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Submitted 3/17/1999
Born Winifred Rae Rose on the 13 Jun 1942 to Birdie May Cunningham and Halmar John Rose.
A little about my childhood:
My parents were loving and generous and set an example of decency and love. They gave me the opportunity to develop my talents by providing lessons in piano, dancing, acrobatics and flute. I also learned to play accordion and guitar. I started writing original skits, puppet shows for family parties, and songs, while I was still in elementary school. My dad was quite a good artist, using his skills in many creative ways. He could also repair and build just about anything. My mother was equally versatile and talented in crafts, sewing and cooking. As a child I was taught the value of work by doing household chores. We also worked on a vegetable garden together each year. I was always able to trust in my parents for love, safety and good care; I felt secure.
One of the many ways my family used our artistic skills was by entering the annual Christmas Home Decoration Contests. One year, dad planned a theme of "Peace on Earth," with Jesus as the central figure and children from around the world on both sides of him. He made plaster castings of his own hands and lower arms, to make Jesus' hands and arms and sculpted a plaster face. The rest of the figures were cut from plywood and painted. Dad had me paint the faces on the cutouts for him telling me, "You do faces better than I do." My parents truly helped me develop a sense of self-worth.
Our family enjoyed vacations visiting relatives in Utah, camping trips, family picnics, beach outings, drive-in movies with our own snacks, and the opening day of the Annual County Fair, where we looked to see how many ribbons we won with our home made items. We observed all the traditional American holidays, but Christmas was the grandest of all. Our extended family gathered to exchange piles of gifts and sing all the songs and carols of the season that we could think of. My dad and I sang on until the others made us quit.
My mother is the most supportive person to me in my life's efforts and was the one who taught me the gospel and saw to it that I attended church. She is a good example to me of service and endurance, being able to continue well in the face of great adversity and in sacrifice of her own comforts for the sake of others.
I was selected as Maid of San Leandro in a beauty contest and enjoyed my year.
My adult life: This history includes the major incidents in the lives of eight people.
I married Harold B. Cameron (Born 10 Oct 1935) on January 1, 1965 in Reno, Nevada. He was so loving and strong, energetic and helpful, doing much more for me than I ever expected. He came home about 4:30 in the afternoon from work and played with Coleen and Laurene while I cooked dinner. He mowed the lawns and fixed things that broke and we all went to church together. He took the spiritual lead and helped me grow in knowledge and activity in the gospel. He adopted my two girls, Coleen Renee (4 Apr 1961) and Laurene Monette (29 Jul 1962), before our other children began to arrive. We had our other four children very quickly: Jeffery Owen (30 Sep 1965), Michael David (15 Mar 1967), Bonnie Jean (18 Jul 1968) and Harold Thomas (7 Nov 1970). On June 21, 1967 we went to the Salt Lake temple and were sealed together for "time and all eternity. Harold B started his own burglar alarm company, "Harold's Alarms." Through those days I found time to make as many as 12 loaves of bread in a day (which I'd slice, wrap and freeze), prepare a balanced dinner and get the kids to bed at a regular time. I initiated ways to teach the children to help in the home, with charts and cards and other ways to help them see how they were doing. We also had family home evenings with homemade flannel board characters to illustrate stories. Each of the children was baptized when they were eight years old. We all attended church as a family regularly. The children and I attended Primary on Thursday afternoons. I was armed with visual aids for my calling in music. The three boys each served as deacons when they were twelve. The girls were active in MIA.
At a youth conference in Salt Lake City, Laurene and two friends (non-member, Karen Carlton and member, Marion Vastine), went to the church offices hoping to see President, Spencer W. Kimball. After waiting a long time they started to go back to the conference, but Laurene had promptings to go back in and wait. In a short time the prophet came down the hall that he "rarely" came down. He came over to them and talked to them, and had his picture taken with them. It was an unforgettable experience.
Our family activities were similar to those I enjoyed as a child, plus we enjoyed many church activities together. We especially enjoyed camping and hiking together.
In 1979, Coleen took a GED exam and received her high school diploma. She has always been a very intelligent person who likes to read and do research on many subjects. She has attended college and is a good writer. She plans to write a non-fiction book.
In January 1980 my husband, Harold had a severe vehicle accident on Crow Canyon Road caused by a drunk driver. Along with minor cuts and bruises he had three crushed vertebrae. He tried to make everyone think that he was OK and would just take a little time to heal. I was attending college while the children were in school, and Harold encouraged me to continue.
