“SQUEEZE MY HAND”When dad died in 1982, the family met to go through and clean out his house. In the basement we found a box of old letters that had been chewed by mice and faded from age. They were headed for the garbage. I decided to take them and see what I could save. I spent hours and hours reading through them and came up with the following =| love story of our parents. I have included several excerpts from the letters I could read. It is my hope 2’ that as you read this story, you will feel an even deeper love for our parents, as vou see the struggles and challenges they faced because of their love for each other.THE BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY OF Myrtle Ann Massilla Thredgold and William Byron MooreQUEEZE MY HAND” Many years ago in a country “way down under,” missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were telling the people of Australia about Joseph Smith and his visit by Heavenly Father and Jesus. My grandfather’s (George Thredgold) sister and her husband, Aunt Jane Althorpe Thredgold and Uncle William Bailey, lived in Adelaide. The missionaries taught them the gospel and they were baptized. One day my grandmother (Ellen Prewett Thredgold, who lived in Kangarilla, just 22 miles away) went to visit Aunt Jane. She told her they had just joined a new church and told grandmother all about it. While grandmother was there, one of the missionaries, Eider Ward, called and said he had read in the Deseret News, which he had just received, of the death of his mother. Grandmother felt so sorry for him that she invited him to go to Kangarilia and stay with their family for a few days. The Mission President gave his permission. While he was there he taught my grandparents and their family the gospel. Aunt Ruby was baptized 1! September 1907. Grandpa and Grandma Thredgold were both baptized on 5 November 1908. My mother, Myrtle, was baptized 24 April 1909. Aunt Olive was baptized 5 November 1910, with Aunt Ellen (Nellie), Uncle Bill, and Uncle Arnold following on 20 August 1910. Uncle Theo and Uncle Steve were both baptized on 11 March 1911. Uncle Stan and Uncle Harold were never baptized. Jn 1968, because of persecution by the neighbors, Grandpa and Grandma Thredgold and family sold their home and moved to Adelaide. Fo OK aK When my dad, William Byron Moore, was 12 or 13, his mother’s brother, Charles [| Twitchell, returned from a mission, and as J,dad listened to him relate many faith promoting experiences, he felt an urge to serve a mission. In 1908, at age [9, he was asked to attend a missionary course at Weber Stake Academy in preparation for a mission. Ib Loko Bro. Willisn 8, moore, Mound Fort. EilyyVituhe soyterdor 16th, 1908 Dear Brother: The developaent of the mis! rendered £t doairable onary efforte of the Chureh has nat brethren who are not altogether prepared to immediately eeoume the duties of thelr galling on their arriver at their £1014 of Labor be given the opportunity, before their departure, of preparation at one of the Chureh int missionary classes have been organized, Avutions of learning shere Your name has been submitted to us as of one worthy to preach the Gospel of the Redeemer, but to whom a preparatery aiseionary course would be profitsble. Wo therefore invite you to attend the course at the Teber Ste cvtober 12th, 1908; Labor in the rselé to # © Aoadeny,, coumenesne ‘avprepartioh for aative after be assigned, And to eontimus your studies there until you are released either by en ap- fon you way hei polntment te active labor in the missionary field or are hogerably exoused from further attendance by the First Presidency of tne Churah. This eall goes mot necessarily imply that you will receive # mis sionory appointment immediotely at the close of tie ye 8 winstonory Tf you hove already taken a regular or speciat course at ene of the Churen Coldoges oF Aeademios please advise us of that fact, for if that be (ne ease it 1s altogether probable that you will not need tho further training of a missionary Kindly acviee us at your early convenience if this call is acceptable, end if you will report at the Aoadeny, as suggested above. Your brother in the Gospel. po F Somek esident of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SainteHe was interviewed after completing this course and suggested as one worthy to go on a mission. He commenced then to plan for a mission. die Fil ‘Aasedoney hakof Fs Chicsl Mile dog Aust Ye Seat Salt ake Coby ah bypx31 26%, 1909 Tilian 3. Moore, eth ste, Opten, Dear srothex: Proident J. G. ue Pris for Lnis purpose. The fact that aman is edlled on # mission not give him admission te the House of the Lord; he mst bri ‘inacl recommend with him signed by vis Bishop and Stake. Prea{ den Brethren must not attempt to go trough the temple on the same day chat they nave te arrange for their trw.cpertation and are set apart, AB they cannol Property attend to at! these mettere in a glo duy. ‘Trusting that the above information may be of assistance to you in your preparation for your departure, and thet the instruc tsone sere given will Pe followed, 1am, Your brother Re foe F arab 2SUGGRSPIONS MADE BY TKR PRUSTONTT OF THR AUSTRALIAN MISSTON, Biiers appointed to labor in the Australian Miveion shovla bo provided with the folleeing articlost 2 good trunk about 82 or 34 tnoues long. Steumer trum tee onalle plonted, with ‘soft trent, dotaoned oollars gets Oe ciate, AOR DN AppomNNNNS de not pring exforde. - 4. yarn of pitwmcbn; toe medion wepsbby 4 2acie woah, 1 good visex suit, medium weight, sack cont, with vest, mediun width tecusers. 1 ood 'dark suit for tmveling. ‘Bring overs ont 37 you aitandy have one, otherwise it ie not meconsary, as the imate is damp but mild. Rain aost preforred. De not bring @ Prinae Albert. 1 Derby hat. 12 white Linen hanéheroniefs, black weeks and 6 blak noextios, Soaks and ties ean be purchased here. Pooks. Took of Memon, Pear! of Grest Price, Dootrine and Corennnts, Sones of Zion, Taimge's Articlos of Yusth dnd Roberts works. Tocks'net too large, "so thst thuy oan bs oarrind in a grips Bible enn bo purohasod kore te advantage. Pring the books you have on hang thet wil giva you useful information while on your miustons Monwy oan be sont, by post, office emer made payable on fydnay, Yaw South Valos, ‘enough money vith you for Anes expenses, , also a sufficient mnount tc keep you three months in the field ’after you have arrived unti2 you are able te receive ronay from hore.Dad traveled to Salt Lake City on October 18" for his endowments in the Salt Lake Temple. He was set apart as a missionary in Salt Lake City on October 25" by Seymour B. Young, senior president of the First Council of the Seventy.Beak e eae eee A PO Are Ie eT A Pee SS er ware YIN srs dinacrmmamarmpmeddp inne ity u ape eg oe poncho By bury enongoypiw YYPO GY OY ME HY HOD Y pH Prat, fpr vevrbunpuy FS ‘liga vob uauye pruray pig bay prapun rirffory y tranny pony eamarapyy wpe pone puopwety, sy por! php”, GOYOLR PNPM D POM ipnd dopuory oy y eprnpy pris ty poy perynny hap ipey fp gV fYLY aur dopey pun ypruf yup HORE HVETIIE YY SW? BYRD SUD eI WH Aerts ty, Uroipan cy EG, 10Dad’s Passport Toots ‘eof icy » (68 , . Maliel Maley fo Yoni, C Z Lifurtmenl y A Lealbboutem thee presents shame Grating: Lhe andecigped Serebery yf Lae of thé Ubed Labs of Donia Aerly ryucsalbubom io Aofermi « Cctgen of UE Ulaied Laie; SE oe ofl sone fpaly bopasrand incase of need togive all teal Vel and! Doobrdin Gon cnr omphard and the Seal of the LS arrent of Lede nthe year Wl and of the Salepernee of he Uabedl Lakes Mecarhandal and thaty wert Slap 2 Ip ossh (Extra sheet)After several farewell parties, dad left Ogden on Thursday, October 26", traveling on the train. Those at the station to send him off and wish him well were his mother and father, his sister, Laura, his brothers—Wallace, SURPRISE PARTY, Frank, Irvin (and his family), and several relatives 4 smisnivs) val wits oe «and friends. As the train passed over 12" Street, he rnk was the parcel surprise. chen SS: ae se soe | looked up that long road for the last time and ic orty om isn ‘o ave| admitted a tinge of homesickness pierced his heart. ecoraced “with vrofaion of ot rm noted Gunllan” pred : FAREWELL PARTY ade win 2c, Nn ae In the 7th Ward Amusement Hall | Friday, Oaober 13th, 1911 R_ Admintion 50 per Couple Exira Lady 25¢ PARAS ED ORD RADDA D TENN: oaaanpsanaane: He traveled to Pocatello, Idaho; to Portland, | Oregon; to Seattle, Washington, arriving in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Monday, October 30". He boarded the ship “Zealandia” and set sail at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 1 November 1911. He experienced some seasickness, but did very well during most of the trip. ‘The ZealandiaCanadien Accsteaian Royal Mail Toe R.M.S. “ZEALANDIA” vorsae @ ourwanos Stier Ho, oi, Ad 2, we Sten, N81 CABIN PASSENGER LIST. ena tas 0 male aban Pecort,ate 3 Rraary, Ree 3 Besar 3s. fhe Mra We tine ne‘ fina ae Wm ttt rene tare ae fie MP eran, ate 3b Fon Mee 3 Boot, Sir A. & Sree, Me Gregory, Mr. GS. Grieve ar Manet, ae atert A Sohne te St we Martin, ar. Morarine, Mie