Saturday, October 1, 2011

Margie's 90th - Ard



Marge,


Happy 90th Birthday to one of the greatest ladies I have ever known. I wish you all the very best on this occasion. I just wanted to tell you how very special you are to me. The hospitality you offer in your home, the humor, the good eats and good times over the years are priceless. I am so blessed to have someone like you in my life. May the good Lord continue to bless and keep you for many more years.


Thanks for allowing me to be part of your family and for your special daughter's hand. She is a very special part of my life. She is very dear and special to me and my hat's off to you and Ross for raising such a wonderful person.


I know that you may think that this birthday is not that big of an occasion but I am going to tell you this is a big deal and by darn you are going to celebrate it. ;May all the very best things in life come to you in the coming years. May God continue to bless and keep you.






Sincerely,


Your favorite Son-in-law,


Ard

Margie's 90th - Janet

Dear Mom,



Happy 90th Birthday!!! I hope you have a magnificent birthday!


I'm so lucky to have you as my confidante, my mom and my friend. You have been a great example to me throughout my life. I wish I were half the woman you are! I appreciate all the hard work and sacrifice you've given to make ;my life what it is today. ;I remember when you worked at the drug store, and we went up there to see you at work and got "swamp water" soda, and the days when you'd work all day at the Forest Service and then come home and still prepare supper for all of us and kept the house in order, I don't know how you kept up the pace.


Remember the ;times we used to count my tips when I worked at J.B's as a waitress?


I remember when the Teton Dam broke and we waded back into the house. I marvel at your courage, I don't know how you kept your composure seeing the devastation to the house.


I remember all the good meals you cooked for us throughout the years, and in the j"olden days" when we made homemade root beer and put it in the cellar. You make the best pink circus popcorn int he world - I believe you're famous for it!


I'm so glad we were able to go on some trips together. The trip to Expo in Canada (remember losing your sausage rolls in the rental car that we never found?), our cruise to Alaska, and trips to the Albuquerque BAlloon Fiesta, just to name a few. What a blast, I hope you had as much fun as I did!


Thanks for always letting us come stay whenever there is a holiday or a three-day weekend. No matter what the weather, we BBQ outside, and at Thanksgiving time when we go on our tree-getting expeditions and come ;home to a hot meal and angel food cake with pink frosting, the memories from those get-togethers will last forever.


Your sense of humor and wise sayings are an absolute delight!


Words can't express ;my gratitude to you for always being there for me. I always knew I could count on you, no matter what. I would be lost without you.


I hope you have many more birthdays and that you always enjoy good health and happiness.


Lots and lots of love!


Janet

Margie's 90th - Jason

When I think about Grandma I instantly am reminded of her incredibly original jokes, which come out of nowhere and are always hilarious! She usually would sit back and seemed to be waiting for the perfect time to add in a line that was sure to make everyone haugh.



There are a few things I absolutely love about Grandma: She gives the best hugs in the world! There are few things that come close to her loving hugs. She also tops the list with the best pasta salad known to man. My love for pasta started with Grandma's dish far before I went on my mission to Italy.


Grandma Shirley will always have a special place in my heart! I hope and pray my kids and their kids can have grandparents even half as good as mine!





Jason

Margie's 90th - Brandon

Grandma:



First and foremost, I wish you a happy 90th birthday! I am grateful for the opportunity to enjoy your company over the years. The time I spent with you was always enjoyable and my memories of visiting you are particularly vivid. I recall looking with anticipation for your house as we approached in our van for the Sunday evening visit. We had this contest to see who could see Grandma's house first. Sometimes I claimed to have seen your house, even though it was not yet in sight. Upon arrival, I would run to the front door. The door would sometimes stick, requiring me to apply my shoulder against the door several times before barging in. As I ran across the handmade rug into the kitchen and immediately hear the sound of your laugh. There is something about your laugh that is so comforting; small wonder that Mrs. Bird incorporated it into her vocabulary.


Our reluctance to leave your house was always evident in the slow manner in which we ;moved toward our car. We got our belongings together, talked some more in the kitchen, moved to the entry way, talked some more, moved onto the porch, talked some more, and eventually we got into our car. You never let us leave without waving goodbye; we turned on the dome light so you could see us waving back. I will carry that image of you and Grandpa waving to us for all the rest of my days.