I graduated from Chabot College, receiving an AA with highest honors (Dec. 1980). Then I went to California State University at Hayward and earned a BA in music composition, Magna Cum Laude (June 1985).
In 1981 Laurene won a speech contest for the Lion's club and also spoke at her high school graduation. Then she went to college at Ricks in Idaho. I flew in an airplane for the first time to go to Mother's week. I loved flying, especially the take off. Later (1987) when Bonnie was attending Ricks, I attended mother's week again. This was a very enriching weekend, for which I have many pages in my journal.
Coleen had a baby, Edan Michael Keven (16 Jun 1981). She was living in the Clear Lake area at this time. It was a three-hour drive to go see our first little grandchild. Edan had white hair and black eyes. The contrast was striking. Coleen guarded her boy like a mother bear.
While coming home for Christmas vacation the young man driving Laurene home fell asleep with his foot on the gas pedal. His Volkswagen flew off the road landing on its side on a narrow island in the middle of a stream. A boy showed up and warned them not to try to go across the stream because it was swift and deep. He told them he'd get help. They never saw the boy after that. They were rescued and had only minor injuries.
In 1982 I met a mentor and friend in Janine Bond (born Winifred Graves). The moment she walked in to Relief Society I felt a kinship with her. When she found out about my composing ability, she asked me to compose a song to some words she had written. She liked what I wrote. Then she found out our Bishop's favorite scripture and wrote a Hymn style poem, which I put to music, "Trust In the Lord, With All Your Might." (based on Proverbs 3:5-6). We presented the Hymn as a surprise to our Bishop, Earl Ellefsen, in a Sacrament meeting. Jan gave some introductory remarks and my daughter Laurene and I sang it for him. After that Jan & I decided to do the same for each Bishop in the San Leandro Stake. By the end of the first year we had a good collection of Hymns, and Jan said that we should put on a concert for the stake. The program, called "Gift of Oneness" (April 10, 1983), was attended by an audience of at least 300. We served refreshments afterwards. We continued doing Bishop's Hymns until shortly before Jan's death (1995). We did about fifty Hymns and Songs together.
I have also done about fifty other songs on my own, with many entries in the church music contests. I was a finalist several times, and won an Award of Honor for a Hymn Text, "We Will Serve the Lord." It expresses my deepest feeling toward God. (see attached)
In 1983 Michael lived in Idaho and went to high school there for a year. During that time he was advanced to be a Priest.
During the 1983 Christmas season, Jan and I presented our own original Christmas Cantata in our ward Christmas Sacrament meeting. It is titled "The Miracle Birth," and was sung by our own ward choir under my direction. We also performed this cantata for the Christmas Sacrament meetings in 1990 and 1993.
Laurene had her first baby, Ryan Cass Cameron (18 Oct 1984), and married Burl Blake Berrett (December 1, 1984).
In 1985 Jeff and Harold B started working burglar alarms together again. They formed the Nore Mac Company, which is Cameron spelled backwards. That was Jeff's idea.
Jeff had a motorcycle accident in February; his appendix burst in June. My dad had a stroke in June. Michael graduated from high school and joined the military.
On September 17, 1985, just two weeks before his twentieth birthday, Jeff was stabbed. The knife went into the back of his shoulder, which penetrated his body towards his heart, coming within a quarter inch of his heart wall. He ran from his attacker, who came to his senses enough to call 911. The Police searched for Jeff, following a trail of blood across the school yard, through the neighborhood and into the BART station to the pay phone, where he had tried to call us before collapsing in a pool of his own blood. After the Doctors got Jeff's blood pressure up, they were considering amputating his arm, but Jeff and Harold would not give permission. The Doctor's saved the arm, and it functions well.
In 1984 Bonnie had her left kidney removed along with a tumor that had a few cancer cells. She missed quite a bit of school. In October 1985, she withdrew from regular high school and enrolled in an Independent study program, because she was behind in credits and the school said she would have to graduate late. The independent study doesn't require P. E., so she graduated early instead.
In December (1985) Laurene and two children, one year old Cass and 9 year old Tressa were stranded in a pickup truck in the snow. Laurene couldn't dig the snow away and get the truck started, so she instructed Tressa to keep the truck running to keep them warm inside of it. Then Laurene started walking towards home, to their farm house about 5 miles away. She had new boots on and her heels started to blister and bleed. It was so painful that Laurene thought it would be better to walk in her socks. This was not a good idea. When she finally reached the house, she crawled into the doorway and collapsed. When she told Blake what happened, they took the tractor to get the kids, who were doing just fine. Laurene had frost bite on a couple of toes and on her right ear. But after all that she cooked dinner that evening and went to church the next day.