dorm a. Wearcer eve J ‘Trewiek, 3ir. Tat sm Fe Mactan Whiveiaw. Siri Wetemt, Mra 8 Wittame Me i Bm,On his trip across the ocean, they made stops at Victoria, British Columbia; Honolulu, Hawaii; Suva, Fiji; Auckland, New Zealand, arriving in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday morning, November 26". He was met by his Mission President, Charles H. Hyde, of Salt Lake City. He took him to Mission Headquarters. The next day, at a special Priesthood meeting, he was assigned to the South Australian Conference with headquarters in Adelaide. On Saturday, December 2"! he boarded the steamship “Karoola” for Adelaide. Sa aee =e ‘The Karoola He arrived at Melbourne, Victoria, on Monday, December 4". He left Melbourne on Wednesday, December 6", arriving at Port Adelaide on Friday morning, December 8". He was met by the Branch President, Joseph F. Palmer, and Chester S. Haskell. He took a train to Adelaide and then to the Mission Headquarters of the South Australian Conference at 89 Whitmore Square, which was to be his home for 20 months. The next day dad met Donald Crane, who became one of his dearest friends. He said he learned to love him as a brother.Extra Sheet 89 Whitmore Square, Headquarters ofthe South Australian Conference Dad's Home While in Adelaide Map of Adelaide Area Donald CraneExtra Shoat Elder Holt Donald Crane Dad. Dad Elder Burnett Elder Titensor Donald Crane Donald Crane| Dad Elder HoltHe also became very close to Don’s mother, Sister Crane. She often fed him and sometimes mended and washed his clothes. I know that Don ‘was very interested in my mother and might have married her if she had loved him and events hadn’t occurred as they did. Dad attended church in Adelaide for the first time on Sunday, December 10". He was asked to speak and said he bore his testimony. He met several members of the Thredgold family, one being “Sister Myrtie.” Back: Stan, Ruby, Steve, Nellie, Theo, Bill — Front: Olive, Harold, Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Amold He often told me how he felt as he shook her é) hand. It was as if he knew immediately she was to or be his. And, he said she had the same feelings as € their hands squeezed together. po SpOver the next 15 months, several things took place. Dad was called to the following church positions: a teacher in the Primary Department of Sunday School; President of the Mutual, with Aunt Ruby as his 2™ Assistant; Clerk of the South Australian Conference; Intermediate Class teacher in Sunday School; and, Presiding Elder of the Port Adelaide Branch. He participated in various events concerning some of the people we know: attended the funeral of Uncle Steve’s baby, who lived only five hours: ordained Grandpa Thredgold to the office of Teacher; attended Aunt Ruby's wedding to Harry Lee-Thomas; and, confirmed Sister Pedler a member of the church. On November 18", dad became very ill. He had just returned home from a two week country trip, where he had had very little to eat. The Elder cooking dinner had fixed a very tempting meal. Dad was so hungry that he overate. He developed chronic indigestion and had to be under a doctor’s care for several] months. He was almost released from his mission and sent home to recuperate. In reading through dad’s mission journal, he records several visits to 89 Whitmore Square (where the Elders lived) by members of the Thredgold family—Mom, Grandma, Aunt Ruby, Aunt Olive, Uncle Steve, Uncle Theo, as well as Donald Crane—many times bringing chocolate, pies, cake, tarts, tomatoes, meat pie, scones, hot cross buns, etc.—and at times staying for “tea” with the Elders. Dad and the Elders were invited to the Thredgold home at least once a week. As I read through the letters, I could see that as time went on, the invitations increased in frequency. Mom was living at 47 Chatham Street in Adelaide when dad was. laboring in Adelaide. From the description in her letters, the home sounded like it was quite small, but it held many precious memories for both of them. I looked for a picture of this home but couldn’t find one.The South Australian Conference was held on the weekend of 21 March 1913. On Monday, March 24", President Hyde spoke at a special Priesthood meeting. Following this meeting, he had a private talk with dad. This is what he said: “Elder Moore, I understand Sister Myrtle thinks a great deal of you. How do you feel towards her?” I replied, “President Hyde, if I were home and you asked me that question, | would tell you that I love her and she means more to me than any girl I ever met. But, 1am not home, I am in the Mission Field representing my family, my ward and stake, and my church. | did not come here to get a girl, I came here to fill an honorable mission, and it's not my purpose to bring reproach upon my family or a stain upon the church. | want to be abie to hold my head high and be an honor to my family and to the church. My parents are sacrificing to sustain me on this mission and when I return home, I will be able to face them without shame, with a clear conscience, knowing | have been honest and honorable, true to myself, my parents, my ward and stake, my church, and the Lord. And, President Hyde, that’s the way it's going to be.” He then thanked me for my frank statement of my feelings and intentions. He said, “Elder Moore, Sister Myrtle is a most wonderful girl and I know she loves you, and from your statement to me, | know you love her. She is worthy of going to Zion and enjoying the full blessings of the gospel and church, And, it can be so arranged without any dishonor to yourself or anyone else concerned. If you feel that you would like Sister Myrtle for your companion through life, here and hereafter, you go and see her. Have a talk with her and decide on your plans. Whenever you are in public, act towards her the same as you do the other girls. Do nothing that will arouse suspicion in the minds of those who might make trouble. A little 16later I will transfer you to another conference to complete your mission. Then, after your arrival home, you can arrange for her to come to you. | feel you are worthy of her and she of you. I know she will make you a good wife and life's companion. And, this can be arranged without any trouble coming to her or you with no reflection of your integrity and honor in fulfilling your mission, if you will do as I have instructed you.” “T then thanked President Hyde and promised him he would never regret that which he had instructed me to do.” The next day, dad went to Thredgold’s, as President Hyde had instructed him to do, and had a talk with “Sister Myrtle.” He said, “I took her in my arms and when I pressed my lips against hers, we both knew no mistake had been made, that we did love each other. She was so happy she cried with joy. We then made our future plans of action. We promised each other, as President Hyde had instructed, that we would constrain our feelings toward each other, that no trouble would result to either of us or to the church, and there would be no reflection upon my labors as a missionary, for which purpose I had come to Australia for, and for that purpose only. Until my mission was completed, our feelings for each other would not interfere in any way in the performance of my duty. 1 informed her that President Hyde, a little later, was going to transfer me to another conference to complete my mission, that when I returned home, we would decide on our future course of action. 1 will always feel grateful to President Hyde and feel that he was inspired to give those instructions to me. 1 can honestly state with a clear conscience that neither of us did anything we were ashamed of. I didn't shirk my duties and responsibilities as a missionary, for which purpose I went to Australia. | did fulfill an honorable mission, and when it was completed, I received an honorable release.Whenever we met in the presence of Elders or Saints, we greeted each other only as brother and sister in the gospel, the same greeting we gave the others. The only difference in our greeting was a tight squeeze of the hand, which in our language meant, “IT LOVE YOU” The following excerpts were taken from letters dad and mom wrote to each other while dad served in Adelaide. Many of them were written when dad went on country trips, where he traveled “without purse or script.” As you read them, you can see how much they loved each other and how difficult it must have been to hold their feelings inside when they saw each other in public. They were able to share and release these feelings through writing letters.LETTERS FROM DAD TO MOM “ADELAIDE”FROM DAD TO MOM “ADELAIDE” “Ican't rest until I have written you a few lines to let you know that we arrived. My thoughts naturally drifted back to Adelaide and you and to tell the truth, I hardly think they have been away from you today....for dopear, if I can't be with you in person, I can in spirit, and so 1 am....You said in your note something about troubling me by writing and expressing your feelings. Now, dopear, you know that I don’t look at it in that light. If | did | wouldn't be doing what I am. You