You are a fantastic grandmother and a wonderful friend.


I love you,


Brandon Shirley

Margie's 90th - Brett

One of the favorite times I spent with Grandma and Grandpa (a favorite time in my life, really) was the summer of 1995. Brandon and I got a job moving sprinkler pipe in a field near their house. Six nights a week, we would go to their house to spend the night because we had to be in the field at six the next morning. Almost every night, we would sit and chat over drinks and ice-creamy treats supplied by the Schwan's Man. Then, we would watch an hour of the Three Stooges, and Grandma and Grandpa would head off to bed.



Sitting down and chatting with them became one of the highlights of my day. It was during this time, I really developed a relationship with Grandma and Grandpa. I loved seeing how the two of them would interact. I loved hearing about how different things were when she was a kid. And also, getting the dirt on things my dad (and aunt and uncles) did as kids.


So, Happy Birthday, Grandma! I know you are a humble woman, but don't you dare think you haven't done that much for all of us.


We love you!


Brett, Tara, Gwen, and Boston

Margie's 90th - Jenna

Grandma, I've always been a big fan of yours. My earliest memories of you are climbing into your lap while you sat in your bar stool, my tummy full of candy from the candy bowl, pink popcorn, and sandwiches made out of rolls. While growing up, we usually just saw you on Sundays and holidays so most of my memories of you are also memories of good food. Barbecues in the rain, Thanksgiving with Mrs. Bird asking "Whatareyoudoing?" while we "took the curse off the food," and hundreds of Sunday dinners.



I remember lots of laughing and listening to you and Grandpa's stories. I loved when the guitars came out, and we all enjoyed the music and singing together. I was proud when photo albums came out and people commented that I resemble you when you were younger.


I look forward to the day that our different ages no longer separate us, the day we will be together in Heaven, two women, two friends, our bodies unhampered by age or mortal cares, when we can enjoy an association as peers. We will laugh and laugh and laugh, I just know it! Even as a little girl I remember wishing I could play with the little girl that grew up to become my Grandma. So that is my birthday wish to you, Grandma, a wish for those future conversations in Heaven, when I can really get to know your soul. I love you so much and as so blessed to have you as my Grandma Shirley.


Happy 90th Birthday to my sweet Grandma.


Love,


Jenna

Margie's 90th - Jeff

Dear Grandma Shirley,



Happy 90th birthday! Wow! I can't begin to express my gratitude to you for all you've done for me through the years. I'll always remember fondly the memories of visiting your house and being blessed to associate with you and Grandpa. I learned at a very young age that you and Grandpa were great people I wanted to emulate. I have always admired your nonchalant demeanor and how you never let little things bother you. Too many people in this life are pulled in ;different directions by their emotions, but I never saw that from ;you and I thank ;you for showing me that example. Your sense of humor is also something that I'll always remember, and how you always found ways to look for the good in every situation, while not taking things too seriously. You are truly a great example to our entire family.


I hope you have a great birthday and want you to know that I love you and appreciate you for all you've done for me. I can't begin to thank you enough for all the help you gave me to help me go on my mission, and I'll forever be grateful to you and Grandpa for that tremendous opportunity. I hope you're feeling well and that things are happy for you on this joyous occasion, even though it's probably hard for you to have the spotlight on you! Ashleigh and Maelynn send their love as well and we hope this is an incredible day for you!


Love,


Jeff, Ashleigh, and Maelynn

Margie's 90th - Jan

When I first got married I had no idea how true the statement was about when you get married you've married the whole family. I remember going to the old house in Salem before the flood and always feeling comfortable there. I couldn't have asked for a better mother-in-law. She was so kind, so funny and so comfortable to be with. I loved going there to that old house and witnessing Mr. Bird climb up my kitchen chair and everyone would just laugh.



Ross always kind of intimidated me at first, but when I grew to know him his dry sense of humor and giant heart won me over.


Marge usually had goodies of all kinds out to snack on. After the flood, our Sunday nights together were the highlight of my busy work week, or a little respite from my busy little faimily. Scott and Neal playing in the background and the rest of us yelling to hear each other over the din was awesome! It was so fun just to talk and reminisce.