My birthday on 1986 was the best birthday I ever had. My mother waited until that day to receive her own endowment in the Oakland temple, so that it would be extra special for both of us. Bonnie planned and carried out a wonderful day to celebrate. It started with Crepe Suzettes for breakfast before I was picked up to go to the temple. Those who were with us were Mom's Mother (Chloe Ellen Sessions Cunningham Bohns), Mom's cousin (Eva Mae Sessions Perakis), our friend Anitra Reed and a friend of Grandma's. After the endowment session we went in with Eva to do sealing. Then Anitra, Mom and I went home to an outstanding gourmet luncheon. The table was set with green crystal plates that had belonged to my Father's Mother (Ida Mae Athey Rose) and a vase of fresh yellow roses from our yard. The food was unique and delicious, including an original recipe that Bonnie created. The fun and festivities went on in to the evening, ending around 10 p.m. It was a wonderful and enjoyable day from start to finish.
Jeff was living in Idaho where he was very active in the Roberts Ward. I went to see him ordained to be and Elder and also to see Laurene's second child, Cameron Wayne Berrett (25 Oct 1986). I was there again, to go with Jeff to the Idaho Temple for his endowment on November 4, 1986, where we stood in the prayer circle together. While he was waiting for his mission call, we were allowed to travel back home to San Lorenzo together and go to several temples on our way: Logan, Salt Lake, Jordan, and Oakland (where I had 3 male and 2 female family names cleared for us to do). Doing the work for our own family and being baptized by my son for them was a memory that shines brightly in my mind.
Jeff's mission call arrived for New York City. He was so happy about it. We had a San Lorenzo farewell and a Roberts, Idaho farewell. My husband Harold was there with us, at both Farewells. Bonnie, Laurene and I spoke, with Jeffery speaking at the end. In San Lorenzo 2nd ward the Pratt's (one of my favorite singing families) sang my song, "We Will Raise Up Our Children in the Way they should Go.'' At both places Laurene and I sang the song I wrote for Jeff, "He Has Received His Call." Harold B gave the opening prayer and Eric Santos gave the closing prayer.
When Laurene, Cass, baby Cameron and I were on our way to Roberts, Idaho for the farewell at Jeff's ward, the roads were pretty bad and we ran in to a blizzard. I'm not an experienced snow and ice driver and we went over a cliff. I prayed out loud, "Oh God help us." He did. We hit nose first and then came to rest on all four tires. It was an old, sturdy, station wagon loaded with stuff. We were OK and got rescued right away. Some church members in Elko brought us some things we needed at the motel and gave Laurene a blessing because her neck was starting to hurt. We called home and our husbands headed out to get us. A tow truck pulled the station wagon back on to the road and we drove it the rest of the way to Idaho.
At the Idaho farewell, Jeff had more time and spoke of things I didn't know, about his feelings and recollections. He said that as a child in Primary he admired and looked up to the missionaries, and that it was his highest goal to be a missionary. He said a lot of spiritual things and commented about the good things we did in our home as he was growing up, including Family Home Evenings and regular church attendance and learning the value of work. The Bishop spoke at the end, telling quite an interesting story about Jeff's spiritual growth.
Meanwhile Michael was stationed in Germany and spent New Year's Eve in Switzerland (86). He loved the way they rang all the bells on the stroke of midnight to welcome the New Year. He also visited Spain. But in February of 1987, he was hospitalized.
When Jeff was in the MTC he had some health problems and they changed his call to Albuquerque, New Mexico. He wasn't so happy about this, but he adjusted quickly. Later during his mission he had his tonsils and adenoids removed and had knee surgery. When further hospitalization was required they decided to send him home a couple of months early from his mission.
Mom and I continued doing temple work together regularly. But one day when I went by my self I had a special experience. I took the name of Jessie Ellen Rose (the sister of my great-grandfather, Josiah John Rose) through that day, March 14, 1987. My research had found her in Price Edward Island, Canada. I felt Jessie's willingness to accept the gospel at each stage of the work, but especially at the veil. The words at the veil are always dear and emotional to me, but I knew Jessie was with me this time and feeling the same feelings. Then in the sealing room, a lovely young couple stood in proxy for Jessie Ellen's parents, and I knelt at the alter as proxy for her to seal her to them. This was a moment of great joy. Afterwards, I spent three additional hours at the genealogy library.
