got away from the center in his night clothes and wandered
up the street. He must have been looking for his home. He tried some
door nobs, or at least we thought that is what he had done. He entered
an apartment of a young couple who were asleep. He was standing at the
foot of their bed, not doing anything, just standing there. The young man
woke up and saw him there and asked him what he thought he was doing?
Slim told him he wanted to go to bed. He was so lost, and confused the
couple figured out where he must have come from, so got dressed and
took him back. He was fortunate he didn't get beat up.
One day Willetta was up town shopping and came out of a store and found
Slim standing on the corner waiting for the light to change. She went over and
asked him what he was doing there. He told her he didn't know. She asked
him if he would like her to take him home. He agreed to let her. She took
him back to the center where he lived, it was just a few blocks away. They
had been looking for him, but had no idea how he had got away from them.
It was about this same time Mom got a call that they needed to talk with her.
She went up and they told her the State Law required that Slim have a chest
x-ray before he was admitted. His showed he had a spot on his left lung. He
needed to see a Doctor. We made an appointment with a Chest Specialist
and took him to be examined.
Following the examination the Doctor told us that Slim had cancer. Mom said
she would try and get him into a VA Hospital for treatment, but the Doctor said
she would not have time for that. She insisted that would be the best
possible way to handle it, but the Doctor again, more strongly stated: "there
isn't enough time for that!" He had him admitted into a hospital for the care of
advanced cancer patients in Lynwood, CA. He was only there a short time.
One morning I called Mom and asked her to be ready I would pick her up at
around 10 a.m. She asked for what? I replied: "I think you know". We went
to Halversons' Funeral Home and made pre-need arrangments for Slim. The
Director complimented us in being so thoughtful in such a difficult time. We
set all the papers in order and left feeling gratified that we had done the right
thing. Slim passed away 11 days later. Mom had only to make one phone
call. Jay and I had property at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. We
called and made arrangements for burial in one of the plots we had there.
The cancer Slim had was "star burst". When the cells break away, they scatter
throughout the body. This was the cause of his dementia. One such cell had
gone to the sensor part of his brain. We were greatful for the knowledge that
it ment he did not suffer any pain from the advanced condition he was in.
Edith said she was sorry she had not accepted Slims first proposal because
she felt they had wasted three years that they could have enjoyed together.
They had such a good marriage.
written this 4th day of February 2009
They split up on Jay and Charmaines' first Wedding Anniversary.
My parents: John Charles Smith and Edith Annie Hall were separated by death
in 1955. And thus the story begins.
In June and July Slim (Dad) had been hospitalized for a kidney ailment. He was in
French Hospital in Los Angeles. John and Edith went to visit him during this time.
Slim had become a regular at family get together following his divorce from Itha (Ike).
A friendship grew between these parents as they shared their children namely:
Jay and Charmaine.
Slim was released from the hospital just a few days before the accident that took the
life of John Smith. He was still not well enough to be home alone, so he came to
our house to get well. When the call came telling us of the accident, it was necessary
to move Slim to his daughters, Afton Cowles, in Bell. Jay and I were on the go with
visiting Mom in the Hospital in Lompoc, CA and making funeral arrangments for John.
When Mom was able to be released from the Hospital in Lompoc, she came to be
cared for at our house. (The training I had learned as a Home Health Aide at Taft
Community College was being well used).
Mom stayed with us for some time. Slim would come to visit to see how she was
coming along. When we was able to return to her own home, he came to see if he
could help her in any way. He had an apartment in Bell and drove close to the
house on his way to and from work. He would take Edith grocery shopping and to
do small errands. After some time he asked her to go to a show, or to the horse
races with him. They attended parties at Owens-Illinois Glass Co. where Slim
worked. After about a year, Slim asked Edith to marry him, but she didn't feel as
if she was ready for an attachment at that time.
After three years of their dating and becoming closer, Slim asked Edith to go with
him to Utah to meet his brothers and sisters. She thought it would be fine, and
they planned a two week trip. Edith was greeted by the Rosenberg family with
love and family fun. The two weeks were just great. Mom had found a family she
could fit into. I don't think she had realized how much she had missed her own
family in Ohio.