can't realize the comfort and satisfaction that it gives me to read them and to know that I have a girl who is just as true as true can be.” Gp= “Yes, Myrtle, that does sound better than just friend, for we are more than friends, we are—well, you know. Ifyou don't, you will some time. But, vou know that we have got to be careful. The time will come when we will not be afraid to show our feelings toward cach other. You know my feelings and I know yours, and have known them ever since I first became acquainted with you. But, to state the truth, I tried to put you out of my mind for I did not come out for that purpose. However, try as | would, I could not, but it is not going to keep me from performing my duties. I have worked hard and tried to do everything that has been required of me and I know that the Lord has blessed me and assisted me as he will all who put their trust in him. It appears to me that we were destined to meet for | told you of my other mission call and conditions were that I could not go and that it was my desire to come here, and here lam. You and I have met and to be separated for only a short time, I hope. When Lam around you, at times it is hard for me to control myself for | would like to express my feelings in a more forcible manner, but I cannot; but, wait a short time and these desires will be realized....Yes Myrtle, | thought of you Thursday night, in fact I have thought of you every night since I have been gone... You know how I enjoy coming to your place and eating with you. There is one thing I don't like and that is when I do eat at your place, you never eat with me but are waitmg on the table. Myrile, I would enjoy myself better if you would only join with us... wish Lwas with you but I told you last Sunday that even if was not with ‘you in person, my thoughts would be there, and they certainly are.” Bp “I received your ever welcome letier last night when we came in from iracting, and I can assure you that I was certainly pleased to receive it, for I was feeling somewhat 20blue and down in the dumps over the treatment that we had received. It tended to cheer me up and caused me to look on the bright side of life for a few moments. You can't imagine kow good it seems to receive mail when you are in a forsaken country where all people look upon you as something awful, and more especially when it comes from the ‘one that you love the best in all the world. You want to remember that you occupy a most important place in my mind and heart. Since leaving this time, it seems that you become more dear to me every minute of the day. If it continues I don't know how in the world that I. am going to stand it when it comes time when we shall be separated for a much longer time....It's certainly pretty hard to act as we do and treat each other so distant when we realize each others’ feelings and know how deep that they run. But, 1 always think that there is one consolation, that it won't always be so, and I hope that the time isn't many months in the future, either, when we won't have to act under present conditions. Possibly, we will learn to appreciate each other more and learn to value each others’ company and association more this way than we otherwise might do. But, SH, [ realize that it is even harder for you than it is for me for you have the same things before you all the time while I have something new and something to take my mind off of it.” “You spoke of receiving a letter from Geo. O., dopear. I wouldn't care if the whole world wrote 10 you. It wouldn't cause me to feel uneasy for I know that your love is as irue as steel.” ‘ “Lam pleased to hear that you have made it a matter of prayer. I have done the same and | know if we put our trust in him above, if it is for us to be associated together, our desires will be gratified.” “You want to try and overcome those blue spells for they don't make you feel any better and more times worse. 1 know, dopear, that you miss me and I miss you, too. But you don't want to go thinking about any disappointment, for there is not going to be anything of that character, Myrtle, I know what kind of a girl you are just as well as you do and what kind of a life you are endeavoring to live. Just continue on and continue to be humble and the Lord certainly will direct you and help you to overcome all temptations. If you continue on as you are, you shall certainly never regret it. And, as I have told you before, S.H., that there never will be disappointment as long as you are the girl you are now. 1 could wait forever for you, so long as you remain as pure as you are at present. So, dopear, that ought to be an encouragement to you, something ta 21drive away those blue spells,” i “Iwas out in the front tonight looking for you to pass, that I might catch a glimpse of you as you went by, but I did not see you. Feeling somewhat lonely and downhearted, 1 thought I would write this and let my thoughts be with you and see if it wouldn't cheer me up, and it has and always does. Even if 1 can't have your presence all the time, | can your memory, and that helps some. You can't imagine, Myrtle, how hard it is for me to control my feelings when in your presence, but | know that I have got to. Yet, I feel 1 have one consolation in knowing that it will not always be this way. | feel that there are better days coming and that they are not very far distant either .. .All we have got to do, as I have told you before, is to be careful so that our feelings will not become noticeable to cause anyone to talk. There are some who are only waiting and watching for an opportunity, so let us be careful and it will come out all right in the end.” > “Although my desires are to be with you as much as possible, if not in person at least in thought, yet I must not neglect my work because this is the work of God and I have been called out here to do it and it is my desire to do it. So even on these occasions, I have to Iry and select a tite when | am not devoting myself to the work, and I find that my sleeping hours are just about as available to any that Ihave. The others have all gone to bed and | thought, Myrile, that I would permit my mind to dwell with you for a short time... You can’t imagine my feelings tonight or my thoughts as I was walking behind you from the street meeting. But, I suppose it would do you no good if you knew so there is no need of troubling you on that point....No one can sense it or feel it worse than what | do because we are curtailed in our associations, but cheer up. We will show them that we can take it and also stand it for a while longer at least... Yes, Myrtle, T know who that one is that you want and you know who that one ts that I want and I feel that some time our desires will he gratified. You say that sometimes your heart aches. Yes, so does mine, but | try and look on the bright side of things and where we can't be together, | imagine that we are anyway.” Qs “Since you kave come into my life, I have ofien wondered if it was a dream and that you would pass out just as you came in, or if Thad really and truly found the one I had been looking for and wham I had come so far to find. But, I feel that it is not a dream but 2that it is real and that some day | will see the realization of what seems to be so much of adream now. I never was placed in such a position as I am at the present, where [had to treat the one that is near and dear to me as though she were a person whom I had only met. But, all that I can do is to look forward into the future for the time that will be different to what it is now, when we will not have to guard our tongue but will be free to act as we choose and will not be afraid to let the whole world know what our feelings are.” E> “You can't imagine what a thrill of joy went through my whole being the other night when I read those few lines which was written in what I now consider our “lopove language” and which I was able to interpret afier a little study. I sometimes look imo the future and wonder what it holds in store for us and how much longer we will be compelled to go on as we are at present time. But, | feel that the future has some great and bright prospects for us if we only await our time. And, it certainly makes me feel grateful to know that you are so patient and so willing to sacrifice anything now for the future... You know my affections go to no one only you....My affections for you come right from the bottom of my heart and | feel that yours are the same....I have thought a great deal about what you told me Monday, that we would have to put up with present conditions and it was best to make the best of it and take it as cheerful as possible. What a brave dopear you are and’ what encouragement it certainly is to me to know that your feelings are that way. It will make it easier for me to know that you are content and willing to put up with what comes in our way until all will be smooth sailing. You can help me in making a success out of my work by cheering me up, wearing a bright happy smile all the time, and having that contented look upon your face and not get down in the dumps, causing me to