On October 17, 1988 Bonnie and Harold T. had a terrible auto accident on their way home from Idaho. It was near Fernly, Nevada. They had to be helicoptered to the hospital in Reno. A woman was driving on the wrong side of a divided highway with her lights out. We brought both kids home that night with aches and pains and bruises. They've both had some back and neck problems since that time.
Laurene's third boy, my fourth grandson, Carson Dalton Berrett was born (19 Oct 1988). She and her kids came home to live here in January of 1989 and stayed for four years. She continued to be active in church and received new callings, which enriched her life. She magnified each call.
When Michael was home on leave, he met a nice church girl and got engaged. The plans were made for a temple wedding. But about a week before the wedding Michael was hospitalized again in the army. (December 1988) The wedding was postponed, then later was canceled. Harold and I traveled to Wichita Falls, Texas to visit with him (2/89). It took Michael a long time after leaving the military to get over the things that were done to him there. He had done all he could to be a good soldier, but without a warning was treated as a lab rat for deprivation experiments. Michael is now in his second year at the University of Utah and enjoys being in a Dance Demonstration Team.
Just after midnight on the morning of April 21, 1989, Jeff called us from his apartment a few blocks away from our home. He was very upset and wanted someone to come over. He had accidentally shot a gun off. Harold B went over and was standing with Jeff, talking to him outside of his apartment when officers arrived. When Jeff saw the police come up he went back in to his apartment. The police rushed Harold, pushed him down and dragged him to the police car, accusing him of shooting a gun. After they stopped pushing him around and yelling at him and realized that they had the wrong guy, they put him in the back of a police car and went after Jeff. Jeff called me on the phone in a panic and said that the police were shooting at him. I heard many shots over the phone. I was going to hang up and go over there, but he said, "Please don't hang up." So I handed the phone to his brother, Harold T. and headed back over there. The entry was blockaded. When the police found out who I was, they started interrogating me. I was frantically worried, and the police wouldn't tell me anything. I saw an ambulance and a fire engine come in to the complex. Soon the ambulance left with someone in it, with medics hovering over him. The policeman made me sit in his car and make a statement. He kept changing what I said. When he was finished, I crossed out the changed words and rewrote them before I signed it. Finally he told me that my son had been taken to the hospital and that my husband was making a statement with another policeman. At last, we were allowed to go to the hospital.
At the hospital a Dr. (Dr. Charles) came out and told us that Jeff was in surgery and was in critical condition. After several hours of surgery, Dr. Charles came out again and told us the surgery had gone well, but there was only so much that could be done with such extremely serious injuries. He said that two bullets had hit Jeff. One was a flesh wound. The other had entered from the side of the back and exited through the front of Jeff's body. It had severed the veins, nerves and main artery to Jeff's right leg. It had cut the tube that goes from the kidney to the bladder, and it damaged intestines and part of the stomach (which was full of food). The Dr. also told us that the powder-burns proved that Jeff had been shot from close range, from the back. I'll spare you the rest of the details of his injuries and recovery. It was through family, friends and church members that we were sustained in this terrible time.
We did go see the apartment area the next day. The maintenance people were sanding and painting the two upper apartment doors as well as the two lower apartment doors, which were pelted with dents from bullets. No wonder we heard a lot of shooting. And no wonder Harold was worse off than I was, being so close and yet having no control over this horrible situation, because he was locked in the back of a police car. And all the while Harold T. had stayed on the phone, listening to all that went on, until a policeman hung it up. Harold T. took this very hard also.
Jeff got out of the hospital on May 5th. Then on May 6th Harold had to go to Texas to get Michael's affairs settled. Michael had a 30-day pass after his hospitalization. I had to stay home to help dress Jeff's wounds and take care of him.
Over the next year or so Jeff had at least five surgeries and several court dates. The police lied about what happened, but somehow nothing really came of it in regard to prosecuting Jeff. The last time we went to court for a judgement about this incident was October 18, 1989. Harold, Jeff and I were in the courthouse from 9 a.m. until 5:10 p.m. Most of that time Harold and I had to wait in the hall, because we were witnesses. Jeff's lawyer came out and told us that the officer had changed his testimony from what was on the first deposition.
The Judge wasn't through with Harold and I, before the biggest earthquake we had ever gone through hit, at 5:05 p.m. It was a long "rock-n-roller" that lasted 20 seconds. When it stopped, the lady Judge led us down the stairs and out of the building. We didn't have to answer any more questions. Everyone at home was fine, but the Bay Bridge had a serious collapse on the Oakland side, and the worst thing was the big 880-freeway collapse. It was a double decker freeway, both parts high above the ground. The top part fell on to the lower part, smashing cars and people inside for about a mile long stretch. I have many newspaper pages about the quake and all the damage that it caused.
