Elder Webb's New Address
Bracken got transferred.
Here is his new address:
C.P. 53
Sao Filipe, Fogo
Cabo Verde
W. Africa
VIA PORTUGAL
Love,
Diana
Hello! We went this last weekend to San Francisco to watch
Erin's volleyball tournament in Berkeley. We had SO much fun!! Saturday we went
to the city and drove around to all our old haunts. We drove past the dental
school where my husband went, past our old apartment, past the office building
where I worked as a newlywed, past the church building where we were janitors.
It was a beautiful day, clear skies, and the bay was exquisite. We drove down to
the wharf and had dinner at Scoma's. We split a wonderful dinner of garlic
sauteed lobster, crab, shrimp, and scallops. I bought some sourdough bread to
bring home. (I brought it with slices of cheese to my classes for the final day
of class party. Kind of Old Testamentish, don't you think?) Then we drove across
the Golden Gate Bridge, stopped at some lookout points, and took pictures. It
was very romantic! Sunday we went to church in my nephew Brian Webb's branch in
Berkeley. He is in an "oreo" bishopric with an African-American bishop
and 2ndcounselor flanking him on each side. What a riot!! He told me that the
theme for their Sacrament meetings for February was "Black History
month." That would go over big with our bishop, don't you think. One
speaker even compared Martin Luther King to Christ... Interesting... There were
at least 4 sets of missionaries there - including one set that I could hear in
the back translating the whole service into Mandarin. I'm sure they have
Cantonese speakers as well. The 2nd counselor confirmed his 16-year old daughter
that day. People wore levis and talked in jive! One sister who was made the new
RS president bears her testimony every month. Brian says that starts out by
saying, "What's up, 9th branch?" Then they all say, "What's
up?" I told my student who went on a mission to SF on his mission about it
today and he said that she was there when he was there. I had been greatly
entertained by the Sacrament meeting, my student said that he thought it was
funny at first, but that later he didn't think it was so funny when he wanted to
bring investigators there! Randy commented that Brian had been prepared for all
this by going on a mission in the West Indies working with the blacks. One day
while we were in Berkeley, we went to the Art Museum on the campus. They had
many great names - Jackson Pollock, Peter Bruegels, Matisse, Goya, Cezanne,
etc., but their graduate art project was pretty tasteless. My husband Randy
didn't enjoy it at all! They had a photo expo of China - the last 50 years which
was pretty intriguing as well. While we were at Erin's tournament, I noticed
several recruiters that have contacted Erin, so I introduced myself and asked
their names. I talked to the Cal coach (Berkeley), the Stanford coach, and the
Notre Dame coach. They all said hi, but that they couldn't talk to me. I guess
that NCAA rules say you can only talk to them on their own campuses. Not that
volleyball is such a big deal, but other sports are, and the same rules apply to
all. Erin had fun at the tournament, but she is pretty
stressed out with school and getting ready for her AP tests. Do you know that UC
Berkeley is 40% Asian? On Sunday as we were leaving campus we passed a park.
There were tons of skateboarders there. One was jumping over a white fire
hydrant, just like the one in the picture I painted for Erin! It was way cool. I
wanted to take a picture, but there was nowhere to pull over. About taking
pictures, Brian had a wonderful idea. I always knew he was a genius! I told him
how much I loved taking pictures, but it was so challenging taking pictures
left-handed. He said, "Why don't you just turn the camera over?" Duh!
What a simple idea! No wonder he is finding a cure for cancer. He said I might
have to pay a little extra to have the pictures inverted when I get them
developed, but it shouldn't be that much... He told us about the most bizarre
experience he had on Easter Sunday. He had to wait until his kids were out of
earshot to tell us about it. On his way to his early morning bishopric meeting,
he heard a woman screaming, "Help!" She was black, and was totally
naked and was struggling with a man, also black, when Brian stopped to help. He
pulled his car up cautiously, afraid the man might have a gun. Brian told him to
let her go, or he would call the police. He said, "That's fine with
me." He got his cell phone and let the woman call 911. Then the man took
the phone from her and said that they didn't need the police after all. The man
decked her, as hard as he could! She recovered herself and as the man was
putting his cell phone away, dove into the back seat of Brian's car through the
window which was rolled down! He floored his car and sped away, half expecting
to be followed by a crazed man! How would you like to explain that to the bishop
as to why you were late for bishopric meeting? That a naked woman dove into your
back seat and you helped her get away! It turns out the woman was a prostitute,
and had been since she was 14. He was a pimp, but not HER pimp. Brian wanted to
take her to the hospital, but she again protested. He ended up taking her to her
grandmother's. Can you believe that story!? An Easter that you'll never forget
for sure!
We took them
to dinner Friday at a place Called Jack London Square. I guess he lived in
Oakland for a time. It is quite a place. Almost as crowded as Fisherman's Wharf.