feel that way. I can't help it, when you are down, it makes me also....Let us keep on hoping, trusting, and praying and 1 feel that we will have our desires and prayers answered as we have planned and asked.” > “1 went down to see “mother” this morning and get her to mend a hole in my glove, as my S.H. wasn't there. She gave me your letter and I can tell you that it was certainly a happy surprise for I didn't expect it until this afternoon. [had a good heart to heart talk which I enjoyed very much, for I can assure you that I do enjoy talking with your mother, If 1 can't talk with you, I can with her. You know, I won't always be granted the privilege of having her near me so that I can have a little chat with her, so I will have to take advantage of every opportunity that I can, for I do think a great deal of her.In fact, she seems as a mother to me and will always be so...Afier you left Monday, I went out the back and looked over the fence and saw you pass down the street, but you were not looking my way. | went back in the house and couldn't set my mind to do anything. All that I could think of was you, It just seemed like the best friend that I had on earth had lefi me and believe me, it was all I could do to keep from showing it and having a good howl. But, I knew I had to fight it back so as to not show it for there were foo many there and those whose eyes are on us... was asked to go down to your place for tea and spent a very enjoyable evening. But, dopear, Lam afraid your mother thought L acted queer for I wasn't there much of the time. My mind was about 76 miles away and wondering how you were getting on and how you were enjoying yourself, 1 certainly did enjoy my tea very much. Your mother had a lot of those cookies, you know the kind I like, and my—they were good. Afier tea I helped wash up and your mother and I had another nice little yarn, which I enjoyed very much. I certainly did miss you and would have enjoyed myself even better than I did had you been there, but you weren't there so I had to make the most of it....1 told your mother this morning that when you are here, even if can't get over, I haven't got that lonesome feeling, but when you are away, my, but it does seem awful. 1 didn’t fully realize how near that you are (0 me until you have been away. I really dread to see the time come when I will have to go home, for then I know what [ will have to put up with, for L have had a touch of it the last few days, that is since you lefi.” > “Lfeel somewhat lonely and suppose that it is a complaint that | will suffer with a great deal during the next year or so or until everything comes our way on the other side. 1 suppose that neither of us will exactly feel as we should until that time does come.....1 sometimes think of your mother. I somewhat hate to see you leave her for, dopear, you can't imagine the love she has for you and how badly she has missed you since you have heen gone. She would do anything for you that lay in her power, and she certainly has got the proper love for you. dopear, that a mother should have for her daughter. And, as she said, if it wasn't for your future happiness, she couldn't bear to see you go.... The words of a song have been ringing in my ears last night and this morning, and they seem to express my sentiments to you, so I will just insert them here. “Love, Lam lonely, night seems so long J want you, only you and your song. Nothing is constant, nothing true Jn earth or heaven but God and you.” 24LETTERS FROM MOM TO DAD “ADELAIDE” 25FROM MOM TO DAD “ADELAIDE” ‘I would by no means try and keep you from doing your work for which you have been called out here to do. But, it seems nice to get a letter from you occasionally, when your time is not devoted to your work, for they always seem to cheer me up. Some may have the idea that the only reason | attend the meetings so regular is because you are there. No, “By,” Lused to attend before. Lam going to continue on whoever may be there. It ty my desire to attend as regular as possible. As I have told you before, “By,” I love the gospel and love the work and it is my desire to learn more. It is always my prayer, “By,” that | may have the strength and power to understand the gospel and to do my duty. [don't want you to think that I believe you think that, for | don't. But, | always feel better to see your smiling face when | get there, for | would indeed miss you if you were absent from amongst us... always enjoy the meeting hours and always look forward for them to come. 1also enjoy going over early and having a talk with you... enjoy your company the few minutes | am with you and I look for the future where | may enjoy your company more. As you state in your letier, there will be two that will be happy. Yes, “By,” we couldn't be otherwise if we had the right feelings towards one another. | know your feelings and you know mine, and if they continue on as they are now, which | have faith they will, we will indeed be happy. I feel sometimes if my desires he granted unto me, I would indeed be one of the happiest girls on the face of the earth. | am waiting patiently and I know you are...1 hate when it's time for you to go but [hope to have the privilege of enjoying your company on the other side of the pond...And, in regards (0 me going out with any other boy, you will never see me do that, no never. If 1 wouldn't go out with Donald, it wouldn't be anyone else 1 would go with. So, I think when you see Myrtle out of a night, you won't find a boy with her.” BORO “Dear “By,” Doesn't that sound nice now? I think so, more than just putting “friend,” for we are more than that, are we not? I always say “By" when I talk of you to mother 1 made a pie and took it around to the Elders. But, I never had the smiling face before me as I did when | went across before. Your chair was vacant around the table while they were enjoying the pie... Never think that you are not in my thoughts for I'm always thinking of you and I hope and pray that the Lord will pour out his spirit upon you and may he grant unto you every blessing he sees you are in need of at this time, is my prayer for you.” 26“We can't be too careful, as you say. Wait a little longer and we need not be so careful. amt indeed waiting for that time to come. | try hard to keep my feelings back but they get the better of me at times, and you say it is also hard for you....1 know that everything will come out right in the end if we only make it a matter of prayer, and that’s what | have done, and | believe you have done the same.” “Just a line in answer to your most comforting letter. It was indeed comforting to me. 1 was feeling quue down. Although it made me feel better, I could not keep the tears back. It seemed 100 much for me, to think how we have got to be so distant towards one another. It seems hard for me “By” to be in your company and can't talk to you because of those who are so willing and anxiously waiting for an opportunity to say something. But, it seems harder for me now than it did some time back... There's never a day but what I think of you every minute of the day, “By.” My thoughts are always with you.” “It seems as if we don't get much time together and you won't be down again before ‘you go to the country, so won't get a chance to talk to you, I suppose. My, I hate to see you go, SH. You can't imagine my feelings tonight. Ever since I left you this morning, they seem to have reached a climax tonight for | can't keep the tears back. | guess you would give me a good talking to if you were here, but seems, dopear, as if] cannot help it. My feelings get so great at times. It’s hard for me to control myself while others are around. I know I have to or otherwise | couldn't hold back. You seem dearer to me than you have ever been. It does a person good to go away for a time and then you can see what it really is to be separated from the one you love. I've experienced it this past week, but I guess that’s nothing compared to later on when we will he separated longer than that. | sit and wonder whatever I shall do. It's hard to say but I can say this, S.H., I will remain true to you however long it may be... can say Thave found the one I want, SH. It seems as if | cannot get you out of my mind. Every minute of the day, my thoughts are with you. It seems a terrible time since we last had our confidential talk together and I guess it will be a long time yet before we will be able to again.” “1 felt lost without you. If you stay away as long as you said you would before you lefi, I'm thinking you will find me missing before long. It seems awful, and I don't know how in the world, S.H., that am going to stand it when the longer time comes. But, I guess . 27we ‘il have to put up with it.” “You say your love is growing stronger every day. If it runs as deep as mine, there is no depth to it for it seems, S.H., itis impossible for a girl to love her boy more than what I love mine....I’'m thinking I'll have to pack my trunk and go home with you, for it's awfid being away from you this length of time. But, when it comes to the longer time, then, well J can't say what | really will do. It makes me feel somewhat blue when L think about it so I hadn't better write anymore about it or else I won't be able to finish this letter. 