On December 19, 1989 we were in the middle of a dinner with missionaries. Harold didn't feel well and didn't come in for dinner. But during dinner he called out for help. He was in extreme pain and all the color was gone from his face. Jeff and Michael rushed him to the hospital. Although it was thought at first that Harold was having a heart attack, it turned out to be a severe, pancreas problem. He was in the hospital for three months, which included two surgeries.
While Harold was in the hospital, Jeff went back for another intestinal surgery. After visiting them one day, I came home to find that my street was blocked off and fire engines were at my houses. When I finally got to see the damage it was mainly the garage that was damaged. But we were ordered by the fire department to stay out of the house and go to motels for several weeks because of the smoke pollution. Laurene took a lot of stress off of me by taking care of most of the clean up in order to do an inventory of the losses for the insurance company. After taking most of our stuff out to be cleaned and stored, someone broke in to the house and stole the two telephones that we left there for communication.
In 1990 Earl Ellefsen, who was the first Bishop Jan & I wrote a hymn for, was in the Stake Presidency. His wife Ruth suggested to him to use the song we had written for the Stake Primary in 1988 as a song for the ward conference leadership sessions, because it went so well with the theme they were contemplating. I went around to all the ward conference leadership sessions through the year and sang this song for them, "Ministering One By One," based on 2 Nephi 17:21-24. After this I was called on each year, to do the stake theme song.
I entered some poetry in the Alameda County fair in 1990. I won first place in the Humor Theme with, "The Diet," which had also been published in the Chabot College literary magazine when I was attending there. And I won second place in the County Fair Theme with, "Memories of the County Fair" (see attached). I entered on a whim and won. It happened that way another time when my mom said that I should enter some of my home made baked goods. I entered my "odds and ends" cookies, which came in second and my wheat bread, which came in first. These little perks actually helped me get through some of the trials and tribulations of my life. That's also why I continue to serve in so many callings in the church. I've had as many as eight callings at one time. All during these years I have used (and still use) my talents almost exclusively for the church: singing, composing songs for special occasions, playing piano, playing organ, teaching lessons, etc.
1991 started with Bonnie receiving her mission call. Her friend Diana Santos also received her mission call. Bonnie and Diana went to the temple the same day (January 20, 1991). They both wanted me to be their escort. My mother came to be one of the escorts. On March 10, 1991 we had a farewell for Sister Bonnie Jean Cameron for her calling to the Utah Ogden Mission. Laurene, Jeff, Harold B, Bonnie and myself spoke. A double quartet sang one of my songs, "No Greater Call," Wini, Rochelle Usher, Laurene, Anitra Reed, Bonnie, Alan Smith, Ralph Reed & Ken Barker. I gave Bonnie a picture I drew for her of a young woman wearing the "whole armor of God" (her favorite scriptural subject). Jan had an open house for her on March 15th. We took her to the MTC on March 20th. She served her mission well, which uplifted our souls greatly.
The Stake Presidency had Jan & I write an original theme song for the 1991 Ward Conferences. We wrote "Listen to the Spirit," based on D. & C. 11:12-14. Julie Wakefield Babcock sang with me for the ward conferences.
1991 also brought many Bishopric changes and thus, new songs for the Bishops. One of the nicest presentations was for San Leandro Stake President, Jay Pimentel (Sept. 26, 1991). His song was "Awaken, Oh Youth of Zion," introduced by Jan Bond; sung by Sopranos - Ida Marie Cameron & Wini Cameron, Altos - Laurene Berrett & Julie Babcock, Tenors - Michael Cameron & Mark Saccoman, Baritones - Alan Smith and Ken Barker, accompanied by Sharon Lewis. In 1997, President Pimentel chose this song to be the stake theme song. He sang Tenor with the group used in 1997, which was his wish since the time he first heard the song.
Feb. 1992: I was called to be Stake Music Chairman. President Pimentel said that I was doing the job anyway. When I was set apart President Pimentel told me that I had a talent bigger than I knew, that went beyond this world.
On May 2, 1992, Laurene went to the Oakland temple to receive her Endowment. I was her escort. Her Grandma (Birdie May Cunningham Rose) met us in the endowment room. Roger West and Jeffery also were there. Roger stood with Laurene in the prayer circle and Jeff stood with me.
