 |
Treyson Lee Rich was blessed and given a name in church
today. He looked so cute in white. He is a really big kid, solid and
stocky. Treyson was blessed by Bishop Roland
Sinfield, and standing in the circle was Kerry Porter (Great Uncle) Bret Kimbal
(Friend of the family) Jim Wilkerson (CJ’s step dad) Randy Thompson (Great
Uncle) Van Nelson (Great Uncle). It was
a nice blessing. Afterwards we all went
over to the auditorium at the Morgan County Courthouse, and had soup and rolls
and dessert. Here is his blessing: Our Father in Heaven, by the authority of the Melchezidek
priesthood which we hold, we take this infant in our arms, and give him a name;
Treyson Lee Rich, by which he will be known on the earth and on the records of
thy church. Father we bless him that he
may have good health, and pray that he may experience safety and health
throughout his life. That he may be able
to be strong, and experience those things that we are placed here on earth to
experience. We pray that he may be baptized when he reaches that age, we pray
that he may marry and have the blessings of a family. We pray that he will have a love for the
gospel and an appreciation for the things that Thou hast given him and a knowledge
of this throughout his life. Father we
pray that Thy spirit will accompany him, that he may know of this planet, and
that he may be alerted to those things which may distract him or trip him up in
his stay here upon the earth. That he
may make wise decisions and have a happy and enjoyable life because of these
wise choices. These things we pray in
the name of Jesus Christ, amen. |
“If we keep no diary [journal], the path crumbles away behind us as our feet leave it; and days gone by are but little more than a blank, broken by a few distorted shadows. Life is all confined within the limits of to-day….”
Sunday, January 8, 2006
Treyson's Blessing Day
Sunday, January 1, 2006
January 2006
January 2, 2006 - Note to Erika and Mom and Dad
How was your New Years?? Any exciting celebrations?? We were just plain boring here. Rog is back to work today, Me and Manda are off (Manda's going to see King Kong while I watch Camryn) and Landon headed back to school also.
Erika, we are trying to find a condo/cabin/etc. for a Young Women Leader retreat? Is it possible to pay you to use your Wolf Creek Condo, or isn't that allowed?? Please let me know
Here is a cute picture of Treyson in Camryn's little doll stroller - she's not in the picture because she's mad because I won't just let her push him around unattended (without me holding on to him)
Also a picture of 3 generations................ I know - can
you believe I got the two older ones to
smile !??!!?
Also a picture of Landon and Chase Kimbal ready to go out on
the town with the ladies.
Zac is hoping to get started on shingling his roof today - if the storms will stop long enough.
We start back wrestling this week, with a match here with
Take care all of you, I'm sending this to Erika and Mom and Dad.
See you later :) Gwen
January 2, 2006
Dear
Family,
I received this from Aunt Dawna and thought I would pass it along to keep you up to date on what is happening if you don't already know. Take care, we love you.
Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa
Dawna writes:
To
update you on what is going on. After doing many tests, they found out that
Jolene has Liver Cancer. It is a slow growing kind, and has probably been
growing for about a year now. As far as they can tell it has been
contained in the bottom part of her liver and hasn't spread anywhere
else. They sent her home last Saturday, along with a hospital bed and an
IV. They don't want her eating anything by mouth because it would make
the liver have to work, so she is being fed through an IV. Her children
have been really good. When she was in the hospital someone was there
with her all the time, including Ray. They sent her home to
get stronger before they brought her back to do more. I called her Friday
and talked to her and she sounded great, but said she wanted to eat.
She said you would think that I would be loosing weight, but I'm gaining
it. When I talked to Ray he said she had gone to see the
doctor and they felt she was doing great and wanted her to come back in on
Tuesday 1/3/06, to the
Before
I got a chance to call her today, Ray called and said she was back in the
Sorry to be writing you an email, but things get pretty
hectic on Sundays, and I forgot to ask you this. I would ask Ben, but last year when this came
up (you weren't there - it was around the time Janelle was getting married),
Ben didn't know for sure.
Last year we were getting all of the girls lined out at far
as recommends for baptism for the dead (when we went the day Janelle was
married), and the question was: Is it
possible for you to do an individual recommend for each girl, each time they
come in for their yearly birthday interview?
I believe they are good for year if they are individual - right? This way, each girl would have one, and if we
could catch a baptism (as a class) they would be ready to go, and we wouldn't
be scrambling to get them in for interviews each time. If they are put on the mass list (for
baptisms) they are only good for one time, because the temple takes that
recommend (mass recommend). When I
mentioned it to Ben last year, he seemed to think there might be a reason that
they (don't know who they is) might not want it done that way. Well, anyway, the question has come up again,
as we prepare to go down in March (YM/YW combined activity), and also May
(Stake assignment) and the closest baptism - the
Also, you had mentioned a YW retreat (overnight) in a condo or cabin? Was this to be planned for ALL the YW, or just the YW leaders??? I didn't take very good notes, and I thought you just meant the leaders, and Susan Wiscombe thought you meant ALL the YW. Please clarify. We don't have anything planned as of yet.
Thanks for everything you do !!!
