An excerpt from a letter from Jeff Boswell, written in late November 1970, and recorded in my missionary journal under date of December 2, 1970, with this comment: “He must have sensed from my last letter that leaving Brazil would be difficult for me.”
May your last few weeks be a great moment of spirituality for you and may you be blessed with the awareness of your worth and the fulfilling of your calling—May the Lord bless you with the testimony that you have done what you were sent to do and I have the conviction that you have done, and now you must leave and let others fulfill the purposes for which the Lord has called them and you must go on to other things.
Showing posts with label To Dean Cleverly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label To Dean Cleverly. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
51. From Elder Dana Blackham
An excerpt from a letter from Elder Dana Blackham, written in Petrópolis, Brazil, on Monday, November 23, 1970, and recorded in my missionary journal under date of Friday, November 27, just a few weeks before the end of my mission.
Well, comp, it looks like your time is drawing near. I still remember you in my prayers. Of course my memory is also full of you and Maceió. I think that without Maceió my mission would have been missing a heck of a lot. That is, it would have lacked its highlight. As you called it, a zenith of loving.
Yes, comp, Maceió was a beautiful experience for me. I rejoice in our relationship for I know that we surely are eternal friends. This is a link that few achieve because it is a very special type of relation. I think our friendship revolves around two things: testimony and the pure love of Christ. Thus being, it enabled us to strive for a higher spiritual plane. Through this striving we did truly elevate ourselves and we enjoyed the fruits of a higher sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I’m sure that our goal to remember the Savior was a prime factor in our success in achieving a greater companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Well, comp, it looks like your time is drawing near. I still remember you in my prayers. Of course my memory is also full of you and Maceió. I think that without Maceió my mission would have been missing a heck of a lot. That is, it would have lacked its highlight. As you called it, a zenith of loving.
Yes, comp, Maceió was a beautiful experience for me. I rejoice in our relationship for I know that we surely are eternal friends. This is a link that few achieve because it is a very special type of relation. I think our friendship revolves around two things: testimony and the pure love of Christ. Thus being, it enabled us to strive for a higher spiritual plane. Through this striving we did truly elevate ourselves and we enjoyed the fruits of a higher sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I’m sure that our goal to remember the Savior was a prime factor in our success in achieving a greater companionship of the Holy Ghost.
50. From Elder Dana Blackham
Excerpts from a letter recorded in my missionary journal under date of Thursday, November 5, 1970, from my former companion, Dana Blackham, who had been transferred again from Rio de Janeiro to Petrópolis, the first city I labored in at the beginning of my mission.
Well (hole in the ground), I’ve been in Petrópolis a week tomorrow. I’m really beginning to like it. My companion is Elder Butler. He is a real fine man. I’m coming to love him already. I’m trying as hard as I can to make our relationship “vibrar.” As I told you once, the heights we reached as comps now remains with me as a goal to strive for with each companion I have.
You know, comp, I’ve still got great saudades of Maceió. I hope and pray for your success with the branch up there. . . . I miss you and your companionship. We surely enjoy a fine relationship as elders and brothers. My love for you has grown greatly since I’ve left Maceió. As you, I realize that my leaving was necessary for me to truly appreciate all of the blessings which I received while I was in Maceió. I loved my stay there and thank my Heavenly Father for having given me that privilege.
Well (hole in the ground), I’ve been in Petrópolis a week tomorrow. I’m really beginning to like it. My companion is Elder Butler. He is a real fine man. I’m coming to love him already. I’m trying as hard as I can to make our relationship “vibrar.” As I told you once, the heights we reached as comps now remains with me as a goal to strive for with each companion I have.
You know, comp, I’ve still got great saudades of Maceió. I hope and pray for your success with the branch up there. . . . I miss you and your companionship. We surely enjoy a fine relationship as elders and brothers. My love for you has grown greatly since I’ve left Maceió. As you, I realize that my leaving was necessary for me to truly appreciate all of the blessings which I received while I was in Maceió. I loved my stay there and thank my Heavenly Father for having given me that privilege.