1 could of easy shed a tear yesterday afiernoon in Sunday School. 1 felt lonely The best friend Ihad, had lefi me. My, it seemed awful.” “I seems hard to think you can’t tell anyone how much you do think of your boy, when your whole heart and soul is wrapped around him, as such ts the case with me. Ifmy ‘feelings grow anymore, I don't know whether your mother will see you again or not for T don't know what | will do with you when you come back. It certainly does a person good to be separated for a short time and then you can realize 10 a certain extent of how deep your love runs, I didn't fully realize the love I had for you until you have been away from me.” “I don't know if there will be any left of me or not by the time you return if you stay much longer. 1 wouldn't want you to come back before your work is done....But, you don't know how Lam longing to be with you again. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. That is why Lam longing for you, dopear. You don't know how you are going home without me. Well, | don’t know how I can let you go, Lam sure. But, we know we can’t go together. I will follow pretty soon.” “rom my feelings tonight, I don't think I can stand to see you go. I'm afraid it will be harder for me than | thought it would some time back..../ am really dreading the time for us to be separated again. The only consolation that 1 get is to look into the future, for if it wasn't for that, my dear, I don’t know what I would do....1 hope, S.H., that you are not shifted away yet for awhile for I want you to enjoy tea with us once again before Teaving us...Don came home with me last night. Elder Tingey didn’t like me coming home by myself, so I let Don come with me, first time since you have been away. My, that boy did try hard for a kiss, but he never got one. I spoke straight to him but he . 28never took much notice of me.” “Your letter was comforting to me. 1 don't know what I would do if | never had anything to comfort me at times. But, your letters do cheer me up and make me look on the bright side of things. I do try hard to cast the blue feelings off but sometimes they get the better of me. No one knows and never will know what a week I put in last week. When Lam amongst the others, I have to keep a smiling face. They say sometimes a smiling face hides an aching heart, and so it is, for it is more than I can do sometimes to keep up. Whenever I get to thinking over things and get downcast and blue, I come to ‘my room away from all and have it all to myself, but wishing all the time my S.H. was with me. No one knows how much I miss you. No one knows how my heart greaves You say you wish was possible for me to know your feelings towards me in the fullest degree. I wish it was possible for you to know my real feelings towards you, dopear, for i ts impossible to express them in the way in which I feel. But, some day, probably, you may know them a litle more. I know you are genuine, dopear, and I haven't the slightest doubt, for if! thought that your feelings would turn to someone else afier you returned home, you wouldn't find me writing in this way to you. I feel, dopear, that if I should ever get a disappoiniment of that kind, I never would be happy. My feelings could never go to anybody else like they have gone for you, and it sure would break my heart if anything should come between us now... feel there are plenty better than me, although a girl couldn't try much harder than what I do to live right. I try to do everything that is asked of me if it is in my power to do it. For I go down on my knees night and morning to ask the Lord for guidance, that I may have the power to overcome the evil one who tries his hardest to win the weakest over on his side. But, | can say the Lord is with me, and when I have temptations placed before me, | can feel his spirit with ‘me. I don't know what I would do, dopear, if it wasn't for prayer. For I know if Lask the Lord for such blessings and he sees that they will be of a benefit to me, he will give them to me. Ihave been blessed greatly and my prayers have been on your behalf night and morning. | am pleased that you are meeting with great success, and I am also pleased to hear that your meeting went off so good. | believe that many seeds were sown and that in time to come will grow and bring forth a rich harvest. If] could do more in the way of spreading it further I would, for it is my only desire to do that which is right and prove faithful to the gospel. For I love the gospel and I do, indeed, thank him above for granting me the privilege of partaking of the same, for there are hundreds wandering in darkness and I pray for them, too, dopear, so that they may see the gospel in its true sense the same as we.” 29“Donald brought me home but he doesn see now that I don't want him.” ‘em like he used to be for | believe he can “You say, dopear, you ofien lay awake of a night and try and picture us in the future. 1 do the same myself. [often drop off to sleep in the midst of a deep thought and then find myself in dreamland with you. I get quite a disappointment when | wake up and find it all a dream. But, I think that some day all these dreams and desires will be realized. Patience is a virtue, so they say, so I am waiting patiently, dopear. If it is the Lord's will that we should meet across the mighty deep, we will, if we still continue to make it a matter of prayer. There is not a night before | retire to my bed but what 1 ask the Lord for guidance in this matter. 1 know what position you are in and I don't want to do anything that will cause a detriment to the work here for I know we have got to be careful. So, 1 try and guide my actions so that they won't cause anyone to talk. 1 feel, dopear, that the Lord is with us... am trying harder every day of my life to lead a good, honest life that | may be worthy of your love. I feel that our desires will be realized in time to come if we only wait....1. am willing to sacrifice anything for the future, no matter what it may be. It seems hard to know that we are deprived of seeing one another so often, but probably it's all for the best. Although I look for you to come down, I know you come as offen as you can and as ofien as you think it's wise to....My feelings towards you are the same and always will be and they are from the bottom of ‘my heart, as yours are towards me. I know your feelings, dopear more perhaps than you may think I do. I know you would like to say more if you only could but seeing that vou can't, | want you to feel satisfied, for I feel content and some day | will know all, so will you. It isn’t long that we have to wait. If it should be a little longer than we expect, 1.am willing to wait and I know you are too. I'll remain true however long it may be, and I'll be just the same to you after you go home as what | am now, and I know that vou will be just the same after you arrive home. I have got that confidence in you and I {feel not in the least afraid no more than I do now while you are here It seems hard for ‘me sometimes when Lam across to “89” and see you there and know I can't talk to you as I would like to. But, a happy thought comes over me and cheers me up to know we won't always have to treat one another so cool. Look what a happy meeting it will be afier heing separated for a time. It seems too good to be true at times to me when | sit alone and think to myself how we have been led to one another and never to be separated again, I hope only for a short time. Not only have we the joy of one another's companionship here upon this earth but throughout the ages of eternity as well, if we but live to that end.”Mom sent this card to dad — wanted to make sure he knew she was to be his forever!THE STORY CONTINUES ceceTHE STORY C S. On 6 August 1913, dad received a telegram from President Hyde calling him to labor in Melbourne, to preside over the South Melbourne Branch. He went right to town and wired President Hyde back, telling him he would follow his instructions and would report at Melbourne as soon as he could arrange his affairs. In accordance with President Hyde’s instructions, he called on the Thredgold family and informed mom that he had been called to Melbourne to finish his mission, as the President had said he would. She shed some bitter tears. He told her that they could keep in touch with each other by mail and that when he returned home, he would be free to carry out their plans. His last Sunday in Adelaide was August 10". He spoke in Sacrament Meeting. Grandma Thredgold received permission to prepare a farewell dinner for dad, which she did the next day, Monday, August 1 m Much of his time the next few days was spent in telling people goodbye. He said this: “When I left home for the mission field, I thought it was hard to leave my friends and loved ones, but it was nothing compared with saying goodbye to these people. When I left home, I felt I would return again and be reunited with