They invited us for dinner Sunday and we had a nice visit at his apartment. His
kids have grown up so much! They had a great time playing with my walker. I
promised them I'd give them my old one when they came to Utah next. They were
jazzed. Andrew, their 3-year old was quiet for a while and then Brian and Julia
looked at each other and smiled. They said, "He's probably in his room
doing a JOB." Apparently he is terrified of going poop in the pottie and
HATES to have a diaper on to do it. So, his solution is to retire to his closet
for a while, poop in his pants, and then tell his mom to clean him up. Kids! We
are going to the play "Mousetrap" with Jill and Buzz this Friday. We
are excited. I got some pretty bad news when we got home. At the airport, I saw
the wife of the guy I went to graduation with told me that Ben (her husband) has
two brain tumors. "Life!!" she said... Speaking of life's surprises, I
just talked to my 50-year old friend Barbara Bowen, who was having an ultrasound
at the OB's. She is having a GIRL!! That will be way fun for her after 3 boys!
She is due September 6th, Adam is getting married August 15th, and Collin will
also leave on his mission that same month. When it rains blessings it pours it
seems! We just talked to my husband's brother Bob and his wife Leslie on the
phone and we talked about this weekend with their son Brian. Leslie said that
Mark Gardner, Bracken's companion is her brother
Richard's son and is tall like Bracken, went to the Y, and plays basketball. She
said Richard just got married since they were in the mission field - to Sandy
Dew who is a sister-in- law to Sheri Dew of the General RS Presidency. Bob said
that the two were probably a lot alike. What a long email! I hope all is going
well for you! Keep in touch!
Later,
Diana
I SINCERELY WISH TO EXPRESS MY FEELINGS OF LOVE AND GRATITUDE (THAT CAN BE DESCRIBED) TO ALL OF MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO HAVE COME TO STAND WITH ME THROUGH THE LAST TWO WEEKS. IT IS TRULY AN HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO BE IN A FAMILY WITH SO MUCH MUTUAL CONCERN AND SUPPORT FOR EACH OTHER. IT IS INSPIRING TO KNOW HOW MUCH LOVE AND FAITH CAN BE GENERATED BY SO MANY WHO TRULY CARE FOR EACH OTHER.
OUR FAMILY IS AWESOME !!! YOU CAN'T REALIZE HOW MUCH SO UNTIL YOU GET OUT IN THE MAINSTREAM AWAY FROM UTAH. THE WORLD IS FULL OF GOOD PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME HOPES AND DREAMS AND GOALS AS OUR FAITH. THE DIFFERENCE IS THE ETERNAL LINK IN OUR FAMILY. THE COMMON BOND THAT WAS CREATED AROUND OUR MOM AND THE TOUGH TIMES THAT WE ALL ENDURED WITH HER, HAS MADE US ALL A LITTLE MORE COMPASSIONATE, A LITTLE MORE SENSITIVE TO EACH OTHER. IT WAS TRULY A BLESSING TO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE HARD TIMES WITH MOM AND DAD. IT HAS MADE ME A BETTER PERSON. KNOWING WHAT MOM ENDURED HELPED ME THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE. EACH ONE OF US HAS HAD OUR OWN PERSONAL GROWTH EXPERIENCE WITH OUR MOM. EVERY ONE OF US WILL HAVE A USE FOR THE STRENGTH WE HAVE FROM HERE SWEET COURAGEOUS SPIRIT.
I THANK GOD FOR HAVING A MOM WITH SO MUCH COURAGE!!!
I MISS YOU MOM, I AM SURE YOU WERE THERE WITH ME! I COULD FEEL IT THROUGH ALL OF YOUR CHILDREN.
ALL OF YOU WERE WONDERFUL TO KATHY! I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO REPAY THE KINDNESS AND SUPPORT.
THANK YOU TO HOLLY AND BECKY...YOU WERE THE "ANGELS" THAT KATHY PRAYED FOR TO HOLD HER UP. YOU WILL NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR KINDNESS WAS NEEDED.
THANK YOU JEFF AND DAVE FOR YOUR KIND AND ENCOURAGING WORDS AND YOUR KIND OFFERINGS. MAY YOU NOT BE A VICTIM OF OUR HEREDITY! IF YOU ARE I WILL BE THERE FOR YOU!!
THANKS CHRIS FOR YOUR 800 NUMBER... MY ONLY LINK TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD WHEN I NEEDED IT!
STOP EATING CHEESEBURGERS NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!
THANKS TO LAURIE AND DIANA. I FELT YOUR LOVE IN YOUR MESSAGES AND CALLS.
THANK YOU SAM. I LOVE YOU. YOU ARE MY
BROTHER. WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE HOW GRATEFUL I AM TO YOU AND YOUR SWEET
FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME PROMISE TO SEE THE DOCTOR!
WHAT A GREAT EXPERIENCE THIS HAS BEEN FOR MY FAMILY. I WILL NOT TRY TO DESCRIBE THE LOVE I HAVE FOR MY WIFE. OUR LOVE FOR EACH OTHER HAS BEEN INCREASED THROUGH THIS. I AM BLESSED WITH INCREDIBLE CHILDREN. THE DEPTH OF THEIR LOVE FOR ME HAS BEEN PROVEN AND EXEMPLIFIED.
I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW THAT I NEVER DOUBTED THAT I WOULD COME THROUGH THIS!