Marge was always bustling around making sure we all got stuffed full of the best foods possible. Ross was usually in his recliner watching TV or over watching the guys play. So comfortable and fun.


I love my dear little mother in law for everything she is not: She's not sutffy, she's not selfish, she's not judgmental and that is what made ;me so comfortable. I'm so glad I married into the Shirley family. I was blessed in ways I never dreamed. They have helped me in times of need and for that I will be forever grateful.


Thanks for my little momma Margie, I'm so glad I'm hooked to her forever.


Jan

Margie's 90th - Scott



How does one begin to express the effect my mother had on the course of my life? How can plain words paint a portrait in the necessary vivid colors capable of conveying the depth of that unique connection of mother/child? Acknowledging my inability, I neverthless attempt to describe my indescribable feelings.Mother was, and continues to be, a guiding influence in the lives of her family. Who else, at the age of ninety, can still relate and identify with children and teenagers? Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren love to be around her. She makes them comfortable in her presence because she is genuinely interested in their lives.

It is difficult to write about Mom without mentioning Dad, for they were one in purpose. They were both consistent and genuine in their beliefs and actions, spontaneous in their humor and laugh, determined and positive int he face of adversity. Without conscious effort ehy taught me plain, joyous living.



Mom is the perpetual nurturer. She has raised one daughter, three sons, two parrots, two bear cubs, one owl, and a numerous array of stray cats and dogs. She notices the large, as well as the small characteristics of other people, but always the positive ones.


She does not know the effect she has on other people. I do not know how many times I have heard people say, "I just lvoe your mother." She taught me ;many times that we reap what we sow. Many times I heard her talk about "casting your bread upon the waters." She is now enjoying the harvest of good will planted over the course of nine decades. She painted a life of love with broad, deliberate strokes of caring and concern. What a privilege to be included in this family portrait painted in both the bold as well as the delicate colors of love created by a mother caring for her family.


Scott Shirley

Margie's 90th - Kat

Happy 90th Birthday Grandma



I feel so blessed to have you as my Grandma! You are so sweet, beautiful, and kind. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of being at your home. I love you so much! I hope you have an amazing birthday.


Love you always,


Kat

Margie's 90th - Chas

I want you to know what a wonderful Grandma I think you are. I couldn't imagine a better Grandma than you. People have always asked what the greatest memories are from my childhood and I always answer that it was the time that I spent up with you in Idaho. You always made us feel so welcome and loved. I have always appreciated that. I also tell them that Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday becauyse it was great to come up there and spend time with you and the family. Thank you for everything. Happy Birthday and remember that your grandkids all love you.



Chas

Margie's 90th - Becky

I could never eat raspberries and cream without thinking of you, and smiling. Every summer I was fortunate to be able to spend some time with you and Grandpa. And every year you would take us out to your garden where we would pick raspberries together. I remember your delight in watching us each try to gather up the most. Then you'd take us inside and we would enjoy our found treats in your beautiful little China dishes. I would always put too much sugar on mine, but you never seemed to mind.





I hope this memory brings you as much joy as it brings to me; among many, many others. I love you Grandma, I hope you have a very special birthday.


Love,


Becky

Margie's 90th - Chris

Dear Grandma,

Happy birthday. As I begin to reflect on what you've meant to me in my life I think back to my earliest memories of you. I remember being a very small child, covered with mosquito bites after playing in your yard and the fields all day. You always had a small bottle of something that you would gently dab on my skin, to prevent itching. I never learned what it was, but I will never forget the scent of it. I also remember you standing atop a sand dune in the hot sun, acting as a sentinel to ensure that our play time in the sand would not be interrupted by off-road vehicles. I don't remember ever getting "in trouble." Whenever we got into mischief as children (and even as adults) we were always met with a knowing smile, and "the look," which you passed down to your son, who in turn passed it on to me. And now I too have handed it down to my children. You have always been there for us, whether it was supporting our life decisions or opening your home. I can't count how many times we camped out in your home for holidays and vacations. How many times did we get home from hunting Christmas trees after dark, to find a hot meal waiting for us? You have always taken an interest in where we have been, and what we are up to. I think you for the lasting impact that you have had on our lives.

We love you,

Chris

Margie's 90th - Allison

I have many memories of my Grandma Shirley.