Just about the time the vacation was to come to a close the subject of marriage
was brought up by one of Slims' sisters. The couple got along so well, liked
the same things, etc. Why not get married? Slim said he had asked and had
suggested it was silly for them to keep two homes going when they were on the
go together so much. The time was apparently right, Slim contacted Jay and
asked for the hand of Edith in marriage. I don't know why he thought Jay had
the right to give it, but the family had become so knit together I guess he felt
good about asking Jay.
Slim went down to the jewelry store in Cedar City and bought a set of rings for
Edith. The family caravaned to Las Vegas for the Wedding. After a party with
everyone in Las Vegas, the family returned to Utah and the Newly Weds came
back to California. The vacation was over and the Honeymoon began.
A reception was held at the Belgrave home, and a very happy set of families
were joined together. When we had family holidays there after it was always
the Smith and Rosenberg clans that gathered.
I guess the length of time the folks had gone together gave both sides time to
get use to the idea. Everyone got along, there was no problems among the
children or grand children. It was just a continuation of life as they had known
it for some time.
For Jay and I it made for a few laughs. We always said when we called each
other Brother and Sister we ment it. I had a Mother and a Mother-in-law all
in one. Jay ended up with a Mother-in-law and Step Mother. Well you get
the idea.
Edith and Slim were married about 10 years when he began to show signs of
dementia. I went down to help her with him for awhile. He would wander off
and get lost. We feared for his safety so arranged for him to go into a care
facility. He didn't do much better there. He wandered particularly at night.
How he could get out of the confinment they had him in, no one could figure
out.
One night Slim got away from the center in his night clothes and wandered
up the street. He must have been looking for his home. He tried some
door nobs, or at least we thought that is what he had done. He entered
an apartment of a young couple who were asleep. He was standing at the
foot of their bed, not doing anything, just standing there. The young man
woke up and saw him there and asked him what he thought he was doing?
Slim told him he wanted to go to bed. He was so lost, and confused the
couple figured out where he must have come from, so got dressed and
took him back. He was fortunate he didn't get beat up.
One day Willetta was up town shopping and came out of a store and found
Slim standing on the corner waiting for the light to change. She went over and
asked him what he was doing there. He told her he didn't know. She asked
him if he would like her to take him home. He agreed to let her. She took
him back to the center where he lived, it was just a few blocks away. They
had been looking for him, but had no idea how he had got away from them.
It was about this same time Mom got a call that they needed to talk with her.
She went up and they told her the State Law required that Slim have a chest
x-ray before he was admitted. His showed he had a spot on his left lung. He
needed to see a Doctor. We made an appointment with a Chest Specialist
and took him to be examined.
Following the examination the Doctor told us that Slim had cancer. Mom said
she would try and get him into a VA Hospital for treatment, but the Doctor said
she would not have time for that. She insisted that would be the best
possible way to handle it, but the Doctor again, more strongly stated: "there
isn't enough time for that!" He had him admitted into a hospital for the care of
advanced cancer patients in Lynwood, CA. He was only there a short time.
One morning I called Mom and asked her to be ready I would pick her up at
around 10 a.m. She asked for what? I replied: "I think you know". We went
to Halversons' Funeral Home and made pre-need arrangments for Slim. The
Director complimented us in being so thoughtful in such a difficult time. We
set all the papers in order and left feeling gratified that we had done the right
thing. Slim passed away 11 days later. Mom had only to make one phone
call. Jay and I had property at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. We
called and made arrangements for burial in one of the plots we had there.
The cancer Slim had was "star burst". When the cells break away, they scatter
throughout the body. This was the cause of his dementia. One such cell had
gone to the sensor part of his brain. We were greatful for the knowledge that
it ment he did not suffer any pain from the advanced condition he was in.
Edith said she was sorry she had not accepted Slims first proposal because
she felt they had wasted three years that they could have enjoyed together.
They had such a good marriage.
written this 4th day of February 2009
I Taught Granny to Drive
You know she never really wanted to drive. Like I said we walked just about every
place we wanted to go, or there was a bus just a few blocks from the house and
the "J" car not that much farther. When Dad was killed in the accident, she was
pretty limited as to how to get to the Market and bring back the amount of the
things she needed. Ron was working, and by then Willetta didn't drive because
of her eyes. I was way out in Whittier and was not available on a daily basis, so
she really needed to drive. The car was never replaced after the accident and
Mom wasn't interested in buying one, so Slim, would come and take her.