Thanks Gwen-
To answer your questions about the recommends- yes- I think we could also give a recommend at each annual interview for the young women- and we will begin immediately. Some of the young women have their own recommends now- and I would love for each of them to have their own--
As far as the retreat goes- I would like to have ALL the young women and leaders- but maybe we ought to have a Book of Mormon readers dinner for our Laurels and Priests at the end of January at the JS Memorial building- or invite everyone-- and have a good speaker come- afterwards or before- go view the new film on Joseph Smith!
We might get more for the money that way- let me know your thoughts-
Thanks, Bishop Fisher
Sounds great to me - just let me know what we need to do. When you say dinner at the JS building, do you mean up on the rooftop restaurants? or down in the cafeteria? I think a speaker OR the movie would be just great - maybe you speak/bear your testimony (you are a GOOD speaker), and then see the film?? Thanks for being such a great example to Landon - I was listening to Elder Dallin Oaks talk on CD, on the priesthood, and could really relate to how his mother felt about all the good priesthood brethren who stepped in with examples for her kids after her husband had died. Thanks for helping and encouraging Landon, and making him a part of your family (on those priesthood sessions) and by the way - he is going to be into Mosiah tonight......... he has caught the vision (finally) Here is a copy of what he wrote my mom and dad on their mission.
Reply from Bishop
My idea on the JS Memorial building would be dinner in one
of the lower
rooms for our kids and leaders- with a great speaker in
honor of reading the
Book of Mormon-
How many of our your girls have or will have read the Book
within the next
two weeks?
Can you find out?- perhaps ask your advisors to call each
one?
I would love to know--
Thanks for all you do!
-Bishop Fisher
January
4, 2006
Dear
Family,
Here is the latest from Aunt Dawna. Please remember her in your prayers.
Love,
Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa)
Jolene is still in the hospital. When they did the CT scan on Sunday at 7pm then found a spot on on kidneys. So they are going to do a sonogram on Thursday so they can tell what it is. They think that it might be spreading. They still haven't determined how big it is or anything like that, so the family still doesn't know what is next. I called and talked to Jolene today and she said she was feeling good and she sounded good. I also talked to Susan about 4:30 pm, and than Ray Smith called me from home, he didn't know I had called the hospital.
By
the way, I have been printing all the emails you have been sending me and
putting them in a binder. Well just before Christmas when Jolene was
released to come home, we went up to see her in
January 6, 2006
Dear Family
Kimberly called me tonight and updated me on Jolene. They did an ultrasound & biopsy on Jolene today, the conclusion was: She has a large tumor between the liver and pancreas and it encases some large arteries. It is not operable because of its location and the vital organs that are around it. The family, at this time, have opted not to do chemo because of how hard it is on the body. For the time she has left they want it to be quality time with their mom & wife. She has to wear a bag on her side to drain the bile from the liver, she will have to wear this the rest of her life. The prognosis is it could be a day, a week, or a month before she is called home to her Heavenly Father.
Right now she is in the
January 7, 2006
We have been at the Bobcat Brawls yesterday and today.
Landon had 5 matches, Viewmont, Lehi, American Fork, Logan, and Skyview.
He went 5 and 0
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is the champion 160 pounder
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The match with the Lehi kid was ESPECIALLY INTENSE
!!!!!!!!!!!!! The other kid thought he was going to clean Landon's clock,
but Landon ended up pinning him !!!!!!!!!!!!! Landon got a
long sleeved T-shirt with the "Bob-cat Brawls" on it, and the word,
champion down one arm !! We are so proud, and he wrestled soooooooooooooo
good. This week we head to Vernal on Thursday (wrestling) and then to
Zac and CJ are blessing Treyson tomorrow (01/08/2006) at their ward. Bishop Roland Sinfield is blessing him. Unfortunately Zac is not an elder, and therefore can't stand in the circle. He and CJ tried to start going to church together so he could be an Elder before now, but I guess it's not a high priority. CJ got sick before Treyson, and Zac tried to go without her, but had no one to sit by and felt out of place, and now they don't go because they don't want to take the baby out in the winter........ and so forth and so forth. Well enough of things that depress me..........
Here is a copy of the blessing:
Our Father in Heaven, by the authority of the Melchizedek priesthood which we hold, we take this infant in our arms, and give him a name; Treyson Lee Rich, by which he will be known on the earth and on the records of thy church. Father we bless him that he may have good health, and pray that he may experience safety and health throughout his life. That he may be able to be strong, and experience those things that we are placed here on earth to experience. We pray that he may be baptized when he reaches that age, we pray that he may marry and have the blessings of a family. We pray that he will have a love for the gospel and an appreciation for the things that Thou hast given him and a knowledge of this throughout his life. Father we pray that Thy spirit will accompany him, that he may know of this planet, and that he may be alerted to those things which may distract him or trip him up in his stay here upon the earth. That he may make wise decisions and have a happy and enjoyable life because of these wise choices. These things we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
They are having a luncheon afterwards at the courthouse auditorium. Wish so badly that you could be here, but I know you are in the right place and doing the right thing. I went to a young women's new beginnings last week, and one of the speakers had just been to a wedding at the temple, and the boy's parents have been mission presidents in Spain, and while they have been gone, (3) of their sons !!!!!!!!!!!!! have gotten married !!!!!!!!!!! Elder Uchdorf (sp?) allowed them to come home for this last boy for a short time. In the long run things like this don't matter - so don't you worry that you are missing things that can't be replaced, because remember - families are forever !!!!