On May 5th I played organ in the temple chapel for the first time. Indeed I was back in full church service after having given up all my callings when Jeff was shot. I was Ward Organist, Ward Choir accompanist, Ward Music Specialist, Ward Sentinel Editor, Stake Pageant Balcony Choir Director, Stage Chorus member in the Pageant, Stake Music Chairman, Temple organist twice a month, Mother & Grandmother to the needy and the transportationless, typist of term papers, Daughter of the Elderly, feeder of missionaries, Composer, Singer, Artist, Poet, Reader of the Scriptures, Student of Life, Piano Teacher, Homemaker, Wife and Friend. That about covers it.
I haven't said very much about Harold T. But he is a person with a big heart and a loveable spirit. When he still lived at home he was always willing to run errands and help me. He was always generous when he had a paycheck too. He'd buy food for the family and make special fruit drinks in the blender. I enjoyed his company for watching Science Fiction shows and talking about books we read from our favorite authors, such as Orson Scott Card.
September 1992 - Harold B. was making big Sunday dinners for all who wanted to come over. He put various fowls &/or meats in two big roasters with many fresh vegetables and baked them most of the day while we were in church. It was a generous and good thing to do. It made us all feel happy.
Jeff was called by the Stake President to be the Elders Quorum President of San Leandro II Ward. He was set apart August 30th, 1992. But he was still having physical problems, being hospitalized again in January of 1993 with a blood infection called cellutitis. Everyone was living with Harold and I at this time except Jeff, who was still Elders Quorum President and also, Seminary Teacher for his ward. He was being used as an example throughout the stake for his great work in getting the Home Teaching program to work properly and reactivating the "less actives". He was walking or taking a 5 a.m. bus to teach seminary each morning. We felt so proud of him.
The stake theme song for 1993 was selected from tape of some of my pieces that President Pimentel listened to. It was written for Bishop Veil in 1990 by Jan & I, based on D. & C. 122 (one of my favorite sections). It was a solo when we presented it to Bishop Veil. Later I added a second part so Laurene could sing with me for a funeral. Then for the ward conferences I added a third part so that Julie, Laurene & I could sing together. Sharon Lewis was our accompanist (as was usually the case).
March 3, 1993 – Harold went in to the hospital for gall bladder surgery.
Laurene wrote a winning road show script, "The Little King." She is an excellent writer.
I was a finalist in the church music contest for the song I wrote for a special missionary friend, Elder Wood, "Unto Such It Is Given to Know," based on Alma 26:22.
The following quote is from the Sentinel, our ward newsletter:
DID YOU KNOW: Long time ward member Hal Rose, who has been in a convalescent home for some eight years now, has been taking the temple preparation lessons from his grandson, Jeffery Cameron. The whole family is very excited about this important step. In spite of Hal's partial paralysis and difficulty in speaking, his plucky spirit and the prayers he and Jeff have individually and together, has made communication possible during their lessons. This is another of God's miracles in this lovely Easter season.
My father was endowed on Friday, April 9th, 1993 in the Oakland Temple. It was a beautiful, sunny, spring day. Those who attended with him were: Jeffery Owen Cameron, Birdie May Cunningham Rose, Winifred Rae Rose Cameron, Laurene Monette Cameron Berrett, Bonnie Jean Cameron, and Roger Hansen West. Jeffery and Roger helped my dad do all he needed to do in the temple. Then we went up to the sealing room and my parents were sealed together for all time and eternity. Then my Dad was sealed to his parents, with Jeff and Mom acting as proxy for them. Then I knelt at the foot of the altar and placed my hand over my parent's hands and was sealed to them for all time and eternity. This is something I have always wanted to happen. It was a wonderful and happy experience.
July 2, 1993 Roger West and Laurene Berrett were married and sealed in the Oakland Temple. Cass, Cameron and Carson were sealed to them.
Oct. 31, 1993 Journal entry: Last week after Messiah rehearsal I asked President Pimentel if he and his counselors had chosen a theme for the up coming Ward conference yet, and if he'd like me to write a song for it. He wondered if that wasn't too much to expect of me. It told him that it was my "life's blood," that the Lord had given me this talent for the church and I wanted to use it. He told me that they hadn't fully formulated the theme, but that it would be something about taking the gospel into the home and family. When I went home the scripture from Joshua 24:15 kept going through my head, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." After considerable pondering and prayer, I wrote a poem on the subject and send it with a letter to President Pimentel. The following Sunday he approached me in the hallway at church to tell me I was truly "inspired." He told me that he made a copy of the poem and sent it to each of his counselors. He said that this may be exactly what the theme will be, and that he'd let me know. I had already begun to work on a song using the poem. This is the poem I won the Hymn text award for, "We Will Serve the Lord." I wrote a trio part, but sang it as a solo for the ward conferences.