He lived close, and wanted to help her as much as he could. That is how they
got together, and finally married, but that is another story.
After they were married and Slim had a good car, she decided she would try
her hand at driving, and I was elected to be the one to teach her. I would come
into Huntington Park and we would take Slims' car and drive around so
she could get the hang of things. It was an automatic, so she didn't have all
that much trouble. One day when we were out for a driving lesson we had made
our way as far, in traffic, as South Gate, CA. She was doing great, and
getting confident that she could handle the car. It was a big Mercury. A much
heavier car than Dad had ever had. It handled well, and was comfortable to
drive. (Now a note here - this was still the days before seat belts.) I told her it
was a good place to try a left hand turn, we were in a residential area and
there was little traffic to bug her. She waited for a couple cars to go by and
started her left hand turn. When she was well into it, the car lurched forward
at a high rate of speed, I told her to put on the brake, but she didn't have time.
We jumped the curb which threw me across the car into the steering wheel.
It shoved her into the door with force and knocked the wind out of her. The
car was heading for the front of a house, which fortunately had a high
cement porch. The car glanced off the porch wall which turned the car away
from the house and over the steps where it came down on a picket fence the
motor was still churning away at high speed. If we hadn't had been hung up
on that fence, we would have torn out every front yard on the block.
The people in the house came out, having just left the porch before we hit it.
Lucky for all of us that was the case. They helped Mom out of the car. She
was hurt and having difficulty breathing. I was hurting as well. My arm had
gone with force into the steering wheel, and I thought at first it was broken,
but it was just bruised badly.
We called Ron, I believe, and he took Mom to the Doctor. In the accident she
was in with Dad she had had 9 ribs broken. She had done it again, only not
as many this time. The Doctor said he would not bind her up as they had
learned that really didn't help them heal any better. She was put on bed rest
and so was down again.
They hauled the car way and when they examined it they found the linkage on
the carburator had come loose and the car had been put into high grear and
away it went. The only thing that could have stopped it was cutting the motor,
or being hung up on that fence. It was totaled so Mom bought Slim a new
car. One that was smaller, and easier to handle.
The story still has more to tell. I saw Mom home and got her settled. I was
still hurting quite a bit, but didn't want her to know. I knew if she thought she
had hurt me she would never drive, and it was important that she learn. I
left her and drove out to get Jay from work. I guess it was just sheer will power
that got me that far. When I went into get him - the minute I saw him I passed
out. Lucky I was close enough to him that he was able to catch me before I
hit the ground. When I came around, he asked what was the matter. I told
him we had been in an accident, and I didn't feel well. He put me in the car
and took me to Mayo Smith our Doctor and he ordered me to the hospital,
but I refused to go. He told me I had internal injuries that were serious and I
needed to be in the hospital where they could take care of me. I still refused
saying I knew my mother would never drive if she knew I was injured. He
told Jay to take me home and put me to bed. Someone had to keep an eye
on me at all times. If I passed out again, they needed to get me right to the
hospital because I would need emergency surgery within a short period of
time or I would bleed internally.
Well, I was determined. Jay called the Elders, I was a member of the church
by now. David Dimmick and Ron Johnson came and administered to me. I
stayed quiet and either Paul, Dawn or Jay kept an eye on me. The kids were
to set on my legs to make sure they didn't miss any change in me. Jay just
held my hand. I had Jay take me into see Mom in the evenings so she had
the idea that I was just bruised up and not hurt too much.
Within a short time I had a large swelling in between my two breasts. It grew
to be about the same size. Mayo warned me again. It was my spleen and it
was filling with blood and would probably rupture causing my death. I was so
set in my way that I would not go into the hospital. I can't remember how
many days it was. I was laying in bed one evening and got so sick, even my
hair felt sick. I know that sounds silly, but that is how it felt. I didn't get sick
to my stomach, I was just "sick" all over. I called to Jay and said we had
better get to the Doctor. We went to Mayo and he was shocked. The spleen
had drained itself. When all that stagnant blood hit my system, it made me
feel sick all over. I have never had any trouble with my spleen from that day
too this! (Blessings of the Priesthood).