Little Camryn has strep throat !! She has had a pretty
miserable couple of days, but is on medicine and getting better. I
got your (MY) birthday card today. Thank you !! That was a
very nice note. Erika sent me one that wasn't so nice - it said,
"Well, you are 1/2 way to 90!" - boy that was
depressing....... They are coming up tomorrow for the blessing, and
HOPEFULLY Mark will remember - sometimes I don't know about him. Jaden went
to wrestling this weekend, but thought he wouldn't be wrestling, and so Mark
and Carrie didn't go. But then he ended up wrestling 112 JV on Skyview's
team. I don't know why they didn't come up today......... I don't
think he won a match.
Zac has gotten a little of his roof shingled probably about
20% - but it started raining and snowing later today, so he had to stop.
I'm glad we got home from
Mom, I'm really sorry about Aunt Jolene. I guess you
never know. I am worried about you now !! Because didn't Grandpa
Tonks' mom and Grandpa Tonks, and Uncle Larry, and Aunt Jolene all died with
cancer ?!?!!? I think you need to get a full body scan when you get back
- I MEAN IT !!! Dad, you make her okay?? I'm glad Dawna is keeping
everyone posted. If at all possible, I'll try and get down and see her
before she gets too bad.
Well, I better go for now, - take care, and SEND MORE EMAILS
!!!
LOVE GWEN and family
January
8, 2006
We
are both bursting with pride about Landon and what he is doing. We enjoy
hearing all about his activities. What a role model he is for his
cousins. They can see that you can be involved in athletics and still do
the things you are suppose to do in the church. Tell him we love him and
can hardly wait to get home and see him. Unfortunately we'll miss his high
school athletics but know he will be involved in a lot of things when we get
home and we will see him then.
Hope little Camryn gets well soon and that the blessing for Treyson goes well. Hopefully Zac and CJ will get fired up about activity in the church again. There is nothing like a little baby and the love we have for them to let us know how important the family is.
We pray for all of you every time we pray. We are so grateful for you and all you have added to our lives. Take care.
Love,
Mom and Dad
Dear Family and Friends,
It is catch up time again and maybe by this time next year I will be caught up. We have had a lot of unique experiences during this past year and our life will never be the same. We send our love and prayers to each and everyone.
Love, Elder and Sister Dickson
January 8, 2006
Treyson Lee Rich was blessed and given a name in church today. He looked so cute in white. He is a really big kid, solid and stocky. I bet he will catch up to Camryn in weight in a short time. She is only 21.5 pounds, and has been for the last 6 months. She is growing taller though. Treyson was blessed by Bishop Roland Sinfield, and standing in the circle was Kerry Porter (Great Uncle) Bret Kimbal (Friend of the family) Jim Wilkerson (CJ’s step dad) Randy Thompson (Great Uncle) Van Nelson (Great Uncle). It was a nice blessing. Afterwards we all went over to the auditorium at the Morgan County Courthouse, and had soup and rolls and dessert.
January 9, 2006
"HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY"
We hope you have a very special day, surrounded by family and friends. Thanks for being such a sweet loveable person. Words can't begin to express how much you mean to us. We coulldn't have asked for a more wonderful daughter. Thanks a million times over for all you do for Dad and me.
We
send all our love, Mom and Dad
January 12, 2006
Dear Family and Friends,
Better late than never. We are both doing well but constantly on the move. The weather has cooled again slightly and we are thoroughly enjoying it. Thanks for keeping in touch and not giving up on us. We love you. Elder and Sister Dickson
100_2821 - a little boy greeting us with the usual welcome - his little hands together in front of his nose. He then threw us a kiss.
100_2824 - Sisters Morris (left) and King, they are a great addition to
the mission.
100_2847 - Elder Johnson playing Santa at Branch 12 Christmas Party.
100_2861 - David - this is Brother Som's grandson. He still hasn't warmed
up to us and usually cries when we talk to him.
100_2902 - A typical little business - A man and his repair shop on the corner
of a busy intersection.
Email from Dawna
I went to see Jolene last night, and she seems to be holding her own right now. But she is sick to her stomach and throws up bile, but Russell Smith (her son and nurse) puts some stuff in her feeding tube that helps with that. All of their children are a blessing to them, pampering over Jolene and someone is always there (except at night while sleeping). But Russell, who lives next door to Jolene & Ray, comes over in the middle of the night, every night, to put her medicine and other stuff into her feeding tube. You see, she can not eat anything by mouth for the rest of her life, so they have her on a feeding tube. I said to him, that's what you get for living next door to your Mom & Dad. And he said, "that's why I moved next to them, so I could take care of them." What an outstanding statement and wonderful son. She was tired yesterday, because the therapist had been there, but other than that she was doing okay.