1/4/94 Harold B. had another surgery.
During ward conferences in 1994 President Pimentel introduced the theme song by telling the whole story about his brief talk with me after Messiah practice and how quickly I sent him the beautiful poem that pinpointed the theme for the stake. But more that that, he continued by telling everyone that after receiving the poem they had their meeting with the brethren from Salt Lake. This meeting was for the Stake Presidency to receive instruction from the Brethren, about the focus for the ward conferences. They were told to focus their message on bringing the gospel into the home. Wow! That shows how in tune this Stake Presidency is. But President Pimentel went on to say that the words I received were a revelation for our stake and was indeed scripture for our stake. (He said it a little differently each time.) I truly felt uplifted to hear him say these things. (President's remarks attached)
More of 1994: Bonnie and Roger Oliver Thornton got married in the Oakland Temple, April 1. On June 17 Roger West and Laurene's annulment was final. June 25 was the Church Music Workshop including a concert in which I sang "O, divine Redeemer!" by Gounod. Two of my own original songs were also sung during the concert - Laurene & I sang "Unto Us It is Given to Know" and a young tenor, Kendall Shumway sang "Remember the Worth of Souls". Through all these years I have continued singing at funerals, weddings and various church meetings and activities, including the Easter Miracle program at the Interstake Center with the Steve Harris singers. I was really honored to have this privilege of singing a solo for this program written by Ed Wakefield.
On July 13, 1994 at 5 a.m. my dad died. I organized the funeral. Jeff dressed the body for viewing. (I think my brother Thom helped.) I have several pages in my journal about the funeral. It was a good turn out of family and friends.
Julie Wakefied Babcock Harris and I sang the theme song for the 1995 ward Conferences, "Live in Harmony With His Word," with words by Jan Bond, based on D. & C. 84:44-48.
RoseMarie Elaine Thornton, our first granddaughter was born May 13 to our daughter, Bonnie and her husband Roger. We were delighted to see her hair was strawberry blond. She was only 4 lb. and 4 oz. at birth.
Laurene & I were included in a selected chorus by Director (Bishop) Norman Fobert to sing at Grace Cathedral for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Nations – June 25.
Early in the morning, on September 9, 1995, Harold got a call that Jeff had been injured seriously in an accident and had been taken to the hospital. Jeff was in surgery all through the night. He had a severe head trauma, with several breaks in the skull. He also had a break in his right leg just above the ankle. The Dr. said that the skull fractures would actually make it easier on the brain as it swelled, because there wouldn't be as much pressure. Jeff looked so terrible. His head was extremely swollen, especially in the back. The accident happened on Jackson near Amador in Hayward. Jeff was driving his motorcycle on the way to a restaurant after a Young Adult Dance. There was a carload of his friends in front of him and in back of him. He was going through the intersection and a car was entering the intersection from the side street. When the car and the motorcycle collided, Jeff went flying through the air, the helmet strap got broken, the motorcycle ended up in pieces, and Jeff was in the hospital for a long time. Jeff had quite a struggle to gain an understanding of his life and get physical and mental control of himself. But now, after three and a half years, he's working again (part time) and is living on his own. We pray he'll continue to improve and make a good life for himself. This was a bigger trauma than any others we have had.
In 1996 I prepared a ladies chorus to sing the theme song I wrote for the stake, "Sacred Covenants."
In February (96) Laurene and I went to Utah because my Hymn Text was presented in the Church Music Contest Winner's Concert at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. They allowed a certain number of guests to join the winners on the main floor. My guests were Laurene, Mom, Michael, his girl friend Lisa, Coleen, Edan, Eva, Sharon, Sherry, Ray and Sheila Sessions, Jean Ely, Dorothy Homer and Violet Fontano. As the concert went on the music and poetry got better and better. My Hymn text was recited just before the last number in the program. Michael made the rest of our stay a wonderful memory. He took us to the Ballet, Coppelia, and to dinner at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
Also in 1997, I wrote a song for the Stake Relief Society Conference Theme called "Of One Heart and One Mind." I prepared an S.S.A.A. choir for the conference.
Jeff and I were both in the Stake Play, "A Blue Ribbon Affair."
I was also working for the San Lorenzo Unified School District as a substitute again.
