December 26, 1991 Orem, Utah

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

The last time I wrote was on December 16 - our lives have been kinda' different!!! When Daddy went to see Dr. Middleton on Tuesday, Dec. 17th he told him he would have to have that "ream job" on Monday Dec. 23rd and it couldn't wait!!! We didn't let it interfere wit our Christmas parties though and we have had a wonderful holiday - mostly thanks to all of you!!!

We went to an open house at our neighbors' home on the 18th - it was a wedding open house for one of their daughters but it was more like a Christmas party for the neighbors and we really enjoyed it. We went to another party on the 19th - my luncheon club had a dinner for their husbands and it was SO nice with wonderful food. On Friday, the 20th, we went to our Ward Christmas party and they had a beautiful program before they served dinner and that was SO special. On Saturday, the 21st, we went over to Lehi to another open house with all our old neighbors over there and that was so much fun - those people just love Daddy - they think I'm mostly responsible for our not living there so they just tolerate me but I still enjoy being with them.

Sunday, the 22nd, was such a wonderful day. We left about 7 o'clock in the morning and met Jean & Rick and their family at their church at 9 o'clock. The entire family was part of the Christmas program and Daddy & I were absolutely thrilled - Jeannie sang in the choir, Rick was the "Voice of the Lord" in the program, all the children were in the Children's choir and then Ricky, Mary Ann & Barji presented a musical number. Mary Ann played the violin to the accompaniment of a piano duet by Ricky & Barji of "What Child is This?" They didn't make one mistake and we were impressed with their abilities and composure as they performed.

We left the church and went to the Weinert's home where they had promised they would cook whatever Daddy wanted to eat - he chose bacon, ham, eggs and pancakes and it was WONDERFUL and we ate and ate. I want this documented so I will tell you that Jeannie put bacon drippings in the pancakes - Ha!!!

Monday morning we left Orem about 6:30 so we could be at the Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake by 7:30 a.m. They got Daddy already for surgery to be done at 9 o'clock and about 10:15 Dr. Middleton came out to tell me it was all over and Daddy had come though it with flying colors. Rick came to be with me and offered to take me to the cafeteria but I had already gone out to the car and had eaten cheese & ham with crackers. Daddy was assigned a room so we took all his things up there and in just a little while Ann & Jean came. Rick, Jean, Ann & I had a wonderful visit while we were waiting for Daddy and when he came we could see he wasn't having as much fun as we were. Rick went to get us all a bagel sandwich with turkey & sprouts that was delicious. Daddy said he can't remember too much about that day except that he could hear us all laughing and visiting and it made him happy. They all had to leave about 4 o'clock to do some last minute Christmas preparations so I stayed with Daddy.

Bob came to stay with Daddy from about 6 'clock until about 10. I was SO happy to have him come because then I felt like I could leave but I also knew he had had a full schedule of surgery and was worn out. I was a little worried about driving home much later. As it turned out I got lost in Salt Lake and ended up on the belt route going clear around Salt Lake - I ended up going through the city of Sandy & I haven't been in that area for many years.

The next morning I left Orem before daylight so I could be there when Daddy awakened. He was feeling pretty good and kept feeling better as the day went on. Our Utah family completely changed their Christmas party plans - the original plan was for all of us to meet at the Woolleys at noon. They changed it so they all met at "Crown Burger" for lunch and then they went to the ice skating rink at the Triad Center in Salt Lake. Claire, Ron & Rick all stayed and skated with the children and Bob, Ann, Jean & John all came to the hospital to be with Daddy & me. About 5 o'clock they all went to the Weinerts in Farmington and had their Christmas party, dinner and watched the 1986 video of the family Christmas party.

Dr. Middleton released Daddy on Christmas Eve so we were home by about 7:30 and Daddy was SO THRILLED to be in his own bed with his electric blanket. They had to give him a blood transfusion in the hospital and I wasn't surprised - he has been SO cold for SO long and I know it has been because his blood was low.

Yesterday, Christmas Day, we appreciated SO much all your phone calls. We didn't want to interfere one bit with your Christmas Day with your families - we worried that you had neglected them the days before Christmas. Ann & Ron came over last night and visited with us for awhile and we LOVED that. John was here most of the day too and he is such a joy!!! We have missed you, Roy & Patrice, but have been STUPENDOUS - one night we couldn't get in our front door for all the gifts stacked in front of it.

Daddy started his radiation treatments this morning. He looks like he is on the war party - they have to mark his face with this red paint. They are radiating his face, ribs on both side, back and his legs above the knees.

How can we say thanks to each one of you for all you have done for us - we hope you know how much it means to us for you to care so much and show it!!!
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