Take care... Love Dawna & Ray
January 13, 2006
Dear
Gwen, attached are two tax documents. They are for interest income from
WSU Credit Union. I believe all of the others will come to you via
Keep
us up-to-date on Landon's adventures and any other family news. I love
you and appreciate all you do for us.
Love
Dad
Hi dad - It's Friday morning and I'm headed to work.
We leave for
Love Gwen
January 14, 2006
Dear Family and Friends,
Surprise, I'm only a week behind now. We have had a very busy week but hopefully by the end of this next week things might be back to normal (ha-ha). The mornings are still cool and we love it but by late morning it is pretty warm. We continue to hear news from all of you back home and appreciate you thinking of us. We are sorry we don't have the time to send each and everyone a personal letter, but you are in our prayers and thoughts. Our testimonies of the Gospel are growing and we love doing the Lord's work. We only wish more people would take advantage of the opportunity to serve. It is a wonderful experience and will change for the better the way you look at life. We send our love, Elder and Sister Dickson.
100_2948 - Live ducks on their way to market right through the middle of the
city.
100_2954 - Lee getting his shoes shined at the Russian Market.
100_2965 - Missionary Workshop class watching themselves on TV as they were
practicing their job interviews.
100_2976 - Our Missionary Workshop students - (left to right back row) Sisters
Va, Seng, Som, Him and Hoa, and teacher Meas Sameth. (front row) Elders
Kang, Phy and Thong.
January 15, 2006
I called and talked to Jolene on Friday evening and she was okay,
but she said she was tired because the Health Care had given her a bath and
worn her out. So I didn't talk to her very long, but said I would be up
to see her on Sunday. When I called today there wasn't an answer so I
called Kimberly, and she said that they had taken Jolene back to the
Love Dawna
January 17, 2006 (Letter from Kim Smith - my cousin Russell's wife who works with Roger at Wonder Bread Bakery)
Hi Gwen!
I was just talking to Roger. (You sure have an awesome husband!)
Jolene is in a normal room now. I think it is W832 or something like
that. She's at
her sodium level back up.
They're not sure what caused the sodium to go
down so far.
Russ, David, and Laurie finalized plans with Linquist Mortuary in
Bountiful and paid for 1.5 plots at the same graveyard where my
sister
is buried up by the
on top of Jolene. They can
bury up to three deep. Jolene picked out
her casket yesterday too. I
know this sounds morbid but it has to be
done before she actually dies because the prices double if not done
prior to death. What a
racket those people have. They exploit
the
grieving people left behind at their most time of need by over
charging
for these services, etc.
I'm under the impression that a small funeral
etc starts at $10,000.
Absolutely appalling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So I
guess this is a lesson to us all.....have all arrangements made
and paid
for BEFORE you die.
The doctor came in and told her they can do chemo. But then again, chemo
would only prolong her life no more than three months. The decision is
completely hers. (I would
just hate to see her suffer with that much
pain.)
Pat Tonks and all the kids came to visit Saturday night at the house.
It's too bad she was already gone to the hospital and in ICU at
that
time. It was great to see
all of them. I finally got all their
phone
numbers so I can get a hold of them when needed. However, when I tried
to send an email to Stormy, it came back.
I guess that's it for now.
Roger is bringing home a special request from
me personally. The family
does not know I'm asking. Please don't
give
me away.
How's that cute little grandbaby?
Love to you all!
ks
My reply to Kim
Thanks for the update on Aunt Jolene - I hope to get down to see
her before she
gets too bad. When do you
think she will come home from the hospital, or will she?
This reminds me of my best friends mom so much. 4 years ago, Colleen found out just at Christmas that she had cancer, and was gone by Feb 5. They did try chemo, but it didn't work
and just made her more miserable.
The end was painless, hospice was WONDERFUL
and controlled the pain so much, and she quietly slipped away. It
was amazing how
quickly she went downhill in 5 weeks time. I hope it goes as well for Aunt Jolene.
(It seems terrible to say that!).
Anyway, our prayers are with you all.
Here is a picture of my babies !! I got to tend them both
yesterday. Sorry the picture
is sideways, I haven't had time to edit it yet.
See ya,
Gwen
January 17, 2006
Dear Family and Friends,
Can you believe this, I am caught up to date on our journal. We are still just as busy as ever and are so glad for this wonderful opportunity of serving a mission. It is too bad that more couples don't realize what they are missing. They are needed so badly and we hear they are having a hard time replacing the two couples we have had leave. It seems when they finally get a couple that is able to serve a foreign mission for 18-23 months, they have health problems. What they need most of all are couples who have a knowledge of how the Church functions. The members here have never seen an organized Primary and don't realize how it should be conducted. In fact, everything is new to them here and it is a struggle helping them get a good picture of what to do in any of the organizations. But we know this is the Lord's work and will progress no matter what the obstacles are. We have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and know it is God's plan for each of us. May the Lord continue to bless you. We send our love, Elder and Sister Dickson
January 18, 2006
Gwen and Family,
We
really enjoyed the PhotoShow. We can't believe how everyone has
grown, especially Camryn and Treyson. They both look well and
healthy. Camryn is such a little doll and Treyson looks so alert and full
of life. We are going to enjoy getting involved in their
lives. I'm glad Treyson's blessing day turned out so good. How
we would have liked to have been a part of it.