48. From President Hal R. Johnson
A note from my mission president, Hal R. Johnson, written in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, November 2, 1970, and recorded in my missionary journal on Thursday, November 5. The letter had arrived the day before. After quoting the letter in my journal, I made the following observation: “Sunday I plan to read President Johnson’s letter to the members to let them know just how things stand and to give them the opportunity to redeem themselves. The President’s comments were not surprising. I could feel it coming. When sent here seven months ago, he told me that he was most concerned about the branch. He gave us the OK to just work on the members as a big last chance, but I guess he has seen no fruits.”
Just between you and me, I’m not at all sure about the future of the Maceió Branch. For many years the branch has gone along at about the same level of activity. Your administration as branch president has seen more activity than at any other time I can remember. This is a tribute, of course, to your leadership, and may or may not be indicative of the future, but unless the branch members themselves indicate by their help in the missionary work their whole-hearted assumption of responsibilities and tolerance, love, and forgiveness of and for one another, I feel I will eventually close down that branch, particularly when the present contract expires. We cannot continue just maintaining; we must continue to grow, and there are too many places to put missionaries where the work could boom. I would appreciate your comments along these lines. Please bear in mind that our work is proselyting and that members are expected to be desirous of and capable of maintaining their own part of the kingdom of our Heavenly Father.
Just between you and me, I’m not at all sure about the future of the Maceió Branch. For many years the branch has gone along at about the same level of activity. Your administration as branch president has seen more activity than at any other time I can remember. This is a tribute, of course, to your leadership, and may or may not be indicative of the future, but unless the branch members themselves indicate by their help in the missionary work their whole-hearted assumption of responsibilities and tolerance, love, and forgiveness of and for one another, I feel I will eventually close down that branch, particularly when the present contract expires. We cannot continue just maintaining; we must continue to grow, and there are too many places to put missionaries where the work could boom. I would appreciate your comments along these lines. Please bear in mind that our work is proselyting and that members are expected to be desirous of and capable of maintaining their own part of the kingdom of our Heavenly Father.
46. From Elder Dana Blackham
Excerpts from a letter recorded in my missionary journal under date of Thursday, October 8, 1970, from my former companion, Dana Blackham, who had been transferred from Maceió down to Rio de Janeiro.
You know, comp, I sure got shook up when I got transferred. For a while I wondered if I would pull out of my slump. Two and one half days of bus riding thinking about Maceió and my beloved companion is enough to make anyone sad. I had the good luck to receive a fine comp like Elder Christiansen. He’s a good man. If I had received a mais ou menos comp I think I would have been even longer in my slump. But you know, comp, you were right we were up for a very long time and it sure was great.
I surely appreciate all the good times we had together. I thank you for sharing the work equally with me. That meant very much to me. I’ll always remember my work with you as a privilege. I guess I didn’t fully appreciate you until about a month previous to my transfer.
In thinking about the relationship we had as comps the following thought keeps coming to mind. Elder Cleverly prayed to be able to have the pure love of Christ as a gift from God. As I think of our friendship that is what comes back to me. I think that is probably why we had such a good relationship. I firmly affirm that you, comp, manifested or shared with me that type of love. The Pure Love of Christ. I know that grace by grace your love for other children of God will increase. I think of any person I’ve ever really known you come closer to radiating the pure love of the Savior than any other. For that reason I think we enjoyed our little bit of heaven as you called it. That is certainly a good description. I always admired your capacity to love others and to some extent I felt very successful in extending my love to others by following your example. I think we were especially successful with each other. I think I can really and truthfully say I love you. I know that comes from inside and it is a glorious feeling.
You know, comp, I don’t know what the President is going to do to replace you. I know there isn’t another elder like you. I just hope the branch can take the jolt. If you thought it was bad when I left, wait till you have to leave the old homestead away from home. You had better take buckets to church. That is going to be hard. Don’t worry about making yourself something you already are, indispensable!!
Well (hole in the ground), comp, you are going to receive one of the longest letters I’ve ever written in Brazil. Four pages.