those who were so near and dear to me, but when I said goodbye to these people, I knew most of them I would never see again in mortal life. I had learned to love them as my own. I had sat at their tables and they had given me the best they had: others had given up their bed that I might be comfortable; others had cooked up delicious dishes and sent to the Mission Home; others had washed and ironed my clothes, mended my clothes; and. others had administered comfort to me when I was ill. So my feelings were very tense and emotional and I shed tears of sorrow at the thoughts of leaving those whom I had learned to love and whom I would never again see in this life.' enki 304401 Uynon uF ua¥US OdUy ATK CATOOP OusAIGTOR O, SH exooM s0TTS cay Topy exenbs ssoussua 66 d4/doouTa 20rTE “ wi LE eC CLL P/E ve MON BOE Payton, APPS PF ONY 70 “ON HOKE OOH — SSS ——— ' M "WIIVHLSNY HLNOS “LNIWLUYd30 S,1VUINI9-H31SVWLSOd Ss NVUOATAL or (Extra sheet)Dad attended his last Mutual meeting in Adelaide on Thursday, August 14". There was a large turnout as it had been announced that it would be a farewell social honoring dad. Donald Crane and mom sang a duet, one they had partly composed. It is printed here in mom’s own handwriting: IO ik cued ihe Te CRawmig -- “Dipmens Ballad.” Mise Hse ole Kowee Rill, Somer Seo a B loawe a Ie We at vareds Le. 0 Winks Cm. < Cs yas ounds anode te Pa ee ult Tis! Tak ke ale a bao W2 Fall amubs yeu Th Chor uit sound 90 ee art te yr ried rah, But a 7 awe we ral SB pitts ee spall Hs score sat Mle ty. Gent —Fe! Chie of Sichuss ovrlakks. yes fella me Ge theough LR ea Ui prude creer Robe foiude sy aay fe 33Caisse Biz Gh anoille Cle th thes Giky, iid hadi fins ris Baas Ohiis maw fas ee pd Beale TR axe Che fo ee lah lox Lhe Kilehu coor 6 oe dt 1 gard Fee Bi Sh) Be ote Lis Llanguys “Those other saints that are going to leave are a mother and her daughter. The daughter is our organist. | don't know what we shall do when she goes. 1 think I will have to talk you in the notion of coming over. How do you think you would like it? You could come here and be chief cook and bottle washer. | could tell them you were just out from home. What fun times we could have together. It makes me homesick or rather lovesick to talk about it.” “Lam becoming more convinced every day that it was the best thing in the world for us hoth when I was called over here. For, dopear, it was getting to that stage with me where | couldn't control my feelings and not show them and | know that it was the same with you. As the hand of providence has guided us all the way through, so did it there. Although I can't describe my feelings to be separated from you, it is for the best, and I am trying hard to content my mind on the matter for the next six or seven months. 1 realize that there is a great deal at stake and that we can't be too careful of our actions and conduct. I even feel shaky in sending letters and writing as I do, for I realize how pleased the enemy would be to get hold of something of this character....I was very pleased to note that you were well and still enjoying yourself with the exception of a little lopovesickness, and I hope you still continue to get those sieges, for then I won't be alone and you shall always remember me....We held a very successful street meeting 4last Friday night. Elder Welker had a cold and couldn't sing so Elder Orme and myself sang a duet. My, you ought to have heard it....Myrtle, you needn't worry about me making a match over here, for as I have told you before, you are the only one out of Australia's whole lot that | want.” “[ received word this morning stating that Elder Nash (the only one left who came out with me) was going home on the 15" of November. That is when President wanted me 10 go. [haven't heard any further word about myself as yet. 1 suppose I won't until President gets so he can write. But, they will have to get busy if I leave then... hada siege of lovesickness this morning, S.H., and it just seemed as though I couldn't get my mind off from you....1 will close for now with these few words: Somebody's waiting for me, Someone who loves me, I know. Somebody's wondering where I can be and what can be keeping me so. Somebody's heart is sad, Watching so anxiously. There's a light shining bright in the window tonight For there's somebody waiting for me. Is not that true? I think so.” <= “I feel that in the spirit world before we came here, each individual had his or her affinity, and by being prayerful and exercising wisdom here, we shall find the one whom we chose to be our companion before leaving the thrones on high. Iam just as certain as I am certain of going home that you and | were associated together there, that we lived happily and progressed together as far as it was possible in that state of existence. We waited our turn and privilege of coming here upon the earth. My turn came first and then a few years later yours came. | was born of parents on the other side of the world from you, but through care and wisdom and through the hand of providence, we have again been brought together, made to know one another again, and shall it end here, dopear? No, indeed not. If we continue to be faithful and exercise wisdom and place our trust in the Lord, we shall have the privilege of enjoying each others companionship on this earth and then throughout the countless ages of eternity. We shall go and be hand in hand together. Oh, how thankful I am that we have been so fortunate as to again meet after a long separation, and may we show our appreciation hy living lives worthy of each other. How happy will be the meeting when in the morn 42of the resurrection, when we shall again meet after a separation, then will be brought to our remembrance the knowledge of our first estate. If we have proven irue to each other in our second estate, what a glorious meeting 1t shall and will be. Now, S.H., this ought to be a great incentive for us to try and prove faithful, and we shall if we only obey the gospel plan of salvation.” Say, Myrile, I wonder how it is that when we get a blue fit, if we permit our minds to divell on one another, it seems to drive it away, There must be something that is soothing in our natures that, when we let our thoughts run in that direction, see! strike the right cord and causes that happy and peaceful feeling to come again.” D> “So you were accused of being a flirt, were you? Well, let it be understood now and forever that I place my full confidence in you and under all circumstances and con- ditions. I shall take your word before anyone else, regardless of what they should say. 1 know that you are not and furthermore, | am not going to try and prohibit you from enjoying freedom. My goodness, I don't want you to be shut up in prison. Talk with as many as you choose, so long as they are respectable, and I know that you would not talk with any that wasn't. You can be true without secluding and not enjoying yourself And, as I have told you before, go out and possibly it will take your mind from your little troubles. WH: “I only wish that it were possible for you to conceive in the fullest degree my love and feelings for you, just for a moment. Then, my lopove, all doubt would flee, if you had ‘any, in respect (0 me being faithful and true to you. It would vanish as vapor from our view. The past three weeks I have experienced feelings that I have never done before in my whole life, vet, I have, too, in a smaller degree the past few months. But, it seems that someone is pulling at my heart strings saying, come back....S.H., you can't imagine or realize how proud I am of you, and just keep on as you are, which | know that you will, for you are true and genuine right through and through. No wonder that your mother ts proud of you, so will mine be. And she will think that her Willie boy showed good taste when he made his choice. Then, won't I have cause to rejoice, for I will have my lopove with me, never more to be parted. Although, even then, all may not be as sunshine, yet, we two can share our troubles together and help bear one another up and then, also, enjoy our happiness together ...So, keep on, dopear, as you are, be true and faithful to the gospel, and be humble that these joys might be ours.” 8D to B“The President leaves today, so 1 suppose I am permitted to stay on. So, perhaps I can stay now until March or April. If I leave in March, then 1 will come over and see you about the middle of February, and if April, about the middle of March.” > “You can't realize or half imagine how anxious | am about you. Do you realize how Jong it has been since | last received a letter from you, it will be three weeks. When you get this, sit down and write me a long letter and tell me all and let me know that you are all right and it certainly will take a great load and worry from me.” - “IL is with the greatest of pleasure and with a great relief to my mind that I now answer your most welcome letters which I received this morning... have never in my life put in amore miserable two weeks in my life as I have the last bro. I was nearly beside my- self, I don't helieve I ever