Enjoyed
reading Kim's note to you and your reply, but was wondering what her
request was. We haven't heard from Dawna about Aunt Jolene since last
Monday and we hope no news is good news. It sounds like her family is
pretty well prepared for what is ahead for them.
Landon
looks great and according to the picture, it looks like he has now reached his
goal of being taller than his big brother." We recognized
Josh Wilson with Landon as one of the seniors but who was the other boy?
I
have found a place that sells "Birkenstock" shoes. Several of
the ladies here were so excited but dumb me didn't even know what they were
talking about. When I finally saw the shoes I recognized that I had seen
them before but didn't know they were called "Birkenstocks."
Anyway, would any of you like them. They have a lot of different colors
and are mostly just slipons or flip-flops. If any of you are interested
let me know the size and and color hopefully I will be able to fill your
orders.
I
had better close as it is time for me to put in a batch of wash, get myself
ready and get breakfast over with before we leave for our Khmae Workshop.
Take
good care of everything and especially everybody. We love you and will
see you before too much longer.
Love,
Mom and Dad
January 19, 2006
Hi - sorry I haven't written much lately. Life is sooooooooo hectic with wrestling and Landon's ednet, and getting him admitted to 7 different colleges, so he can be considered for scholarships, so then he
can choose WHICH one he wants to go to. We have him signed with CEU, SUU,
Kim wants some personal remembrances from you and Aunt Dawna about Aunt Jolene - I think this is during your growing up years. Can you write some up and send to me and I'll forward them on to her? This came through Roger, and I don't think I got the full interpretation - maybe she's doing a book?? I don't know for sure. I need to call Erika or Dawna and see where she is (Home or hospital) and we are going to try and stop on our way to Delta tomorrow morning. Delta Duals - Landon will wrestle 10 matches in 2 days. Some really tough kids, it will be good for him to prepare for Region and State.
The other senior is Zac Bradshaw - son of David and Rebecca
or
YES I would like some Birkenstocks. I take a size 8, I'll let you know
about CJ and Manda
January 23, 2006
Dear Mom and Dad,
Sorry I've not written more. My life is unbelievably crazy right now. I"m about ready to string Landon up concerning his grades in EDnet classes (TWO F's) and so we are getting up at 5 am and studying together, and he has an interpretive paper due Thursday, .and Bryan Judd's dad died, and we are not going to the viewing because I have TOO MUCH TO DO.
Also, Landon hurt his elbow (hyperextended or maybe even dislocated it) last
Thurs in match against
PS I
stopped and saw Aunt Jolene on Friday on the way to Delta - she looked
surprisingly good I thought, she doesn't say much, but says she isn't in any
pain. I'm not sure how long it will be. I passed the info
along to Kim that you sent. Love YOU !!!!
Hi Dawna, Veloy and Gwen!
How's everybody? (Let's see, How do I approach this? I guess just come right out and ask.) Russell's brother, David, called me last night. He has called a family meeting with his brothers and sisters and spouses to discuss funeral services for Jolene. At first he asked me to read her obituary but we ended with her eulogy. If the rest of the family will agree, then guess I'm doing it. ( I pray for guidance at this point. ) I know I can survive this because I've done this twice before. (And, since I make a fool of myself on a daily basis, I know to blubber in front of a bunch of people won't be any different.) My question to the three of you is: Would you, could you please help me with the information of Jolene's birth, childhood, family names, places, dates, stories, personal impressions, etc., and other stuff?????????????????? Please???????????????????? I understand that Dawna will be reading a letter. I want to give the family memories, comfort and, peace. Jolene is such a wonderful person and a good example of the right kind of wife to be. I want to honor her with love and appreciation. I know this is a struggling time for each family member. Sharing memories is a good way to help each other in their time of need. I'd appreciate any information you could share with me.
Love Kim
January 23, 2006 – this note was written to Kim Smith from Veloy Dickson
Kim, I hope this is what you need. If there is
anything else let me know. I haven't heard from Dawna in over a week and
keep thinking any day she will let me know how my sweet big sister is
feeling. She and all of you are in our prayers constantly and we have
sent her name to the
Jolene Tonks was born 12 March 1934 in
Her parents were:
Franklin Smith Tonks born 1 Aug 1907 in
Flora Almina Dawson born 21 Apr 1909 in Devils Slide,
Her siblings:
Larry Frank Tonks born 21 Aug 1931 in
Veloy Tonks born 8 Aug 1937 in
Blaine Dawson Tonks born 3 Mar 1947 in
Dawna Tonks born 13 Oct 1949 in
She started school when she was 6 years old (there was no
Kindergarten then).
She attended Morgan Elementary - grades 1 through 6.
She attended
When she was eight years old she was baptized a member of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the indoor swimming pool at
Como Springs. There were several other
boys and girls baptized at that time.
When Jolene was about 15 years old, our family went on a
vacation to
Once when we were small children our family went to Little
Grove and slept overnight. Jolene and I
slept in the car (or whatever it was we drove up there in). The next morning Grandma and Grandpa, who had
slept on the ground, said that porcupines had been around during the night,
Before the school bus started coming to
Easter meant our usual hike to
We didn’t have phones in
Jolene was more of an indoor person and liked doing things
in the house. She was a big help to
Grandma.