I want to, as I terminate, express my love for you. I really do love you, Elder Cleverly. It is great to be able to say that and know that you know what I mean. I guess that is because you understand me. You understand me as a son of God as we are brothers in spirit. I said to you many times that one of the most marvelous principles of the gospel is that we as humans are capacitated to become like God if we make the effort. I pray for our success in returning to our Father’s presence. My prayers are with you there in Maceió. Keep up the good work.
You know, comp, I sure got shook up when I got transferred. For a while I wondered if I would pull out of my slump. Two and one half days of bus riding thinking about Maceió and my beloved companion is enough to make anyone sad. I had the good luck to receive a fine comp like Elder Christiansen. He’s a good man. If I had received a mais ou menos comp I think I would have been even longer in my slump. But you know, comp, you were right we were up for a very long time and it sure was great.
I surely appreciate all the good times we had together. I thank you for sharing the work equally with me. That meant very much to me. I’ll always remember my work with you as a privilege. I guess I didn’t fully appreciate you until about a month previous to my transfer.
In thinking about the relationship we had as comps the following thought keeps coming to mind. Elder Cleverly prayed to be able to have the pure love of Christ as a gift from God. As I think of our friendship that is what comes back to me. I think that is probably why we had such a good relationship. I firmly affirm that you, comp, manifested or shared with me that type of love. The Pure Love of Christ. I know that grace by grace your love for other children of God will increase. I think of any person I’ve ever really known you come closer to radiating the pure love of the Savior than any other. For that reason I think we enjoyed our little bit of heaven as you called it. That is certainly a good description. I always admired your capacity to love others and to some extent I felt very successful in extending my love to others by following your example. I think we were especially successful with each other. I think I can really and truthfully say I love you. I know that comes from inside and it is a glorious feeling.
You know, comp, I don’t know what the President is going to do to replace you. I know there isn’t another elder like you. I just hope the branch can take the jolt. If you thought it was bad when I left, wait till you have to leave the old homestead away from home. You had better take buckets to church. That is going to be hard. Don’t worry about making yourself something you already are, indispensable!!
Well (hole in the ground), comp, you are going to receive one of the longest letters I’ve ever written in Brazil. Four pages.
I want to, as I terminate, express my love for you. I really do love you, Elder Cleverly. It is great to be able to say that and know that you know what I mean. I guess that is because you understand me. You understand me as a son of God as we are brothers in spirit. I said to you many times that one of the most marvelous principles of the gospel is that we as humans are capacitated to become like God if we make the effort. I pray for our success in returning to our Father’s presence. My prayers are with you there in Maceió. Keep up the good work.
44. From President Hal R. Johnson
A brief note from my mission president, Hal R. Johnson, dated September 1, 1970, and recorded in my journal on Sunday, September 6, 1970.
I have just wanted for some time to write and express appreciation to you for your steadfast devotion to the work of the Lord. Your letters and reports are appreciated so much, not only for what is mentioned in them, but for the spirit so apparent as you write them. It is the same spirit with which you confront the many responsibilities and opportunities no matter where your assignment. I just wanted to say thank-you for all you have done, for all that you’re doing in Maceió—and the branch never looked better—and all that you will yet accomplish. It is a blessing to associate with you in this great work. May our Heavenly Father ever bless and be with you.
I have just wanted for some time to write and express appreciation to you for your steadfast devotion to the work of the Lord. Your letters and reports are appreciated so much, not only for what is mentioned in them, but for the spirit so apparent as you write them. It is the same spirit with which you confront the many responsibilities and opportunities no matter where your assignment. I just wanted to say thank-you for all you have done, for all that you’re doing in Maceió—and the branch never looked better—and all that you will yet accomplish. It is a blessing to associate with you in this great work. May our Heavenly Father ever bless and be with you.
40. From President Hal R. Johnson
A note from my mission president, Hal R. Johnson, written sometime during July 1970 in Rio de Janeiro. He was responding to my inquiry concerning a “Captain George” whom I had declined helping with Church funds. I recorded this letter in my missionary journal under date of Thursday, July 16, 1970.
Dear Elder Cleverly,
Not one centavo!!! No sirrreee bob, not a single centavo to Jorge Silav. This man has already put it to me twice, my being so soft¬hearted and all, but no more!!! I do not want him bothering the missionaries or stirring up trouble in the branch. Counsel the members there to ignore him and hope that he goes away, and tell the missionaries not to waste their time nor their money with or on him.