I remember as a kid we would call her from Salt Lake. When we talked to her she would always laugh. I have that laugh burned in my brain. Also you would hear Mrs. Bird echo her laugh in the background.

When Grandma would come to Salt Lake, she would always have a treat in her purse for us. Life Savers, or Starburst, or some kind of a candy bar all our own.

Grandma and I both have an interest in crafts. I have sewn many cross stitch projects and shown them to her for her approval. She has also shown me her projects and has given me some that are to hard for her. We also both have done hook rugs. Recently she watched my Hannah work on a rug.

I remember when she changed her hair color. She said, "Now if you see an old lady with white hair, don't worry. That is just your Grandmother."

Lately I have enjoyed going to lunch and the nursery with Grandma and Jan when we come to visit. She watches my kids and laughs at their antics. Often we will sit in the choir seats and watch the kids play in the yard while we visit.

Grandma NEVER says anything bad about anyone. Even when she has a reason to, she does not. I need to be more like that.

Love you, Grandma,

ALLISON

I love Grandma dearly

Margie's 90th - Dale


Mom,


Just a quick note to wish you a happy birthday and to say thanks for all you have done for me. I couldn't have asked for a better mom. I was thinking about you the othyer day. We went camping and when I had finished cooking pancakes for everybody, I dumped the rest of the batter in the pan and cooked up a huge pancake. I thought to myself, "Now there is something that I picked up from my mom." I thought of all the times we used to give you a bad time about feeding the biggest pancake to the dog and couldn't help but laugh. There were so many good times that involved just small everyday things that I just can't help but remember what good times we had at home. Thanks again for all you've done and all you've taught me. It has really helped me to be a better person. Have a happy birthday.



Lots of love,

Stretch

Margie's 90th - Jessie

Happy Birthday Grandma!



You are such a wonderful grandma and a great example to us! Growing up I loved living next door to you, and now we are so glad to get to still be your "neighbors" and see you every day! You always tell the funniest jokes and give the best hugs! Thanks for being you!




Have a wonderful 90th! WE LOVE YOU!


Love,


Jessie, JB, & Tanner

Margie's 90th, Amber

Dear Grandma,


Happy, Happy Birthday! We hope you have a wonderful day! We love you so much and just wanted to let you know how grateful we are for you. You are such an important part of our lives. You are a wonderful Grandma and Great Grandma and you have set such a wonderful example for all of us to follow. You have always been so loving and kind and always make each one of us feel important.


I remember many mornings as a kid when I would wake up and ride my bike over to your house first thing and just hang around for half of the day. You never told me I couldn't stay or that you were busy or asked me to leave. Now that I'm older, I realize how many things you probably had on your list to do, but you never let me feel thyat those tthings were more important than spending time with me. Thanks for always being patient with me when I tried to reorganize your closets and drawers without you knowing it! I probably made it pretty hard for you to find your thihgs sometimnes. And I have many fond memories of dress-up outfits you helped me fashion out of your clothes and jewelry.


I appreciate the love and concern you have always shown to eachy one of us and your interest in the things we are doing. We may not live close by anymore, but you are in our thoughts and hearts every day. Our kids pray for you every day, at every meal! You have become an inportant part of their lives as well, and they look forward to visits when they can come see you. We love you so much and we are so blessed to call you our Grandma. We hope you have a wonderful day and know of our love for you. You are truly a treasure in each of our lives!


With love,


JD, Amber, Emilee, Londyn, Sam, & Kennadie

Margie's 90th - Brian

Happy 90th Birthday, Grandma! That is quite an impressive milestone! Doesn't it seem like just the other day that we were going out on a nice sunny day to make dust together? What a blessing it was to be able to grow up with my grandma living right next door to me. I have so many wonderful memories of times spent with you; bike rides over to your house in the summer to visit and eat candy from your candy bowl, Memorial Day and Labor Day get-togethers as we huddled together in your garage because the weather was always cold, warm summer evenings sitting in the choir seats visiting or listening to Dad and my uncles playing guitar and singing. I can clearly hear your voice in my mind saying "Come on in, rest your face and hands!" as I'd arrive at your house. I'm so grateful to you for your love for me and for your example; you've had an important influence on my life. On this special day for you, I pay tribute to you and express my deep love and admiration for you. You are truly amazing! Have a wonderful day!