January 23, 2006 -
Note written from Gwen to Kim Smith
Grandma
was born April 21, 1909 - died June 6, 2002.
I
thought Aunt Jolene looked good when we stopped there on Friday. At
least
much better than I expected. What is
hospice telling the family?
Are
you looking at days, a few weeks, months??
Maybe they can't tell.
I
know Annette said there were signs to watch for, that let you know that
it
is getting close..... I wish I could have said more to her, but I'm
such
a baby I would have started bawling. I
wish mom was here so badly,
I
know she feels bad about not being here.
I would love to get a copy
Of
the letter she wrote Aunt Jolene if I could.
See
ya, Gwen
This is a copy of the letter written to Jolene from her
sister, Veloy
Dearest Jolene,
We were shocked, as I am sure everyone else was, to hear of all the trouble you are having. I only wish I could be there with you, but know you are surrounded by your family and are in very good hands. I seems we don’t have too much control in matters of this kind and have to accept what we are dealt in life.
Because of our busy lives and our own families we haven’t
always been as close as we could have been, but Lee and I are so glad we have
been able to at least keep in touch with you and your family. We think a lot of your children and their
spouses. You should be very proud of
them and your grandchildren. Each of
them is special.
I do get a lot of joy and happiness however from the many
fond memories I have of you and me as we were growing up.
I was so proud to have an older sister and one I could look
up to (actually one that I eventually had to look down to when I grew taller
than you). I remember how thrilled I was
when you got the part in the high school play of “Arsenic and Old Lace” when
you were a senior, and what a terrific job you did. It was fun helping you learn your lines. It was about this time a young man by the
name of Ray Jared Smith (from Coalville – or better known as
Visiting you and Ray in the apartment over the Post Office
and in helping you do your washing was fun.
I still remember getting one of Ray’s red socks in with the whites and
how pink it made everything (especially one of your new beautiful white
tablecloths), but you never got upset.
How excited all the family was with the birth of the first grandchild
and what was more exciting, I finally became an “aunt.” I didn’t mind missing school whenever I was
needed to help out with your sweet little girls, especially when you were
pregnant and had so much morning sickness.
Remember your little apartment behind what we called Cathy’s
Bakery. I loved that place and enjoyed
being there and helping you with the children and the cleaning. How embarrassed I was the day Lee dropped by
to see if I would go on a date with him.
It was summer and I had on a pair of shorts (something I very seldom
wore). You and I had spent the morning
doing your washing, cleaning and defrosting the fridge. What a mess I was having worked all morning
in your kitchen. Later that day you
called to me from the living room, and when I walked in to see what you wanted
there stood Lee. I could have crawled
into a hole but as I remember you got quite a kick out of surprising me. So much for a NICE older sister.
I always enjoyed being around your little family and hated
it when you moved out of Morgan. After
graduating from high school, I went to work and then got married. As the years passed we both became busier
with our varied interests and families and found it was harder and harder to
get together.
Do you remember the house in
The years have come and gone and a lot of things have
happened. As our families have grown,
we’ve experienced marriages, births and even deaths. Our younger carefree days have come and gone,
and we are now approaching that time in our lives when the next generation will
soon be taking over. It doesn’t seem
possible that we have reached that milestone in our lives. Getting old was always something that parents
or grandmas and grandpas did.
We were truly blessed with good, wonderful, loving parents
who taught and guided us as we were growing up.
I am so thankful for the love of our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus
Christ, and the Plan of Salvation, which will allow us to again be reunited
with our loved ones who have gone on ahead.
What a glorious time that will be.
Jolene I want you to
know that I will do whatever I can to make sure we are a “forever family” in
the eternities.
May the Lord bless you and your family with strength and
understanding in the days ahead. You are
in our daily prayers and constantly in our thoughts. Thanks for being the sweet thoughtful sister
that you are. God bless you.