“If this sounds cruel, and un-Christianlike, he has brought it on. If I hear any more of his stirring up trouble in any branch, he will be tried for his membership!
“You were exactly right in denying any consideration to him. Do not assume any responsibility for him, his debts, etc. in any way, implied or accepted, and incidentally he always happens to be out of money, and any day now is going to receive a big settlement that is due him. He says. But no more. Thank-you for your caution and your wisdom in holding off.
Dear Elder Cleverly,
Not one centavo!!! No sirrreee bob, not a single centavo to Jorge Silav. This man has already put it to me twice, my being so soft¬hearted and all, but no more!!! I do not want him bothering the missionaries or stirring up trouble in the branch. Counsel the members there to ignore him and hope that he goes away, and tell the missionaries not to waste their time nor their money with or on him.
“If this sounds cruel, and un-Christianlike, he has brought it on. If I hear any more of his stirring up trouble in any branch, he will be tried for his membership!
“You were exactly right in denying any consideration to him. Do not assume any responsibility for him, his debts, etc. in any way, implied or accepted, and incidentally he always happens to be out of money, and any day now is going to receive a big settlement that is due him. He says. But no more. Thank-you for your caution and your wisdom in holding off.
33. From President Hal R. Johnson
A letter from my mission president, Hal R. Johnson, dated April 17, 1970.
Dear Elder Cleverly,
Sorry indeed that I was unable to be here to say good-bye as you left for the North Country. There are many things that I would like to have discussed with you, but time simply did not permit my doing so. Suffice it to say that your being sent to Maceió is an indication of the faith I have in you and in the city of Maceió. It is impossible for me to believe that there are not the elect of the Lord in Maceió who are waiting for the message of the restored gospel. I want Maceió to rise again!!!! And I am looking to you, Elder Cleverly, to accomplish that!!
There is also another reason why you are the one individual in this mission that I want in Maceió. You have by now observed the situation in the branch, that it has revolved around the branch president, Aldo Tenório, and as he has gone, so has gone the branch. President Tenório is a very fine man who has been so willing for so long. He lacks quite a bit in jeito with the members and has offended some, as he is quick to admit, but he has continued on in spite of all of this, doing the best that he could. But he is tired and needs to be released. And I am certain you are getting the picture now. I am this day corresponding with the district presidency in Recife, asking that they go to Maceió, that they release President Tenório, and that you be sustained as branch president in his place.
This may seem to be a step backwards, but really it is not. The branch is a good one, the members are fine people, and they are deserving of a change of leadership as with any branch or ward. It just so happens that there is no one else to put in in Aldo’s place. Yet. And that is the next part of your assignment in Maceió: to find a golden one who can be the branch president. Again, let me say that I look to you to accomplish this.
Elder Cleverly, Sister J and I are so appreciative to have you here in the mission with us. I am so grateful for all that you have done, for your sweet spirit, and for your desires for the work. Lead the missionaries in all righteous paths, showing by your works that that needs to be done to make Maceió rise again. Love the members, encourage them in their membership, see to it that they get opportunities for activity in the branch.
Please say nothing to no one until you are contacted by a member of the district presidency. I am hopeful that they will get there very soon to take care of this.
Elder Seal mentioned that all elders there were behind on their GG shots.2 Our schedule is still 500mg of GG every six months. It may be well to consider going into Recife to get this done. Make certain that it is done under sanitary conditions.
God bless you, Elder, and all the others there.
Dear Elder Cleverly,
Sorry indeed that I was unable to be here to say good-bye as you left for the North Country. There are many things that I would like to have discussed with you, but time simply did not permit my doing so. Suffice it to say that your being sent to Maceió is an indication of the faith I have in you and in the city of Maceió. It is impossible for me to believe that there are not the elect of the Lord in Maceió who are waiting for the message of the restored gospel. I want Maceió to rise again!!!! And I am looking to you, Elder Cleverly, to accomplish that!!