Now - the spleen is a blood filter. It is the last one that the blood is filtered
through in the body. The most important to a fetus and unborn child, but of
no practical use after birth. Or at least none that they are aware of. It is the
one organ when damaged by trauma causes internal bleeding that usually
causes death from hemoraging, unless surgery can be performed quickly to
remove the organ. People can live healthy lives with them so long as they
aren't injured. That slide across the seat and slam into the steering wheel
not only bruised my arm, it bruised my left lung and spleen. I would have to
say that my concern for Mom and my faith along with a Priesthood Blessing
brought me out of what could have been a much more serious cituation.
Mom learned to drive - Slim finished up the job of teaching her, and all was
well in the end.
Written this 4 day of February 2009
place we wanted to go, or there was a bus just a few blocks from the house and
the "J" car not that much farther. When Dad was killed in the accident, she was
pretty limited as to how to get to the Market and bring back the amount of the
things she needed. Ron was working, and by then Willetta didn't drive because
of her eyes. I was way out in Whittier and was not available on a daily basis, so
she really needed to drive. The car was never replaced after the accident and
Mom wasn't interested in buying one, so Slim, would come and take her.
He lived close, and wanted to help her as much as he could. That is how they
got together, and finally married, but that is another story.
After they were married and Slim had a good car, she decided she would try
her hand at driving, and I was elected to be the one to teach her. I would come
into Huntington Park and we would take Slims' car and drive around so
she could get the hang of things. It was an automatic, so she didn't have all
that much trouble. One day when we were out for a driving lesson we had made
our way as far, in traffic, as South Gate, CA. She was doing great, and
getting confident that she could handle the car. It was a big Mercury. A much
heavier car than Dad had ever had. It handled well, and was comfortable to
drive. (Now a note here - this was still the days before seat belts.) I told her it
was a good place to try a left hand turn, we were in a residential area and
there was little traffic to bug her. She waited for a couple cars to go by and
started her left hand turn. When she was well into it, the car lurched forward
at a high rate of speed, I told her to put on the brake, but she didn't have time.
We jumped the curb which threw me across the car into the steering wheel.
It shoved her into the door with force and knocked the wind out of her. The
car was heading for the front of a house, which fortunately had a high
cement porch. The car glanced off the porch wall which turned the car away
from the house and over the steps where it came down on a picket fence the
motor was still churning away at high speed. If we hadn't had been hung up
on that fence, we would have torn out every front yard on the block.
The people in the house came out, having just left the porch before we hit it.
Lucky for all of us that was the case. They helped Mom out of the car. She
was hurt and having difficulty breathing. I was hurting as well. My arm had
gone with force into the steering wheel, and I thought at first it was broken,
but it was just bruised badly.
We called Ron, I believe, and he took Mom to the Doctor. In the accident she
was in with Dad she had had 9 ribs broken. She had done it again, only not
as many this time. The Doctor said he would not bind her up as they had
learned that really didn't help them heal any better. She was put on bed rest
and so was down again.
They hauled the car way and when they examined it they found the linkage on
the carburator had come loose and the car had been put into high grear and
away it went. The only thing that could have stopped it was cutting the motor,
or being hung up on that fence. It was totaled so Mom bought Slim a new
car. One that was smaller, and easier to handle.
The story still has more to tell. I saw Mom home and got her settled. I was
still hurting quite a bit, but didn't want her to know. I knew if she thought she
had hurt me she would never drive, and it was important that she learn. I
left her and drove out to get Jay from work. I guess it was just sheer will power
that got me that far. When I went into get him - the minute I saw him I passed
out. Lucky I was close enough to him that he was able to catch me before I
hit the ground. When I came around, he asked what was the matter. I told
him we had been in an accident, and I didn't feel well. He put me in the car
and took me to Mayo Smith our Doctor and he ordered me to the hospital,
but I refused to go. He told me I had internal injuries that were serious and I
needed to be in the hospital where they could take care of me. I still refused
saying I knew my mother would never drive if she knew I was injured. He
told Jay to take me home and put me to bed. Someone had to keep an eye
on me at all times. If I passed out again, they needed to get me right to the
hospital because I would need emergency surgery within a short period of
time or I would bleed internally.
Well, I was determined. Jay called the Elders, I was a member of the church
by now. David Dimmick and Ron Johnson came and administered to me. I
stayed quiet and either Paul, Dawn or Jay kept an eye on me. The kids were
to set on my legs to make sure they didn't miss any change in me. Jay just
held my hand. I had Jay take me into see Mom in the evenings so she had
the idea that I was just bruised up and not hurt too much.