All of love,
Your sister, Veloy
January
24, 2006 – Note written to Gwen from Kim Smith, Russell’s wife
Nice pictures (except the one of me!)!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I knew David's email address. The one with the three sisters is an excellent picture of Jolene. Last night David made a comment about looking for a picture of Jolene for the obituary. I didn't know you guys stopped by Friday. I'm glad you did! I saw her( I can't believe how time runs together) I think it was Friday for the first time in six days. I did not go to the hospital after her official check in night. That night was the last time I had seen her. When I got to see her again, she seemed to have aged 10 years. She had hollow dark circles around her eyes and hollow cheeks. I did see her last night when I took dinner over to Ray. She looked great! Hospice (although I was not there) told those who were there a list of signs to watch for. Not necessarily stages but signs. She is deteriorating daily. Russ sees the signs daily. It now takes two men to do the clean up and changing of the chucks, etc. Russ goes over around nine in the morning to help Ray, again around lunchtime, when he gets home from work, then again about every hour til 9:30 or 10 pm. Russ won't let Arron (my son) help. He wants to take care of her himself. It's a very humbling experience to witness the care Russ gives his mother. He is the perfect nurse! He is so kind and gentle and loving and attentive. He's always checking in on them. He administers her meds and makes her comfortable. He cleans up after her when needed. I've never seen him give her anything but love and respect! I've enjoyed cooking for Ray. I try to be as close to 5 or 6 as I can get for dinner. I usually hit 6 or 6:30. He has been so patient. I'm sure he still ho-hums. But he doesn't say anything not nice to me. David is going through a bunch of letters to figure out which letter your mom wrote. I guess Jennifer has finally agreed to talk. Between the three of us we will cover whatever material is needed to give Jolene a proper farewell. When we have our meeting Sunday, everything will be decided then. Service, Food at a hotel, etc. I hope the family will allow me to do the eulogy. If not I understand. David had asked Ray yesterday about some stories. I'm under the impression that all stories concerning Jolene will come directly from Ray. I'm excited to hear his stories. I have a hard time as well talking to her. It's not necessarily fear of death but fear of losing control of my emotions when it is not warranted. But then I usually walk around on a daily basis with my foot in my mouth. I do want to take her hand and tell her what a wonderful son she raised. And to thank her for sharing him with me. I'm truly honored to be a part of this loving family. They may not be a religious bunch but they are family oriented! It's great to see how they each love and support each other. Well I guess that enough diarrhea of the brain this morning. Sorry, I have a tendency to ramble on and on and on and on and on. Well you get what I'm saying don't you? Have a great day! Thanks for being there to help me.
Kim Smith
January 24, 2006 – evening
Dear Mom and Dad, Gwen and Rog, Mark and Carrie,
I am sitting at Uncle Ray
and Aunt Jolene's computer to give you an update on her condition. Dawna called me tonight, and said Aunt Jolene
had taken a turn for the worst. She is no longer responsive (talking),
she knows people are around, but really doesn't acknowledge who it
is there, or who might be speaking to her. She is getting pain
medication every three hours, and is being taken care of by her family and a
Hospice nurse. The nurse told the family it would be within the
week. Everyone is understandably kind of numb right now.
Uncle Ray just wanted to
make sure you had the latest update, and Dawna couldn't get her email to work
before we left to come to
Love from Everyone, Erika, Dawna, Tiana, David, Kris, Jennifer, Danny, Miya, Susan, Uncle Ray, Russell, Moe, Kimberlee, Aliya, Tai, and Teranea
January
25, 2006
Russ just called me. He just finished with the nurse. Following is the information he told me: The nurse said that the food was making her sick to her stomach. Russ got a call this morning at 6 to help clean her up. She was throwing up bile and it was everywhere. The nurse said that this was normal. The raspiness in her breathing is because she cannot swallow her own saliva. The nurse removed the feeding part of the tube around 10 am. She left the tube in for the medication. She also stated that she would be very surprised if she lasted to the weekend. Sorry for the shock! I think I need to walk away from my desk for awhile. If you need to call me please call me on my cell phone 725-1579.
Love to you all! May she soon rest in peace.
January
25, 2006 – evening
Dear Family....
Kimberly called me today at 5:00 p.m. to let me know that Jolene had peacefully pasted away at 4:55 p.m. with her family around her. They do not have any details as of yet, but as soon as I get any I will pass them onto you. Please let anyone that you think would want to know know about her. She was a very loving sister, mother, wife and friend and I know we will all miss her, but she is now visiting with Mom & Dad and her two brothers, and all the other relatives who are on the other side waiting for her. What a joyous reunion.
Love, Dawna
NOTE: Aunt Jolene was first put in the hospital on December 13, 2005, to do testing. She was finally diagnosed with cancer approx. January 2, 2006 and died January 25, 2006. A mere 6 weeks from the time she first went in the hospital.
January 26, 2006
Hi Kim, not sure if you are at work today....... I can't believe Aunt Jolene went so fast, but it is a blessing that her suffering was not prolonged. How is the family doing? Do you have any idea when the funeral will be? Where should we look for the obituary? Take care, Love Gwen
January 27, 2006
Hi Gwen!
No I'm not here on Thursdays. I was so glad I had yesterday off! I am dragging my behind this morning though! Big Time! BUT,,,,,,this is not about me. This is totally about the family who just happens to be grieving. This has been and still is a one of those life experiences I will trulynever forget! Her obituary is in todays Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News. You can access the obituary online www.legacy.com type in her name Jolene Smith. The viewing is Sunday night and the funeral is Monday @ 11:00 am. There will be an hour long viewing just before the funeral. All this will happen at Lindquist Bountiful Mortuary 727 North 400 East. Internment is at Lakeview Memorial Estates. There will be a luncheon at Comfort Inn & Suites 999 North 500 West Bountiful immediately following.
The family is as good as can be expected. They cry then laugh then cry again. We are worried about Ray. He's having a hard time. We try to keep someone with him as much as possible so he won't be alone too much right now. He has deep sorrow! But then I don't blame him. He just lost the love of his life. They have been married for 53 years. He loves her DEEPLY! Russell spends a great deal of time over there. I took taco soup over there last night. It fed 9 people with left overs. So at least he gets a decent dinner every night. If you get a chance call me. I'll be here for a couple more hours. Then I'll be back Tuesday. I have so much to do!