was in this state of mind before. You might wonder why, well Iwill tell you. To be open and right to the point, I thought my S.H. had showered her affections upon someone else. I.can tell you, Thad cause but yet I couldn't settle my mind that it was true. [ dismissed all suspicions out of my mind as near as possible and decided to wait for results...Last week I received a letter which caused me to think somewhat and I hegan to think that there might be something afier ail, and so I tell you I didn't know what to think. I know [ didn’t steep any that night but yet | couldn't believe it. [heard from Adelaide that Myrtle had a new boy. And the way everything was going, it seemed as though there might he some truth in it, but yet | couldn't believe it. When no mail came, then I didn't know what to think, and if | hadn't received word today, then | am afraid the evidence would have been so strong that I would have had to almost believe it. And, I think if you had been in my position, you would have thought the same. But, you have explained away the difficulty, and as I have told you before, your word goes before all others. don't care what others may say, if Myrtle tells me “something to the contrary, I shall always take your word for it, so you can see that I still place the same confidence in you as I always did and always shall....But, I know, dopear, that it was not your fault, and I know that your feelings are just as deep as they ever were....Wishing you a bright, happy, merry Christmas, the last Christmas day you and | shall spend together in Australia, yet separated by a few miles: Ss “You said that it hurt you because of the manner in which I expressed my thoughts during the time I did not hear from you. Well, 1 got hurt because of the way you took it, 44for I told you not to worry or feel hurt about it. I never would have told you, only I believe in being open and above board and when I have got something on my mind, to express it. / want you to distinctly understand that I did not lose confidence in you, for as | stated before, though all indications were pointing that way, yet I could not bring myself to believe it. No, S.H., as I have told you many times before, there is no limit to the trust which I place in you. So, let us bury the hatchet and forget about it. I only wish it were possible for me to manifest to you my feelings and my trust and confidence I place in you. I know, dopear, that you have confidence in me and I hope not to do anything that would give you cause to lose it in any small degree....So you want to know who gave me that information, well, | will do so when I come over. 1 will say this, that I don't believe it was done for a purpose to cause trouble between us, but rather through his own desires, for I don't think he knows our relations ...in regards to that boy you went out with, you know I have no objection to your going out with any boy, so long as they are respectable. I don’t want you to stay in all the time just because I can’t take you out. [want you to enjoy yourself while you can. If! can’t trust you then I think it is time | told you so, but I think I know Myrtle almost as well as she does. So, go out and have a good time. I think this boy must have been the one that this certain indivicual had reference to." “I certainly met with a great deal of success in the country, made a number of friends. That waitress girl at the boarding house tried to capture me. She came into my room fast Saturday night while Elder Shumway was out and told me she loved me and some more silly talk. 1 told her to forget about t, and I happened to think I had a photo of you in my little Articles of Faith, you remember that little one that you wasn't going 10 let me have. Well, | told her that was my S.H. and she was waiting for me. That was sufficient, she didn't trouble me anymore....I have my release. [ will sail on the same hoat as P. Galloway. If my money comes when it ought (0 and the amount comes that 1 sent for, and | can get consent from President Taylor, 1 shall be over there about the middle of February, a little less than two months. Myrtle, I have got to see you before leaving, if possible, for there are many things I want to talk about and get an understanding.” “The report that Donald gave is not encouraging to me. He tells me you look very bad and are getting very thin. Myrtle, | don't like that a little bit. He said you seem to be worrying over something. Now, dopear, for goodness sake, for your own sake, and if for nothing else, for my sake, please take care of yourself, Quit that worrying....It ‘seemed good to hear him talk about you, even mention your name. It was as good as a feast, Myrtle, it just makes me homesick to see you. Way, it would break me up if [had 4540 go home without seeing you again... have certainly gor a great deal to tell you and alot to talk about. | know one thing while 1 am there, you won't do much work. Mother might wish Wille had remained away....You will think because Donald is here that I can't iake time to write or think of you but it is not so, for I believe since he has been here that you have been in my mind more than anytime since coming here. And some day you will realize how much you have been in my mind and how deep my feelings are running at the present time, deeper and deeper.” i» “Say, dopear, I suppose that I shall have to disappoint you for I won't be able to come over in February. President Taylor has asked me to stay a month longer, so | won't leave until April ” now. 1 don’t know how my folks will take it but like everything else I suppose. But, never mind, one month is only twice as long as a fortnight, so cheer in “I never received such a shock in my life when I received that photo, S.H. Whatever in the world have you been doing with yourself, Why, a person could haraly tell it was the same girl. There is nothing left of you. You had better get busy and put on a little flesh before I come over there or else I will have to see what is wrong. } spent considerable time in studying your face and I can see worry written there very plainly and if you don't stop, I don't know what. Your eyes are a regular tell tale, even as bad as mine,” e “didn't get encouraging news from home last time. Mother said that father’s health was failing him and they were anxiously waiting for me to come home. My brother, Wallace, had his knee cap knocked off while playing basketball. I don’t know what they will think when they learn that I won't be there until May.” Ws “In respect to the work I see you kave taken on, | am not going to say a word. You know what I have told you before, but if you think it is the best thing, act as you are led. I certainly admire the attitude that you manifest and the purpose for which you wish to do it. And, Myrile, so long as you exercise a spirit like that, you shall receive the desires of your heart. But, I want you to be careful and take good care of yourself. Weigh now and then at different times and if you see that you are losing in weight and that it doesn't agree with you, then leave it alone. I will tell you this, that those who go 10 Zion and make a success out of it are those who pay their tithing.” 46“B “You say you don't know what you would do if I should break off, Myrtle. I don't like you to put that doubt in there for you know it is not going to be. My feelings run every bit as deep as do yours, I realize that Ihave a great deal to conquer, many obstacles to overcome, many barriers to break down, but with your faith and prayers united with mine, we are going to accomplish. Ever since I first met you, I have thought the same as you, that our meeting here was just a reuniting afier a long separation. I read "Added Upon” when I came over on the boat. It did not appeal to me, though, until I had met you. Then the full meaning dawned upon me. So, dopear, let us prove faithful here even as we did there.” “Just think, it will soon be six months since I last had the privilege of being with you Just six months ago today, I believe, since Elder Fullmer and myself returned from the country and when I spent the evening at your place... You say you don’t know what you will do if | do not come over. Well, | am thinking the same myself. I don’t see why President should take steps to prevent me. My gracious, wouldn't | like to spend about a month with you and just stop at your place altogether. What a time we would have. You can't half imagine how anxious I am to go over, and just think, if come it will only be alittle over a month now and I will be with you. You say they are all anxious to see ‘me, so | am they also.” “My tame is drawing to a close fast now, only two more Sundays in this month and then comes the month when I expect and want to be associated with my S.H., the one who is more dopear to me than anyone else, before returning to my home in the valleys of the mountains. How I wish and trust that I may enjoy that privilege, and I certainly shall, too, if President will only give his sanctions. if he doesn't, | won't know what to think. But, if 1. am granted that opportunity, | am going to surprise