There is also another reason why you are the one individual in this mission that I want in Maceió. You have by now observed the situation in the branch, that it has revolved around the branch president, Aldo Tenório, and as he has gone, so has gone the branch. President Tenório is a very fine man who has been so willing for so long. He lacks quite a bit in jeito with the members and has offended some, as he is quick to admit, but he has continued on in spite of all of this, doing the best that he could. But he is tired and needs to be released. And I am certain you are getting the picture now. I am this day corresponding with the district presidency in Recife, asking that they go to Maceió, that they release President Tenório, and that you be sustained as branch president in his place.
This may seem to be a step backwards, but really it is not. The branch is a good one, the members are fine people, and they are deserving of a change of leadership as with any branch or ward. It just so happens that there is no one else to put in in Aldo’s place. Yet. And that is the next part of your assignment in Maceió: to find a golden one who can be the branch president. Again, let me say that I look to you to accomplish this.
Elder Cleverly, Sister J and I are so appreciative to have you here in the mission with us. I am so grateful for all that you have done, for your sweet spirit, and for your desires for the work. Lead the missionaries in all righteous paths, showing by your works that that needs to be done to make Maceió rise again. Love the members, encourage them in their membership, see to it that they get opportunities for activity in the branch.
Please say nothing to no one until you are contacted by a member of the district presidency. I am hopeful that they will get there very soon to take care of this.
Elder Seal mentioned that all elders there were behind on their GG shots.2 Our schedule is still 500mg of GG every six months. It may be well to consider going into Recife to get this done. Make certain that it is done under sanitary conditions.
God bless you, Elder, and all the others there.
24. From Elder Jim Dallas
Excerpts from a letter written by Jim Dallas, my roommate from the previous year at Brigham Young University, who was then serving a mission in Sweden. I quoted parts of his letter in my missionary journal under date of August 20, 1969.
Congratulations on your being part of bringing your wonderful family into the Church. Doubt I’ll ever be privileged to see one that large come in here as Swedes on the whole only have two or three kids per family. But our Heavenly Father has allowed me to be with and teach two fine young men and a Danish family who joined the Church. Isn’t it wonderful to be a missionary!
Elder Dallas and his companion had traveled all over Sweden with a display containing a pictorial explanation of the Church. Their work is directed mostly towards young people and young families by using the MIA. He added:
It was one of the choicest learning experiences of my life to be a guide and street contactor with the display, and now most of our proselyting time is dedicated to looking up and teaching the visitors who left their names and addresses.
Congratulations on your being part of bringing your wonderful family into the Church. Doubt I’ll ever be privileged to see one that large come in here as Swedes on the whole only have two or three kids per family. But our Heavenly Father has allowed me to be with and teach two fine young men and a Danish family who joined the Church. Isn’t it wonderful to be a missionary!
Elder Dallas and his companion had traveled all over Sweden with a display containing a pictorial explanation of the Church. Their work is directed mostly towards young people and young families by using the MIA. He added:
It was one of the choicest learning experiences of my life to be a guide and street contactor with the display, and now most of our proselyting time is dedicated to looking up and teaching the visitors who left their names and addresses.
21. From Elder Dave LeSueur
An excerpt from a letter I received while serving in Rio de Janeiro in June 1969 from Dave LeSueur, a friend from my freshman year at Brigham Young University, who was then serving in the Franco-Belgian Mission.
The Church, and Church members, are the same, the world over, and I’m sure our experiences are very similar in some cases. I have spent all of my mission so far in Belgium. The people are polite, and once you are friends, you are treated as a member of the family. Like much of the world, the people are tied down by traditions.
I quoted this paragraph in my missionary journal under date of June 4, 1969, and then wrote:
“That last line is significant. Although the Brazilian people are warm and friendly and not really Catholics, they are still bound by traditions. Joseph Smith gives a stinging denunciation of traditions, speaking of persecutions ‘supported and urged on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the whole world with confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight of its iniquity. It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs, and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell’ (D&C 123:7–8).”
The Church, and Church members, are the same, the world over, and I’m sure our experiences are very similar in some cases. I have spent all of my mission so far in Belgium. The people are polite, and once you are friends, you are treated as a member of the family. Like much of the world, the people are tied down by traditions.