I had the privilege to select the music for the L.D.S. San Francisco Regional Conference in Oakland. I organized and directed an 80-voice choir as well as the congregational hymns. Before the conference Elder L. Tom Perry came over to me, put his arm around my shoulders and told me, "The music is the most important part of the meeting." I told him that I could agree with that. Then he said, "That puts the success of the meeting in your hands." It sounded nice, but it kind of overwhelmed me. One of the songs the choir did was my own arrangement of "Come, Come, Ye Saints."
Laurene graduated from Chabot College on May 29th, 1997. She received her A.A. with highest honors and started as a Jr. at California State College Hayward where she met Lance Broderson. She is studying to be a teacher and counselor. She also may become a writer and lecturer.
In September (97) I wrote a song, The Worth of Souls Is Great. I liked it a lot and decided to send it to President Pimentel. I played and sang it on a tape with a message telling President Pimentel that I had written this song with children's voices in mind, but that if it was suitable for any stake function I'd like it to be used. I didn't hear anymore about it until one Sunday in November when I came in for choir practice. Rochelle asked me how I'd like to do the song that the stake sent for the ward conference. I'm sure I looked a bit dumbfounded. So Ed Bertola laughed, because I was so confused, and he told me what had happened at the previous Stake Counsel Meeting. He said that the Stake Presidency thought this piece would be excellent for the 1998 stake theme song because it fits in so well with the new theme. President Domm had left the tape in the car after listening to it, so he was going to go out and get it so everyone at the meeting could hear it. But Steve Harris said that he didn't have to do that, and said, "Give it here." Then he went on to sing it on sight, saying, "Hey this is great." "This is really good." Everyone liked it very much. They consider this an "inspiration" on my part, because I had not known ahead of time what the theme was to be. I didn't hear any of the wards except mine do this stake theme song, but I chose the family I wanted to sing it for our ward conference, and I played for them. They were a three-generation family: Anitra and Ralph Reed, Michelle and Gene Judson with their children, and Keith and Cynthia Reed with their baby in their arms. It was a joy to have them sing this for our ward.
Laurene and Lance Broderson got married on June 27th, 1998, and had their reception on August 15th. They are a very good match and are very happy. Coleen was able to be here for the reception. She helped a lot and really seemed to enjoy herself. Coleen has been staying with us ever since that time.
I worked temporary for The Snelling Agency so and the San Lorenzo Unified School District until I got a permanent full time job at the Alameda County Social Services Agency on September 21, 1998. I like it pretty much.
The Stake Presidency gave me the theme for 1999 in November. I had a four part choir piece ready on November 29, "Our Father's Plan." We asked the wards to do this as a double quartet or choir number, or to let the stake know if they want help. I helped most of the wards prepare the song, which will also be used for the March Stake Conference.
Harold, Mom, Laurene, Carson and I went to Utah for the temple sealing of my cousin Sherri Lynn Henderson Fertig to her husband Michael and their three children, Candice, Alex and Dakota, on February 27, 1999. What a wonderful family they are. We stayed at Bonnie's and she went to the temple with us. Grandpa (Harold B) watched RoseMarie and Carson. Later we were able to visit with Michael and Harold T. for a while, They live in Salt Lake City. The next day before we left we were able to visit with Jeff, who lives in Sandy.
Today is March 17, 1999. Harold and I are living in the same home (since 1965). The only one who is living with us at the moment is Coleen. Her son Edan lives in Modesto, to finish high school. Coleen helps with the housework and cooking, which is a great relief to me because I work out of the home now. Tonight she's fixing an Irish dinner for the extended family, corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's day. All my girls love to do things up for every special day.
I would like to have said more about my family, but I'll end with this little spiritual note. The Lord has revealed a few things to me over the years when I have needed His reassurance. One of those things, which sounds so simple in mere words, really felt comforting and strengthening to my soul. It happened when I was calling out to the Lord with thoughts of worthlessness. He answered, "You help keep things moving along." The spiritual flood of the light of Christ testified to me that this was true and good. And that's what I plan to keep doing, help to "keep things moving along" in the service of my God and my Savior. My favorite scripture is Doctrine and Covenants Section 18 Verses 10-13, "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!" I've written two songs on this scriptural idea ("Remember the Worth of Souls," 1982 and "The Worth of Souls is Great," 1997). I will continue to try to overcome my weaknesses and live the way a valued child of God should do. I pray that my family, which includes all of you, will continue to receive the Lord's choicest blessing as you strive to come unto him with all your heart. I say this in Jesus Name, Amen.