Within a short time I had a large swelling in between my two breasts. It grew
to be about the same size. Mayo warned me again. It was my spleen and it
was filling with blood and would probably rupture causing my death. I was so
set in my way that I would not go into the hospital. I can't remember how
many days it was. I was laying in bed one evening and got so sick, even my
hair felt sick. I know that sounds silly, but that is how it felt. I didn't get sick
to my stomach, I was just "sick" all over. I called to Jay and said we had
better get to the Doctor. We went to Mayo and he was shocked. The spleen
had drained itself. When all that stagnant blood hit my system, it made me
feel sick all over. I have never had any trouble with my spleen from that day
too this! (Blessings of the Priesthood).
Now - the spleen is a blood filter. It is the last one that the blood is filtered
through in the body. The most important to a fetus and unborn child, but of
no practical use after birth. Or at least none that they are aware of. It is the
one organ when damaged by trauma causes internal bleeding that usually
causes death from hemoraging, unless surgery can be performed quickly to
remove the organ. People can live healthy lives with them so long as they
aren't injured. That slide across the seat and slam into the steering wheel
not only bruised my arm, it bruised my left lung and spleen. I would have to
say that my concern for Mom and my faith along with a Priesthood Blessing
brought me out of what could have been a much more serious cituation.
Mom learned to drive - Slim finished up the job of teaching her, and all was
well in the end.
Written this 4 day of February 2009
Learning to Drive
You know Jay tried to teach me, but I have little patience and he was so nervous
that I would wreck HIS CAR, that things did not go well. My Dad wasn't into that
kind of thing, so I was 21 before I finally found someone who would take the time
to teach me.
Introducing Homer Williams. He was the Accountant that the school hired to
oversee the Accounting Office at Huntington Park High School. I took Accounting
as one of my classes. We struck up a friendship as well as a working relation-
ship during the years I was finishing my education. I was elected Commissioner
of Finance in my Junior Year so spent even more time in the office as I was
responsible for arranging all the finances for the activities at the school. I made
the arrangements for the tickets to be printed in the print shop, and getting them
sold. I took care of the box office at all the school football games. Well it was
a lot of work, Homer helped with the deposits, etc. as everything had to go through
him.
We kept in touch following my graduation, and when Jay and I got married we use
to go out to Homer and Louise Williams home on week-ends and the kids would
play and we would visit. Homer never had much of a place, but we were always
welcome, and enjoyed the time we spent with the family.
When I wanted to learn to drive, Homer was working for Challenge Dairy selling to
Schools, etc. Of course the quantity was pretty big, but they had good ice cream
and Mom and Dad had a large upright freezer, so we bought ice cream from him.
He was concerned that I didn't know how to drive because we lived way out in
the "boon docks" as they said in those days - we were in Norwalk, CA. He had
customers out in that area so would come by and pick Paul and I up and I would
drive as Homer would instruct me to where he had to go. Now you have to be
informed back in those days they didn't have car seats like we have today. It
was just a seat with hooks that fit over the seat. No straps, nothing. If the seat
went, so went the kid. Kinda of scarey when you think about it today. Who
knew?
Homer took a big chance letting me drive in the Company Car, but he trusted me
and I was most careful not to do anything that would cause trouble. The lessons
were regular, and it was no time until I could qualify to take the test and get a
drivers licence. Once I got my licence, Jay found another worker who lived a few
blocks from us and they traded off driving so their wives could have the car for
a couple weeks a month to do their shopping, etc. In fact the week we were
carless was when the wives would share their car so there was very little time
we couldn't get to the store, or Doctor. It really helped.
The car we had was the one Jay bought after he came back from the War. It was
a 1941 Chev two door sedan. Black. It had a stick shift, which no one sees these
days. I had to learn to drive both a stick on the floor and one on the steering
wheel. Back then we used a clutch to shift the gears with, so it took both hand
and foot co-ordination. Today with automatics, it isn't all that hard to drive. No
clutch no shifting. Took me awhile to drive an automatic. I didn't want to get
lazy in case a stick shift was all that was available in an emergency. Progress
and times have changed a lot of things.