I quoted this paragraph in my missionary journal under date of June 4, 1969, and then wrote:
“That last line is significant. Although the Brazilian people are warm and friendly and not really Catholics, they are still bound by traditions. Joseph Smith gives a stinging denunciation of traditions, speaking of persecutions ‘supported and urged on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the whole world with confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight of its iniquity. It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs, and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell’ (D&C 123:7–8).”
17. From Elder Steve Hill
An excerpt from a letter I received while serving in Rio de Janeiro in February 1969 from Steven J. Hill, a friend from my freshman year at Brigham Young University, who was then serving in the Germany South Mission. I quoted this paragraph in my missionary journal under date of February 22, 1969, and then stated, “There was much more, but this most impressed me.”
We’ve met some good people, but as a whole the race seems somehow awkward and disgustingly, though I suppose understandably, bound by tradition. I have, though it’s been a fight, developed a much stronger testimony, one I can never deny. I’ve developed a tremendous appreciation for the Prophet Joseph Smith, and a greater understanding of the mission of the Savior, and therein gratitude and appreciation for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We’ve met some good people, but as a whole the race seems somehow awkward and disgustingly, though I suppose understandably, bound by tradition. I have, though it’s been a fight, developed a much stronger testimony, one I can never deny. I’ve developed a tremendous appreciation for the Prophet Joseph Smith, and a greater understanding of the mission of the Savior, and therein gratitude and appreciation for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
12. Missionary Call Letter
A letter addressed to Elder Dean Batt Cleverly, 
signed by President David O. McKay, ninth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, arrived at my house in Nampa, Idaho, on Saturday, August 24, 1968. The letter called me to serve as a full-time missionary in the Brazilian North Mission, headquartered in Rio de Janeiro. (During the time I was serving, the name of the mission was changed to the Brazil North Mission.) I was to report to the mission home in Salt Lake City just one month later on Monday, September 23, 1968.
“A great amount of anticipation was natural,” I wrote later of that occasion. “So as the white envelope from 47 East South Temple finally came, a flood of last-minute thoughts followed before that seal could be broken. Other floods would come later. From the Prophet’s letter the words Brazilian North Mission jumped out. Brazil! Never once had such a place even entered my mind in all the months of dreaming and planning. Yet from that very first moment Brazil had new meaning to me, and it became special to tell friends and family of my new home. It required but little time to satisfy my own mind that the Lord Himself, through His authorized servants, had called and wanted me serving in Brazil.”
My missionary call letter, I later observed was "the one single letter that influenced my life more than any other I have ever received." Unfortunately, I misplaced the letter and to this day have been unable to find a copy.
signed by President David O. McKay, ninth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, arrived at my house in Nampa, Idaho, on Saturday, August 24, 1968. The letter called me to serve as a full-time missionary in the Brazilian North Mission, headquartered in Rio de Janeiro. (During the time I was serving, the name of the mission was changed to the Brazil North Mission.) I was to report to the mission home in Salt Lake City just one month later on Monday, September 23, 1968.“A great amount of anticipation was natural,” I wrote later of that occasion. “So as the white envelope from 47 East South Temple finally came, a flood of last-minute thoughts followed before that seal could be broken. Other floods would come later. From the Prophet’s letter the words Brazilian North Mission jumped out. Brazil! Never once had such a place even entered my mind in all the months of dreaming and planning. Yet from that very first moment Brazil had new meaning to me, and it became special to tell friends and family of my new home. It required but little time to satisfy my own mind that the Lord Himself, through His authorized servants, had called and wanted me serving in Brazil.”
My missionary call letter, I later observed was "the one single letter that influenced my life more than any other I have ever received." Unfortunately, I misplaced the letter and to this day have been unable to find a copy.
11. From Bob Russell
Excerpts from a letter Bob Russell wrote me in Seattle, Washington, on Monday, July 29, 1968, in response to my letter written on June 11. See letter 8.