With much love from your grandson,


Brian

Margie's 90th, Cathie Shirley

Dear Marge,



Happy 90th Birthday! I have known you as long as I have known Neal and have loved you just as long. Through the years you have become not just a mother-in-law, but another mom to me. I have admired your mothering techniques and often wished that I could be as kind and patient with my children as you have been with yours. You have been a great example to me.


Some of our family's most beloved recipes have come from you. I have always associated your home with good food and good company. Some of my earliest dating memories are of the things like fried chicken at 11:00 pm served up by you to a group of teenagers after the prom. Or slush at Christmas. Or your wonderful rolls at Thanksgiving. Or your famous marshmallow brownies. Or your Sunday night suppers with whomever in the family that could gather... just to name a few. Your home has always been a place where we could find not only good food, but love and support.


It has been my blessing and privilege to live close to you throughout most of my married life. You have been a good visiting teaching companion for many years and a good "seat-saver" at church. You've been there for Neal and me and also for our children. We have always loved your sense of humor and quick wit. We all have great memories.


And now at 90 years of age, you continue to bless our lives. I am so thankful to have you as a "mom", friend, and neighbor. Hopefully, you have many more years ahead. Our lives are better because of you! I love you very much.


Your loving daughter-in-law,


Cathie

Margie's 90th - Neal Shirley

In spite of your difficult children, you have come through 90 years in remarkable condition. When I think back over my growing up years, it is a wonder that you survived. When we kids get together and reminisce about our early years, more and more confessions come forth. You certainly were a tolerant mom. Thank you for letting us learn by trial and error, and showing us your love and understanding. You always let us know what you expected from us, and we tried not to let you down. You taught us to make good choices, and helped give us self confidence. I have two great brothers, and one great sister. We were all unique, yet you and Dad managed to keep us on the right track. You even opened up your home to James T. when he needed surrogate parents. He also is eternally grateful to you.


I have great childhood memories of such things as visits to Riverside to see Grandma Ward, reunions in Logan Canyon, fishing trips to Henry's Lake on opening, day, fishing trips to Yellowstone Lake at Fishing Bridge, riding on the sand dunes in our old Jeep pickup, playing in the pool at Fullmer's Beach, etc. Other not so fun memories include getting bucked off of our horse Echo with Scott on behind me, watching the tornado pass within a quarter mile of our home, seeing the tractor seat come off while Dad was bringing the Moline back from Mud Lake, and many other life changing dramas. Through it all, you have helped me appreciate life for it's great and not so great events. When trying times have come, such as the Teton Dam flood, we were able to accept and rebound. Just like you always taught us to do. Thanks to the flood, you had to move and rebuild. That was fortunate for us because you became our next door neighbor. We all look forward to more exciting times with our mom. Have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I love and appreciate you.


Love,


Neal

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Parenting Skills: Eyes of the Tiger

Ross and Margie did not consider themselves expert parents. They were quick to say, "We didn't do much, we were lucky and had good kids to start with." I asked Mom about it this morning (July 3, 2011) and she confirmed the notion that her kids were much better people than she and Ross. So what was it about their "parent styles" that created an environment in which we kids could grow?


They did not lecture us. Rather, they led by example. They took us to church, they did not just send us to meetings. They gave us choices, such as, "Are you fasting today?"

When I was about seventeen I had a bit of an attitude. Dad was reading the paper, Mom was doing the dishes. I announced that I had decided not to go on a mission. There was no movement whatsoever. Dad kept reading the paper, Mom continued with the dishes. Mom said, "That's fine, if that is what you want to do. We wouldn't want you to go on a mission if you did not want to. You are old enough to make those kinds of decisions."

Rats! I got no response from them. No drama, no weeping and wailing, not even a small gnashing of teeth. I spent a few days thinking about it, and then decided what I wanted to do.

Dad was reading the paper, Mom was washing the dishes. "I've decided that I am going to go on a mission. "That's fine, if that is what you want to do. We will support you in whatever decision you make. You are old enough to make this kind of decision." There was no break in the steady reading of the paper, and the cleaning of the dishes continued. There was no question in their confidence in my decision-making ability.