I HAD A BLESSING BY THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD THAT PROMISED ME THAT THROUGH MY FAITH IN CHRIST, I WOULD BE HEALED! I AM A BELIEVER OF CHRIST! I KNOW MY HEAVENLY FATHER LOVES ME AND CARES ABOUT ME.
I KNOW THAT I AM NEVER ALONE!
I WILL CONTINUE TO RECOVER AND MAKE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE! (I HAVE TWO SONS RETURNING SOON--WOW!) I NEED THEM!
I HOPE AND PRAY FOR THE BEST FOR ALL OF YOU! BE THANKFUL FOR ALL THAT THE LORD PLACES BEFORE YOU .......HARDSHIPS INCLUDED, "THESE THINGS (ALSO) ARE FOR THY GOOD".
LIFE IS GOOD!
SINCERELY,
BROTHER RICK
Rick's surgery went well. He had two artery by-passes and one vein by-pass. The took these patches from his arm, leg and chest. He didn't need any transfusions. There seems to be no major damage to his heart. He responded when the nurse said that Kathy and Cami were going to come see him. He probably has a tube in his throat and will undoubtedly be glad when they take it out. (When George Haymond had his by-pass surgery that was the thing he hated the most). When I talked to Holly and Becky, they said that Rick had good color and looked better than they thought he would. He probably will be sleeping most of the time for the next day. Rick has a very strong will and I know that he will be just great!
Dave
Call Laurie about a funny story about Mom's grave marker!
Gary Peterson Note to the Barton's
Diana,
Do you have any group sheet info on your family and your siblings families for
me to put into the Frederich Pedersen Decendents Family Web Site
that I am working on. I couldn't find that info on your Web Page.
Have you had any responses from cousins or your family for either information or
donations yet. I was hoping I could take a check for the
Frederich Pedersen plaque this Friday to the reunion in Provo but I guess that
may be too close now. As far as the donations to the memorial plaque
(plaques) and the fund you mentioned we will need to set up for expenses
involved in mailings etc. I thought it would be a good idea to set up a checking
account titled "Frederich Pedersen Family Fund". We could
have everyone make out their donations to the fund and then write one check to
the Denmark2000 Organization for the memorials, etc. Be sure to keep
track of your expenses so we can reimburse you from the fund. I
talked to Louise Sorensen and she is excited to work with us on this project! I
am trying to get names, addresses, phones, and e-mail addresses on as many as
possible for the family address book which I will include of the FP Web Site
with decendants and other genealogical info. I really
appreciate the work you are doing, its exciting to see this progress.
Love, Gary isgdpeterson1999@yahoo.com
3/21/2000
Hey Fam:
I am just relaxing in my jamies in my apartment for a little spring break. Since
I am probably going home for the summer, I opted to hang out here and party
(i.e. sleep) while everyone is out boozing. I just wanted to let you know
that I have a website that I am creating for myself for people to check
into--hope you can link it up to the family site. I hope to get a more
regular family update going on with my activities. Things are going
well--just lots of studying and relaxing in alternating times. Pretty
boring from the outside view, actually, but I am loving what I am learning and
can't wait to apply it. Have a good week. Thanks for keeping the
site so updated!
http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/RightWay/musedoc/
Brandon R. Barton
2821 S. 106th Str. #101
West Allis, WI 53227
(414)604-1205
brbarton@mcw.edu or docbart30@hotmail.com
4323
Diana Way Make 'Over'
As in a New Roof!
We are busy putting
on a new sloped roof at the old 4323 Diana Way homestead. Randy designed a
roof that would allow an additional bedroom and bathroom above the flat half of
the roof (north side) and then a sloped roof on top of that. He got it
approved on Nov. 10th and we began our project on Nov. 12. We hope to have
it done before the snow comes in December. Randy is working from 7am to
noon on the roof with the help of Frank Fox and then the afternoons on his
business. It is an exciting and busy time at the Fox
household!
Love,
Laur
Diana
Relates Story
10/23/99
I wanted to tell
you about an experience I had Monday when the guys from Central Glass came to
replace the broken window in the family room. One guy was about 27 or 28,
barrel chested, and very strong. The other guy was older and was huffing
and puffing. I asked the young guy to help me fill out the check because
it was hard for me to write with my left hand. He asked me if I had a
stroke and I told him what I had. He said, "My wife's brother had a
stroke when he was 16 running track at Skyline. For 16 years he hasn't
been able to use his left side and he hasn't even been able to carry on a normal
conversation. Four years ago, my wife was in a car accident that left her
paralyzed from the neck down." "Wow", I said.
"Do you have to do everything?" "I have to take her to the
bathroom, shower her, dress her, cook, clean, and everything else, but I enjoy
it. She's an awesome lady." I said, "What a guy! How
long were you married before the accident happened?" "Oh, we met
AFTER the accident." So that means the guy married her KNOWING that
he would have to do everything for the rest of his life. I was amazed and
very humbled. And to think I might have missed out on that story if I
hadn't asked him to help me with my check.
It's amazing what stories are happening right around you!
|
Love, Diana |
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