I told Jay I wouldn't get a licence until I knew how to change a tire. He taught
me how to do that, and I can remember coming out of the Maywood, CA Post
Office and finding a tire had gone flat. I proceeded to jack the car up, take the
tire off and replace it with the spare - oh, and in those days they were regular
size tires, not the whimps cars have today. I was just across the street from
a gas station, and one of the guys came over and asked me if I would'nt like
him to help? I told him I was capable of doing it. He missed a sale on that one
but I knew if I was out in the country and had a flat, I would have to do it myself,
so why not get the experience while I had the chance. I sure got dirty, but I
changed the tire, and was on my way.
I am greatful today we have "roadside service" so a "cellphone" call and you are
on your way again safely. I would hate to have to ask someone to help today.
I bet I could still change a tire if I had to.
Written this 4th day of February 2009
that I would wreck HIS CAR, that things did not go well. My Dad wasn't into that
kind of thing, so I was 21 before I finally found someone who would take the time
to teach me.
Introducing Homer Williams. He was the Accountant that the school hired to
oversee the Accounting Office at Huntington Park High School. I took Accounting
as one of my classes. We struck up a friendship as well as a working relation-
ship during the years I was finishing my education. I was elected Commissioner
of Finance in my Junior Year so spent even more time in the office as I was
responsible for arranging all the finances for the activities at the school. I made
the arrangements for the tickets to be printed in the print shop, and getting them
sold. I took care of the box office at all the school football games. Well it was
a lot of work, Homer helped with the deposits, etc. as everything had to go through
him.
We kept in touch following my graduation, and when Jay and I got married we use
to go out to Homer and Louise Williams home on week-ends and the kids would
play and we would visit. Homer never had much of a place, but we were always
welcome, and enjoyed the time we spent with the family.
When I wanted to learn to drive, Homer was working for Challenge Dairy selling to
Schools, etc. Of course the quantity was pretty big, but they had good ice cream
and Mom and Dad had a large upright freezer, so we bought ice cream from him.
He was concerned that I didn't know how to drive because we lived way out in
the "boon docks" as they said in those days - we were in Norwalk, CA. He had
customers out in that area so would come by and pick Paul and I up and I would
drive as Homer would instruct me to where he had to go. Now you have to be
informed back in those days they didn't have car seats like we have today. It
was just a seat with hooks that fit over the seat. No straps, nothing. If the seat
went, so went the kid. Kinda of scarey when you think about it today. Who
knew?
Homer took a big chance letting me drive in the Company Car, but he trusted me
and I was most careful not to do anything that would cause trouble. The lessons
were regular, and it was no time until I could qualify to take the test and get a
drivers licence. Once I got my licence, Jay found another worker who lived a few
blocks from us and they traded off driving so their wives could have the car for
a couple weeks a month to do their shopping, etc. In fact the week we were
carless was when the wives would share their car so there was very little time
we couldn't get to the store, or Doctor. It really helped.
The car we had was the one Jay bought after he came back from the War. It was
a 1941 Chev two door sedan. Black. It had a stick shift, which no one sees these
days. I had to learn to drive both a stick on the floor and one on the steering
wheel. Back then we used a clutch to shift the gears with, so it took both hand
and foot co-ordination. Today with automatics, it isn't all that hard to drive. No
clutch no shifting. Took me awhile to drive an automatic. I didn't want to get
lazy in case a stick shift was all that was available in an emergency. Progress
and times have changed a lot of things.
I told Jay I wouldn't get a licence until I knew how to change a tire. He taught
me how to do that, and I can remember coming out of the Maywood, CA Post
Office and finding a tire had gone flat. I proceeded to jack the car up, take the
tire off and replace it with the spare - oh, and in those days they were regular
size tires, not the whimps cars have today. I was just across the street from
a gas station, and one of the guys came over and asked me if I would'nt like
him to help? I told him I was capable of doing it. He missed a sale on that one
but I knew if I was out in the country and had a flat, I would have to do it myself,
so why not get the experience while I had the chance. I sure got dirty, but I
changed the tire, and was on my way.
I am greatful today we have "roadside service" so a "cellphone" call and you are
on your way again safely. I would hate to have to ask someone to help today.
I bet I could still change a tire if I had to.
Written this 4th day of February 2009
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