One of our pet names for Dad was "Papa sahn," which we adapted from the fact that he had served in Japan after the war. It was a term of respect, yet a term of endearment. We sometimes referred to Mom as "Mama sahn," but not very often.


Being a former school teacher, Dad was big on speaking language correctly. We would often discuss adventures in grammar heard during monthly testimony meetings. Dad would say, "Don't say, I haven't went to town." Once he asked one of the ward members why he didn't go to the temple with them. The man said, "If I'd a know'd I coulda go'd, I woulda rode." It was one of Dad's favorite stories. Another time he was in school when the teacher was having the kids conjugate verbs. The first verb was "Ride." One of the students said, "Ride, rode, ridden." The next student was one of Dad's friends. The verb was "Dive." The kid said, "Dive, dove, diven!"

Earlier in my teen years there was much talk in public schools about sex education. I mentioned to Mom once that she had never sat me down and told me the "facts of life." She just smiled and said, "All you need to know is that people are much better looking with their clothes on than they are with them off." The older I get, the more that wisdom is confirmed.


Dad did not speak negatively of my friends, though some were of questionable reputation. One day out by the garage he asked a very straightforward question, catching me off guard. My startled look and lack of what to say convicted me. Dad studied me and then said, "I'm not going to say anything, I just want you to know that I know." He then walked back into the garage. I would have felt better if he had given me a lick. Disappointing him was torture. I quit running with that crowd thanks to some very effecting parenting.



Dad often said to the grandkids, "How you doing, Tiger." When the boys went on their missions, each was told by Dad, "Go get 'em, Tiger." Shortly before Dad's passing I was with him in the hospital. He was connected to a host of tubes and monitors and was tired of being in bed. I commented that he was still The Tiger. He chuckled and said, "I'm as weak as a pussycat." I reminded him that he was, and always would be The Tiger. Go get 'em, Tigers! You were taught by the best.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Ross Shirley - World War II History

Prior to the United States entering the war with Japan in World War II, Ross was working for Lockheed Aircraft in California, assembling P-38 airplanes. He had been trying to get a commission as an officer in one of the several branches of the military. When Pearl Harbor was attacked he went to the enlistment center again. The lines to sign up went around the block. They told him they wanted him to work on an aircraft carrier, but he said he wanted a higher rank. They told him that most anyone would jump at that their offer, but Dad held out. He was later given the commission he wanted.

He went through basic training and was stationed in New Orleans. They did not have sufficient barracks, so they gave a bunch of the enlisted men rooms on the second floor on Bourbon Street. He was then sent to the South Pacific.

Ross did not have a pretentious bone in his body. He was Chief Engineer on an ocean-going tug, which meant work was not easy. He let the crew know that he did not go for all the saluting and the use of “sir.” He told them, “We have too much work to do for all that nonsense.” One day while working on some machinery he dropped a wrench and reached down to pick it up. One of the crew said, “I could have picked that up for you, Chief.” Ross told them he could do it himself and to not worry about that kind of thing when there is so much work to be done.

Ross loved boxing. He would go down below and box with the enlisted men. One of the other officers told him that he did not think it was proper for an officer to be boxing and otherwise associating with the enlisted men. He said he would never box with the common sailors. Ross said, “Well, if you don’t know how to box, then you shouldn’t.”

One day, while anchored in harbor, sailors from another ship wanted to have a friendly boxing match. Dad’s ship accepted. One of their men had done some professional boxing and they thought it was a great opportunity to wager some odds. Ross accepted the opportunity. As they were putting on the gloves the man said, “Now, you know I’ve boxed professionally.” Dad said, “Don’t hold back on my account.” The match began badly for Dad’s opponent. It was soon obvious who was winning. Dad moved in for the knock-out but the match was stopped. One of the crew members named Yablonski was a huge man who didn’t say much. But when asked about the fight, he said, “The Chief nearly killed him.”


Dad always used to say, "Hurry up and wait." He learned that from being in the military. There were times when they had to sit and just wait. Soldiers were innovative in coming up with solutions for boredom, such as fishing and ocassional water skiing. Here Ross is seen enjoying both.

