March 26, 1990 Orem, Utah
Dearest John; Roy, Patrice & Emily; Bob, Claire, Michael, Laura, Brett & Katie; Rick, Jean, Ricky, Barbara Jean, Mary Ann & Sarah; and Ron, Ann, Susanna, Jessie, Russell, LeeAnna & Jimmy:
A beautiful Spring day in Orem!!! Daddy & I worked out in the yard almost every day last week and it looks SO pretty - he is outside now building a little redwood retaining wall on the East side of our yard. We have tried for several years to get an ivy vine to grow in that spot and Daddy has decided nothing will grow there until he can get soil put in that will stay put - so he is building that wall. Our neighbors have all been working out in their yards too so we know that Spring is here!!!
The big news for this letter is that Roy & Patrice will have an addition to their family in October!!! We are SO thrilled and I called Patrice to see if it would be okay to announce it in my letter and she said "Oh yes"!!! Emily will be about 2 1/2 years old and I think that is perfect. I don't think it will be absolutely wonderful for Patrice to be pregnant during the hot Summer in Little Rock but that is a small price to pay. Wouldn't it be neat if the baby would be born on your birthdays!!! We hope you have a wonderful time in Little Rock - I believe you will be going this next week. This is a beautiful time of year there and we're anxious to know what you find in the way of a home. The son of our friends, Tom & Bobbye Dennis, is getting married this weekend - do you remember them Roy? They lived three houses to the West of us but now they live just across the street from the Astons. They will be married Saturday at the St. James United Methodist Church in Pleasant Valley.
This weekend is General Conference and we hope to get together to listen to it. We would love to have everyone come here and cook hamburgers outside if the weather is good. Bob called last night and said they and the Weinerts wanted us to go up there - I didn't talk to him or I would have tried to talk him into coming here. We are planning our missionary reunion for Friday night - we don't expect very many to come but we have had a few calls so I must prepare something. I HAVE THE CONFERENCE BINGO CARDS THAT ANN PREPARED FOR LAST TIME AND I WILL BRING THEM WHEREVER WE GO. We're doing fine. Daddy awakened last Monday morning with funny feelings in his right hand and couldn't even hold a pencil. I wasn't too alarmed because he had dug eight deep holes and transplanted the rose bushes from the front yard to the back. He had an appointment with the oncologist on Tuesday morning and he was VERY alarmed. He took all kinds of blood tests and wants to see Daddy on April 3rd and maybe make plans for a bone & brain scan. He said that if the hand feelings were a result of the digging or sleeping on particular muscles wrong it would be corrected in two weeks. The strength in his hand has come completely back and he feels great so we're hoping he is okay. I really am in a quandary about worrying all of you - my worst nightmare is to not tell you something that I know and have you be upset with me!!! Dr. Brown explained that the orchiectomy (sp?) would be effective for two years and after that they would have to try other things and even suggested chemotherapy - it has been about two and a half years so he has had very good results from that. Dr. Brown said for him to not restrict his working - he said it would be good for him to do anything he felt like doing and that is good because Daddy loves to work!!!
Daddy has an appointment with the eye doctor this afternoon. He has had that same problem in his right eye come back - it is a herpes virus and is really hard to treat. I don't believe it is as bad this time. Then he has had to have a crown on one of his molars replaced. I feel bad for him because he wants to feel so good and as he says "I'm falling apart". He REALLY does feel remarkably good though - has a wonderful appetite and we walk at least three miles each day and he went fishing all day on Saturday - he caught three big catfish!!!
I know each one of you has problems too and we would be happy to hear about them. We have never thought it was a good idea to dwell on problems and I don't mean to give you the impression that we do - I'm just keeping you informed!!!
John is doing good - I have been impressed that he has been too busy to watch any of the NCAA basketball games. He really likes the classes he is taking. He brought his boat home on Saturday and says he is ready to take it out on the lake when he has some free time. Daddy & I are betting that Arkansas and UNLV will be in the finals for the basketball championship - we have loved watching some of the games.
Annie and I went to a craft fair on Saturday morning and really had fun. This is an annual event put on by one of her friends and we really look forward to it - it has grown so much they have it in the gymnasium of the Junior High close by us. It is amazing to see how talented some people are!!!
Jeannie - we haven't heard from you for a long, long time. Bob keeps us informed and says you're doing great or we would worry. It will be fun to visit with all of you this weekend if we can get together for conference - we will miss you Roy, Patrice and Emily.
That's all the news. We love each one of you so very much. PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO. Let us know how we can help you.