I've been sitting here for the past hour contemplating how I was going to write this letter. When I read your letter, which is an absolute piece of genius, I get cold feet trying to reply to it. After all, I'm supposed to be the one with the education in English. I guess the only thing I can conclude is that formal education in an art might teach you to analyze and recognize that which is good, but it can't teach creativity. I'll have to tell you a little about that letter. I was going to wait until evening to read it, but couldn't wait and so pulled off the road just outside of Nampa to read it. I suppose passing motorists wondered what was up as I sat there with tears rolling down my face. Later, I hope you don't mind, I shared it with Jackson since he and I had talked at length about partings. He asked to have a copy of it as a source of inspiration to him from time to time. Thanks, Dean, for sharing with me some of the most precious things about you. As of the past few years I've given over to throwing correspondence away, but this particular letter I hope to keep as a reminder of a great man of faith and obedience who served as a goal in my life. Perhaps after you've become one of the leading writers of the 20th century, I'll drag it out to be published along with your other works.
Once again, thanks for sharing part of yourself with me and thanks for being an example of faith to me. I have an immense love for you and for what you represent. Some of my greatest joys in life come through association with those valiant souls trying to build a Christ-like character. You have been one of those people in my life. I hope that we can maintain some measure of contact through the years as I think we can both grow from it. Thanks for being my friend.
I've been sitting here for the past hour contemplating how I was going to write this letter. When I read your letter, which is an absolute piece of genius, I get cold feet trying to reply to it. After all, I'm supposed to be the one with the education in English. I guess the only thing I can conclude is that formal education in an art might teach you to analyze and recognize that which is good, but it can't teach creativity. I'll have to tell you a little about that letter. I was going to wait until evening to read it, but couldn't wait and so pulled off the road just outside of Nampa to read it. I suppose passing motorists wondered what was up as I sat there with tears rolling down my face. Later, I hope you don't mind, I shared it with Jackson since he and I had talked at length about partings. He asked to have a copy of it as a source of inspiration to him from time to time. Thanks, Dean, for sharing with me some of the most precious things about you. As of the past few years I've given over to throwing correspondence away, but this particular letter I hope to keep as a reminder of a great man of faith and obedience who served as a goal in my life. Perhaps after you've become one of the leading writers of the 20th century, I'll drag it out to be published along with your other works.
Once again, thanks for sharing part of yourself with me and thanks for being an example of faith to me. I have an immense love for you and for what you represent. Some of my greatest joys in life come through association with those valiant souls trying to build a Christ-like character. You have been one of those people in my life. I hope that we can maintain some measure of contact through the years as I think we can both grow from it. Thanks for being my friend.
10. From Evan Ballard
Excerpts from a letter written by Evan Ballard in Laie, Hawaii, on Saturday, July 20, 1968. Evan lived across the hall from me in Stover Hall during the preceding school year at Brigham Young University. Having completed our freshman year of college, we were both waiting to receive our mission calls.
Time seems to play a very deceptive game of dragging, yet disappearing at a phenomenal rate. How clearly I recall the morning of your departure as I watched you battle the persistent tears and wished that I could express my feelings for you. As an Army brat, I have been uprooted repeatedly, and logically I should be well accustomed to good-byes. It just ain't so.
You have taught me a great deal, Dean, and I respect you tremendously. But beyond that, I love you as a friend and brother and confidant. To be able to share my thoughts and, more significantly, my emotions with you opened my blind eyes to a new dimension of brotherhood. I came to understand more fully that people around me are literally my brothers and sisters, and that they are no less valuable in the sight of our Father than I am.
From you, Dean, I feel a powerful spirit and faith, which often serves me as an example. I certainly appreciate the two letters you have written to me, and I beg your forgiveness for my tardiness in answering. I do think about you continually, despite my ostensible negligence. You have been a very special friend among friends. The late night and early morning sit-ins that we staged cling in my memory. I can't forget that we two humble souls struck down the mighty [Jeff] Boswell with bolts of ice water. Those talks were really great for me, Dean, and whatever I lost in sleep, I believe I gained in spirit.