They were pulling some cargo from Manila in a convoy and having a hard time keeping up with the destroyers. Radio silence prohibited direct communication. Only light signals were flashed telling them to go faster. They were going as fast as they could. Finally one of the destroyers circled around and came up beside, bumping into the smaller tug and causing some damage. They yelled at those in the tug telling them to keep up, that Japanese submarines were in the area, then hurried back into formation. Night fell. The next morning those in the tug awoke to find themselves all alone with no way of defending themselves. They hoped they were not a worthy target for Japanese subs. Dad scanned the horizon with binoculars. Every now and then they would see the mast of a ship and simply hope it was “one of ours.”

Ross was stationed on one of the islands and had received a short “leave.” He was to go to the airport and catch a ride on one of the planes. He knew how the military operated, so he went into a store and bought a six-pack of beer. He walked into the hanger at the airport and presented his papers. The “fly-boys” were not impressed when he presented his orders. Then Ross placed the liquid refreshments on the desk and asked if that would help. The greased wheels began to turn much more rapidly. Ross soon found himself on a troop transport plane high above the Pacific. He saw the pilot slide open a small window in the side of the cockpit. Through the portal he held one of the beer bottles by the neck, allowing the cold high-altitude air to chill the brew. Welcome to the friendly skies.

Ross was in harbor when he saw a small ship pulling a huge barge out into the ocean. He radioed to see what they were carrying. A friend of his said they had a load of Japanese rifles that they were going to dump into the ocean. Dad asked him to snag him one, which he kept as a souvenir. I remember very well holding that long rifle and wondering how it might have been used.

While waiting in harbor, a cable had become looped around the propeller. They radioed for help, but it did not come. Finally Ross devised a plan. They improvised an air compressor to pump air allowing a diver to check out the damage. The report was that they were hopelessly entangled. Dad put on the mask and went down himself. He found that if he put his foot against the shaft of the propeller he could push with his shoulder and get some leverage. He soon had the cable free and the ship was on its way.

Enlisted men were given a ration of cigarettes. Ross did not smoke, but he stashed them away in his locker. When they were on long assignments and the stogies were not replenished, they became very valuable. Ross made a lot of money from those who had to have a smoke. One of the men complained that equal quantities of cigarettes were given to those who did not smoke. Dad told him to shut up, that no one had to smoke if they didn’t want to.

One day some of the men were talking about Mormons. One of them thought he was an expert and proceeded to expound. He was wrong and misinformed on many things. Dad had not said anything about religion up to this point. Finally, he interrupted and said, “You wouldn’t know a Mormon if you were standing right in front of one.” There was a slight pause, “You mean to tell me you are a Mormon! I can’t believe it. You can’t be a Mormon, you’re a regular guy. Wow, the Chief is a Mormon!” Dad told me that up to that moment he had wondered if he really had a testimony about the church. After that he thought, “I guess I really do have a testimony.”

Ross was never in any actual combat. He remembered hearing rumors about some kind of super weapon that would soon end the war. No one looked forward to a land invasion on Japan. After Nagasaki and Hiroshima were bombed he was stationed in Japan and witnessed the devastation. Years later I asked Dad if he was a hero. He just looked at me and said, “The real heroes are the ones who gave it all and didn’t come back.”

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Margie, Young Adult Photo Gallery


























Above, Margie is shown with a friend, LeVoy Udy. She mentioned the Udy's very often in her journals. Most of these pictures were taken after she left home and went to work at the Utah Depot.












Margie loved going out with the girls and was a good bowler. She said she was not worried about being single at the age of 24, when most of the other girls were already hitched. She said, "I didn't give a hoot." She is pictured on the far left with her bowling buddies.






Still, there was time to go back home and visit. Here, someone threw open the door of the outhouse and Margie can be seen covering her face. She is also seen here taking a snooze in the front room of Grandma Ward's house.











Margie was voted Queen of the Gold and Green Ball. She is seen here with her Court on February 25, 1939. Taken at the Stake Green and Gold Ball. Attendants were Amanda Ward and Melva Davis. Train Bearers were Mary Jensen and Sheron Hales. Flower Girls were Connie Forsberg and Diana Bournes (spelling ?), and the Crown Bearer was Vaughn Tingey.





Margie loved to go places, especially with her friends. Swimming was a favorite. In the first swimming photo, she is second from the left. In the following, she is third from the left.