March 1, 1987 Orem, Utah

Dearest Johnny; Roy & Patrice; Bob, Claire, Michael, Laura & Brett; Rick, Jean, Ricky, Barbara Jean, Mary Ann & Sarah; and Ron, Ann, Susanna, Jessie, Russell, LeeAnna & Jimmy:

We are having some beautiful weather and I am specially happy because it helps when there is sorrow in the family. Grandmother Forrest passed away last Thursday morning and even though she is so much better off and so much happier it still seems a little bit sad - at least for me!!! Daddy and I went to Brigham City last Monday so I could give her permanent - we had taken a beautician from town about two weeks ago to cut her hair and I have worried because she looked so bad with her straight hair. I wanted to wait two weeks after it was cut because her hair is so coarse it is really hard to roll up when it is super short. She was asleep when we got there but the attendant on duty said she had been asleep about hours and it was time to awaken her so he got her up for me. She was so cross and after every curl she wanted me to quit so she could lay down - I finally told her that I work in the temple with a lady about her age and she doesn't have to lie down every few minutes - mother looked at me so sternly and said, "well, that's just tough isn't it" - those were the last words she spokes to me. I couldn't get her to bend her head down into the basin so I literally had to get her soaking wet to rinse off the permanent solution. I changed all her clothes after I had finished and put her to bed with lots of covers on her and it was nice and warm in her room. I can't help but feel bad though because she died of pneumonia and looking back I know she must have felt rotten while I was doing her hair. Dee told me they had taken her to the doctor Thursday morning and he had given her some medicine and then shortly after she returned to the nursing home she passed away. Daddy is unaware of things around him and that is probably the greatest blessing of all because a few months ago he wouldn't let mother out of his sight. I haven't been to Brigham City since she died but Dee promised me he would call if he thought Grandpa was grieving so I could go and be with him.

We are so thrilled that Roy wanted to come and be with the family. He got here yesterday afternoon and will have to leave right after the funeral. It gives me so much comfort to have a son with us at this time - we really understand why Bob & John couldn't come and we don't want you to feel bad! Roy decided to try the slopes today - I can't think the skiing is very good because we hardly have any snow in the valley but I hope so much that he is having a good time. We all went over to Ann & Rons' for dinner last night and that was such a treat - she served salads, bread sticks and a delicious soup - it really hit the spot. We really had a Family Home Evening - the children performed for us (Susanna played the piano and Jessie the violin and Russell & LeeAnna led us in some songs) - it was so special. After that we looked over the Woolley's house plans - this is such an exciting time for them and for us too - I don't understand floor plans all that well but it is fun to try to figure tem out. Their home is going to big and really nice!

Johnny - I laughingly said that this month marks the first month we haven't heard from you since you left on your mission. That is not entirely true BUT the last letter we had from you was written on January 31 - I'm sure we will be getting two at once right soon - it has been over two weeks since we received one. The mail coming from Chile does that once in awhile so we're not really worried but it will be a relief to get a letter. We surely hope you are okay and have not been sick - whenever I get upset about not hearing from you there is always a good reason and I have to repent.

Bob and Claire - it was wonderful to talk to you and we loved your letter Claire. It is so much fun to hear news about your children - isn't it strange that children in the same family can be so different (Claire said that Laura loves books and to be read to and Michael has to be on the move and loves to do things with his hands). Bob was always so content to be building things in the garage and loved challenges of "fixing" things.

Patrice - it was wonderful to talk to you too. Roy says you are studying all the time but enjoying it - what a blessing to be able to enjoy studying!!! Thank you for "giving up" Roy for these few days - I can't think of anything he'll be able to ever do that will mean more to me!!!

We brought little Sarah and Mary Ann home with us last Monday on our way back from Brigham City - we just loved having them. Actually we only had Sarah because Mary Ann played at Ann's during the day. Sarah became ill much with a cold and cough so Jeannie thought it best that she come home - we took her back Thursday morning and it turned out for the best because of Mother's death. Jeannie is doing good but it surely doesn't hurt for us to have the children now and then so she can get more rest.

We will go to Brigham City tomorrow afternoon - they are having a "viewing" at the funeral home 7 'til 9 and then we'll go back on Tuesday morning - the funeral will be in their home chapel at one o'clock. Dee & Don have planned everything - mostly Dee - that's the way Mother wanted it. We'll take pictures of the families if we can and send you some - I have never seen Don's children's spouses or their children so it will be a nice get together. The saddest thing will be to see Grandpa Forrest there not knowing what is going on.

I think that's all the news. I may write after the funeral and tell you about it rather than wait until next Sunday. We love each one of you so very much and we're so proud of you. PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO!!! Let us know how we can help you.
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