I am convinced that our floor constituted one of the most complete gatherings of great men that I have ever encountered. The short school year that I spent there was indeed the happiest, most fruitful, most enlightening period that I have ever lived. I look forward now to brighter things than I had ever imagined before. The entire experience of that year was wonderful, but I believe I learned most from the lives and thoughts of the individuals.
Please be tolerant of my writing. I am an abominable letter-writer. My ability with a pen is entirely inadequate to open my thoughts and feelings. I become a little frustrated. I admire your talent of expression in writing; your letters are to me masterpieces of effective communicating yourself.
Dean, this letter does not convey a hundredth part of the things I long to share with you. I will try to write again soon.
Time seems to play a very deceptive game of dragging, yet disappearing at a phenomenal rate. How clearly I recall the morning of your departure as I watched you battle the persistent tears and wished that I could express my feelings for you. As an Army brat, I have been uprooted repeatedly, and logically I should be well accustomed to good-byes. It just ain't so.
You have taught me a great deal, Dean, and I respect you tremendously. But beyond that, I love you as a friend and brother and confidant. To be able to share my thoughts and, more significantly, my emotions with you opened my blind eyes to a new dimension of brotherhood. I came to understand more fully that people around me are literally my brothers and sisters, and that they are no less valuable in the sight of our Father than I am.
From you, Dean, I feel a powerful spirit and faith, which often serves me as an example. I certainly appreciate the two letters you have written to me, and I beg your forgiveness for my tardiness in answering. I do think about you continually, despite my ostensible negligence. You have been a very special friend among friends. The late night and early morning sit-ins that we staged cling in my memory. I can't forget that we two humble souls struck down the mighty [Jeff] Boswell with bolts of ice water. Those talks were really great for me, Dean, and whatever I lost in sleep, I believe I gained in spirit.
I am convinced that our floor constituted one of the most complete gatherings of great men that I have ever encountered. The short school year that I spent there was indeed the happiest, most fruitful, most enlightening period that I have ever lived. I look forward now to brighter things than I had ever imagined before. The entire experience of that year was wonderful, but I believe I learned most from the lives and thoughts of the individuals.
Please be tolerant of my writing. I am an abominable letter-writer. My ability with a pen is entirely inadequate to open my thoughts and feelings. I become a little frustrated. I admire your talent of expression in writing; your letters are to me masterpieces of effective communicating yourself.
Dean, this letter does not convey a hundredth part of the things I long to share with you. I will try to write again soon.
7. From Gene and Cheryl
Excerpts from a letter I received from my brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Cheryl Cleverly, sometime in May or June 1968, just a couple months before receiving my mission call to Brazil. Gene was stationed with the Army in Germany but was writing, without my having solicited it, to offer financial help for my mission. He had met Cheryl Jones in Vernal, Utah, near the end of his own mission in the Western States Mission, and had married her about a month after his release.
Gene: Cheryl and I have decided to help you when you are on your mission. We should be able to give you at least $25 a month. We have enough now for Cheryl and Kimberley to come home. So let us know when you get your call and we send you the money.
Cheryl: We really do want to help you as much as we can. A mission is a wonderful thing. . . . We want you to understand that some months it may be a little hard but we have already planned to take yours out first along with the tithing. . . . When we first get home we won't have a car or job or house or anything and it will probably be tough for a while, but we know that hard times only serve to make us stronger. Dean, we have been so blessed. I really should say I have been the one to be blessed so much. I've got Gene and Kimberley now. I've only been a member of the Church two and a half years, but these have been so full and meaningful to me.
Gene: Cheryl and I have decided to help you when you are on your mission. We should be able to give you at least $25 a month. We have enough now for Cheryl and Kimberley to come home. So let us know when you get your call and we send you the money.
Cheryl: We really do want to help you as much as we can. A mission is a wonderful thing. . . . We want you to understand that some months it may be a little hard but we have already planned to take yours out first along with the tithing. . . . When we first get home we won't have a car or job or house or anything and it will probably be tough for a while, but we know that hard times only serve to make us stronger. Dean, we have been so blessed. I really should say I have been the one to be blessed so much. I've got Gene and Kimberley now. I've only been a member of the Church two and a half years, but these have been so full and meaningful to me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
