8. To Bob Russell

Excerpts from a letter to Bob Russell, written in Nampa, Idaho, on Tuesday, June 11, 1968. Bob had been the senior resident of the floor on which I lived in Stover Hall at Brigham Young University during the preceding school year. Bob had stopped to visit me in Nampa on his way to his new job in Seattle, and I handed him this letter as he was departing. See also letter 11.

From the experiences of only a few weeks ago I learned that although good-byes can be significant occasions—even sacred—there is something which is lacking. Maybe it is that all that needs to be said cannot be said. How can a person pass suddenly out of another's life after they have been so close, with the possibility of never meeting again? What do you say? If ever you learn, let me know. This letter pretends to be no more than a collection of random thoughts trying to express a few of my feelings, trying to say good-bye adequately, trying to say that which can never really be molded into words maybe.

At the year's beginning I prayed for a neat roommate, that would be good for me and compatible. My prayers were answered here too. Oh, but how selfish I am at times! It was not until later I prayed I would be a neat roommate myself, that we would be good for each other and grow together. I cannot think of two more compatible roommates on the floor than Jim [Dallas] and I, unless it was you and your roommate [Bob did not have a roommate]. We just sort of clicked together, if you understand what I mean. One of the happiest things all year was his decision to go on a mission! I hope he stays fast to that decision.

Maybe a few words about you now. To say you were the best senior resident I ever had might ring hollow considering you are the only one I have had. I could project that you will be the best I ever do have but maybe I will never live under any others). I think one reason why your year (as a senior resident) was successful stands close to what you have said concerning Sister May: you did your job without trying to be everybody's friend and thus drew many of the people under you to you as friends. Another aspect must be that you put much more into your job than required, no I should say more than most others put into it, but I think in your situation not to have put all you did into it would have been to miss a great opportunity and to ignore responsibility. Any job requires a person's best. I must thank you for sharing part of your life with me. Like draws like in the area of human relations I have learned—you were very similar to me. Thanks for being you.

Remember me as one who loves the Lord and tries to be committed to Him. Remember me as one who enjoys good laughs. Remember me as a friend in the loftiest meaning of that noble word. Here is a piece of advice from someone who is younger (in years, wisdom, and experience): be a friend to anyone in special need of a friend, as I was. One of your greatest talents is your ability to work well with other people. Trust on the Lord; He will guide your life.

May the Lord's watchful hand be with you in your present journey and in the journey of life. Sometime and somewhere our paths will cross again. May God bless you. And so a most valuable era of my life—the greatest to this point—is finished. Good-bye.