A Letter from the President

I was going through some of my Dad's items that he had given me and organizing and scanning them. I came across a letter from President Truman thanking him for his service in World War II. He told me last week it was the Marine Corps that trained him to be successful in the Air Force.

I realize that millions of Americans received this letter, but since I had never seen it before I thought that you might also enjoy reading the letter. It was a different time and different situation from what we face today, but what remains the same are individuals answering the call to arms. Click on the letter to see it in a larger size.

Happy Birthday Sally

Happy Birthday daughter number 4. You have always been special to us. I could talk about a lot of things, but today, on this your birthday I want to focus on a couple of important moments in your life that had meaning for all of us.

This evening as I was rummaging through our files and photos I came across a short letter from you to the newspaper nominating your mother for Mother of the Year on Mother's Day. It touched our hearts then and again today as we reread it. You were 16 and it was a reflection of the woman you have become:

"I nominate my mother, JoAnn McLean, because I love her. She is always there when I need her. She will listen to my problems and help me take care of my problems. She is the mother of seven and is the luckiest lady in the world, because we all love her. She takes care of me when I'm sick and was always glad to support my school activities. She is the nicest, sweetest and most wonderful person. I just want her to know I love her."

Not too many years later we gathered as a family in Salt Lake City for your wedding. It was a great event as you and Jay were sealed in the Temple. For us marriage of our children is a a celebration, but so much more as we see each of you assume the same role that Mom and I did so many years ago. We admire what you have done with your family, the growth and maturity you have, and the beauty of your family. We see so much of you in your children - mostly good - and you honor us by the way you live.

It was a solemn and wonderful experience  to see you and Jay kneel across the altar and take upon you the covenants of eternal marriage. This photo shows your love for each other. A love that has grown and will continue to grow as you two grow together. That growing never stops.

And as your parents, it was comforting as you stood next to us in the temple garden. It reminds us that somewhere along the way we did some good things and you have chosen to make the right decisions. One look at my hair tells you it must have been windy, or I forgot to comb it again.

Later, in Bloomington, our families gathered for a barbecue on the back patio. Until I saw this photo I forgot that Grandpa McLean and Grandma Ruby were there with us. That made it even more special.

As I have reread this with Mom I was struck by the similarity of another photo taken in Great Grandpa and Grandma McLean's backyard in Modesto, California in August, 1967, where the families sat around the picnic table and ate and visited. These are special moments that remind us on this birthday of how much we love you and our whole family. Have a great birthday sweetheart. Enjoy your family.

Calvin's Yearbook Page and Bonus

Donna sent me two scans today. In an earlier post from today I said when I got them I would post them. You can click on each image and it will open a window showing the full size. The Memory Page from the Yearbook is first. Second is from a memorial football game by one of his best friends. Enjoy them as much as I have.

Three Days, Two Nights, Three Celebrations

When you are young you don't realize how busy life can get when you are older. You also don't realize how important small things become. Celebrations are "small things" that build great families. JoAnn wrote in her blog about our Modesto trip. It was 3 days and almost 2 nights, but the celebrations occurred in Modesto and Boise and we could only attend one of the three. Suzanne and Sally spoke of their celebrations - a birthday and an anniversary. Our's was a birthday bash and a father only turns 89 one time.


We have not lived close enough in 37 years to attend a birthday party for my father, yet this year we made the mad 8-hour dash north and had a Friday birthday lunch. It was so much fun! We found a new little restaurant about 4 blocks from Dad & Ruby's place and it was all comfort food, owned by a local group, and the food was almost as good as the companionship. I don't think I've ever seen Dad put away so much fish and chips. He even took my extra fish & chips home for later. And yes, he ate them.


Saturday was the big bash. All 3 sisters and families (that were in town) were present. It's a little overwhelming when we are all together. Everyone talks, some even listen, everyone is in motion, and it all centers around Jeri's kitchen. In all I think there were 13 of us plus 3 dogs. For a family that grew up without dogs, we sure have changed that! Of course, only Penny was allowed in the house since she doesn't consider herself a dog.

It was fun, company, presents, and family. Put it all together and you get a real feel for why families can love each other so much - in spite of our differences. When we get to the core we are more alike than different. Dad got in one game of cribbage and he must be getting old since I had to give him 2 points he missed. I don't think he ever missed any points before. And he still beat me! Of course the family dominoes game has morphed into a set of rules that focuses on cooperation rather than competition - although there is still a winner. It was a tad difficult to get a feel for the first game. I was more focused on "winning" than on cooperating. JoAnn won the first game and I didn't win the 2nd game. Wait, I didn't win any games.

At the end of the day we just sat out on the patio and relaxed. JoAnn and Jeri got a head start while I shot a few photos of them. Later, as JoAnn explained, we watched and listened for the owls. What a great family weekend.

In Honor of Calvin's 14th Birthday

Today Calvin would have been 14 years old. We were reminded by several daughters and encouraged to participate in a Mexican feast - one of Calvin's favorite foods. Of course I think any food was Calvin's favorite food.

Our oldest son, spouse, youngest grandson (and grandchild), JoAnn and I went to the Monterrey Cafe and had a great Mexican feast. We were stuffed.

A chip in honor of Calvin's love of chips!

The first time we took Calvin to a Mexican restaurant was in Boise, Idaho when he was 3 or 4 years old (I know I will hear from my kids telling me how old he really was, but when you get older age is less important than just remembering). We were sitting at the table, he in a high chair, and they brought chips. He took one look at the chips, his eyes got big, and in a loud voice, "Wow, Chips!" We all laughed so hard. The waitress was so impressed by Calvin's enthusiasm.

This evening's dinner was a little more subdued, but we enjoyed it nonetheless and fondly remembered Calvin. Happy Birthday grandson from Grandma and Grandpa.

Obviously, his wasn't taken at the restaurant, but the photo I took with my iPhone was just terrible and I couldn't share it. This photo is much better.