Have a nice day!
Kim Smith
These
are a collection of emails written between Gwen and Bishop Fisher in the latter
part of January 2006
Hi Bishop
I finally got a hold of the Joseph Smith's
They said we could make reservations for either the 4:30 pm or 9 pm show. Problems with the 4:30 show is that we would have to leave by 3:15 or 3:30, and this would be cutting it really close for those playing sports, as far as practice times, and I'm not sure if the middle schoolers are even out of school at that time. Also, for the 9 pm show, it lasts 1 hr and 10 minutes, so we would not be getting home until 11 pm at the earliest. I'm not sure what you want to do at this point? Dinner and no show, just a speaker? Dinner and speaker and another show in the North visitor's center (Testament or Legacy) - I have not checked on times or reservations at this point for either of those two shows. They will not open up March reservations until late in February. Let me know what you want me to do at this point.
Thanks, Gwen Rich
Bishop Fisher to Gwen
Hmm- I had this great vision of us going down, watching the new show, hearing Steve Young speak to us- nice dinner- and come home-- Is the 4:30 show too early-- if we call this our Youth Conference- I think the coaches would be lenient-- (I asked Kovi Christensen and he said he would anyway... )
What do you think?-Bishop
Lets talk about this with Richard and Ben-- Perhaps we should get a bus again-- call it Part One of our Youth Conference for the year or something-?!
-Bishop
Gwen to Bishop Fisher
Bishop - I will go ahead and make reservations for 70 persons (on the high side) for 4:30 on the 22nd of Feb, and also the 15th of Feb. We can cancel if necessary. Baptisms for the
dead at
I am going to work on a speaker for the 22nd- I will try Eldred G. Smith- and his wife- former Patriarch for the Church- and a descendent of Hyrum Smith- he has the box that Joseph kept the Gold Plates in- and is a fantastic speaker-- will let you know- but lets plan on it-
-Bishop
January 27, 2006
Dear Family and Friends,
With the passing of my sweet sister Jolene, my thoughts and prayers have been elsewhere this week and I didn't get my journal sent, although it was ready. I can only imagine what the past few weeks have been for her family as they stayed close by her side. How grateful I am for the Gospel in my life. Through its teachings we know the answers to questions like: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do we go after this life? I am so thankful for the Plan of Salvation and the knowledge we have that family relationships can last throughout the eternities. My testimony grows stronger each day of the love that God and our Savior, Jesus Christ have for each of us and that Moses 1:39 really means what it says. May the Lord continue to bless all of us as we keep his commandments and endure to the end. We send our love, Elder and Sister Dickson
100_2931 - Wheelchair distribution, Bro. Som, Sis. King,
Elder Miller, Sis. Hayes, Sis. Miller
100_2985 - Khmae workshop, teacher Him Sophanavy, Veloy, Sister Hayes (from
100_2993 - Khmae workshop, Phoun Sophy, Ang Bunthy, Him Sophanavy (practice
interviewing)
100_2998 - Little girl on right is the one that always greets me with a Khmae
greeting and then waves.
100_3007 - Wedding cake, groom Ngoc Chau and bride Hoang Van
100_3008 - Branch 6 Missionaries, Sisters Behrman and Vo
100_3009 - Branch 6 Branch President and wife
100_3012 - Flower arrangement Lee won, orchids no less
100_3032 - English class, Soun Vy and Kem Kimlang
From Gwen to Erika and Mark
Please let me know how much each of you want to go in on
Aunt Jolene's flowers, so I'll know what kind of arrangement, planter, etc. to
get. I will need to get them ordered today (Friday) or Saturday at the latest. You can send me a check in the mail. I'll just put them on my VISA
at this time. Mom and Dad will also go in on them. Thanks
Love Gwen
I hate to put this back on you and you probably won't like
my answer, but I would prefer that you just go pick something out and then let
us know how much we owe you. Whatever you decide is ok with me, but I
personally think that since we are splitting it up we should spend a little bit
more. Just my two cents. Thanks for taking care of this.
How did Landon hurt his arm? I never heard about the
injury and I was a little bit groggy when you called the other night.
From Gwen To Mark
The Thursday night before
Delta, while he was wrestling Cliff Leavitt from South Summit, there were 20
seconds left in the 1st period, and the kid hyper-extended Landon's left elbow,
maybe even dislocated it. Landon practically passed out from the pain. He
went down, and they stopped the match. We still went to Delta,
and he watched all of the matches. We've been keeping ice on it, and
started with heat/ice last night, and he's going to swim in Billy Weaver's pool
starting tonight. He's been practicing this week with it taped, and will
next week also. Hopefully he'll be close to 100% for Region.
Plan on about $20 – that’s what
Erika and I are going to do, and I’ll do $40 from Mom, and so for $100 we
should get something nice. I'm going to order a really nice planter sight
unseen, from Arven's Florists in
See ya, Gwen
Dear Family and Friends,
As you can see the past week has been very busy. We
have had some wonderful and happy experiences, except for the sad
news we received from home about Jolene passing away. It is Sunday
afternoon here in
Love, Elder and Sister Dickson