you, not let you know when am coming and walk in unaware. I may go by boat, | may go by train, and I may walk, but the chances are that I won't do the latter. But, you can look out for me, anyway, coming by one of these three routes. You would be surprised, wouldn't you, of seeing me walk in from the south some fine morning in March?” - “L received good news from home this mail. I received my money, so now I have sufficient money so I can come over if nothing else stands in the way... don't know the reason why, only it seems that of late there is something that is drawing you even more closely to me than ever. Ihave even been with you in my dreams and that is something I haven't done for a considerable length of time.” 47Dad sent these cards 10 mom, saying how he Jongs to hear her voice again, to listen to her sing some of the songs she used to sing. He said when he returns to Adelaide, he wants her ‘0 sing for him and told her to keep her voice in good condition, to practice and continue magnifying the gift the Lord has blessed her with (Extra sheet)a a “Yes, dopear, I saw Dell last night at Mutual. My goodness, I couldn't keep her away from me. I would get in one part of the room and soon she would be there, and then T would move again, and after me she would come. It made me feel sort of peculiar like. And, Phyllis G. made me feel more small than ever. Just as they were going, Dell was talking to me and she sang out, “Do come now, Dell. You can have all you want of him Sunday.” There were a good few there, too. They told me that they were coming down Sunday. I didn't ask if it was for Sunday School or night meeting, but if it is the later, they will get slipped up, for Lam going to Richmond Sunday night and Elder Worsley is coming down here. | didn't tell them, though. Believe me, 1 am going to steer just as clear from her as I can.” “Lyust finished a letter to President asking if he would grant me the privilege of reiurning to Adelaide. So, exercise all the faith that is possible for you to do and I will soon be with you. Lam anxiously looking forward to the time and hope | am not disappointed. If | am, it will affect me as well and as deeply as yourself, and I believe even worse, for I couldn't permit myself to show it, and you know that inward suffering isthe worst. But, I think he will permit me to go. can't see why he shouldn't.” S- “You speak as to your work not agreemg with you. Now, dopear, you know what I have said about it before, if t doesn't agree with you, why just quit. It is not wisdom to do anything that will not prove beneficial to you. So, take heed and do as you think is best You bet, I want you home when I come over. You know that we shall have to exercise care and wisdom just as great now if not greater than we have before. I sometimes wonder how we will stand it, but if we put our trust in the right one, everything will work out 10 our desire and for the best. So, if we just watch ourselves and take care that we show not our feelings when in the presence of others, there will be no room for anyone to talk. You can't realize how it hurts me to be where you are and not permitted to act around you as I would like. In a way, I dread to go to Adelaide because of that fact, for I know that I shall have to conduct myself as Lalways did and it will be hard for us both to conceal our true feelings.” “S.H., Lalways have a lot of troubles to unload on to you and I have some more, but if it wasn't for the fact they pertain to us both, | would not trouble you. And, | suppose | must begin, but in the beginning let me say, take it cool and try and look at it as !am trying, but oh, how hard it is. Dopear, I have a great disappointment for you. 1 told you / wrote to President about my coming over, well, I got an answer and in it he refuses to 48grant me my request. You know why, because of our relations. I think he is afraid that it might cause talk, so he thinks the better plan and which would bring the best results for all concerned is for me not to go. He was very kind about it and felt considerate of my feelings. So, Myrtle, { suppose it must be. I never received such a shock before in my life, although I half expected it. For you remember I told you when President Hyde went home, we didn't have him to deal with. Lam confident that if it had been President Hyde, he would have granted my request. President Taylor is very strict and opposed to anything being carried on as we are doing. He means well and I believe that he is acting as he thinks best, and so you must not hold any hard feelings for him. I know it can't affect you anymore than what it did me. I haven't got over it yet, and the way I feel, 1 won't either until we are united on the opposite shore. So, Myrtle, cheer up and take it as President saw through it and just place our goal a few months further in advance of us again. How hard it is, no one knows only us. I can just see how you will take it, but never mind, S.H., cheer up. You have got your mother to confide in, take heed from her, and it won't be so hard for you. [have been looking forward ever since I left over there for the time to come when I would be privileged to return, but I see those hopes were in vain. My, it is certainly hard for me. I haven't got a soul with whom I can confide a word to and I have all that inward suffering. The only time that I can give vent to my feelings and thoughts on it is when Tam alone, for when I am around the boys, Lhave to try and wear a smile. In all my life before, I have never been called on to go through what | am now. Sometimes it seems that it is just a little more than what 1 can dear, but I must persevere. I realize we have the future before us. The first night I didn't close my eyes, only for thinking. Last night I was dreaming about you. I suppose Thave placed my hopes too high, for I was Just thinking what a grand time I was going 10 have with you, and now it is all shattered. There were so many things | wanted to speak to you about and had so many things to tell you. I suppose there is no use brood- ing over it but take it as we should, so bear up Myrtle and don't take it to heart too much. Prove that you are the girl I believe you to be. If you take it easy, it will be much more easy for me. 1 know that you will be disappointed for [know you have been anxiously waiting for me. Never mind, SH, from now on I shall be anxiously waiting ‘for you and I hope it won't be long, too. Possibly, the Lord is going to test our love for cach other--can we stand the test, dopear? | believe we can. 1 know my feelings for you are growing each day, so by the time you get home, they shall be so strong as to last forever. Now, there were several important questions that I wanted to speak to you about, the first one relating to our future course. 1 want to get your feelings on it so I will know what to do. As I told you once before, when I was speaking with you on this, that I did not have a great amount of wealth to offer you but I have a good clean name and one which | am proud to bear, also a love that knows no depth. Now, Myrile, this is all I now have. I don't know what I will do when I get home. It all depends on you, Myrile. Are you willing to cast your lot with me, dopear, in whatsoever I can find and 49‘mutually work and build together? I know one thing, that it is going to mean hard work for me for a while after I get home. This summer I intend to help father and then next winter start out for myself. if I can. If know I have your full confidence, that you will he willing to cast your lot with me in whatsoever I may take up, then | shall be more free 10 act and choose for myself. L feel that if you are willing to follow me through thick and thin, then I will know how to act. If you was not willing to do so and [ entered something that wasn't to your fancy, then neither of us would be satisfied. Now, think this over, dopear, and let me know your feelings in regard to it. If I can see a good opening for office work, I may go to school next winter and review up on my business course, but if can't, I might get me a farm. It all depends on the answer I get from you T want you to be satisfied. If you wasn't, then you know how I would feel....] wish I could again enjoy the privilege of visiting at your house. It doesn’t look as though Lam going to enjoy any more of those cookies mother makes, at any rate in Australia. I hope I shall do so in Yankee land. My, wouldn't it be great to have the whole family go over. When Myrtle gets there | am thinking it won't be long before they will get there...Now, I want to caution you again about letting this worry you or work on you to the extent that it will cause you to get bad. You know when you come over home, I want to see you in the best of condition, so take care of vourself, dopear. You know, I have often told ‘you that your future happiness in a measure depends on the way in which you look afier ‘yourself now, so please do be careful. Always take advice from your mother and you swill get along all right... am glad you are leaving that work, for I can plainly see that it doesn't agree with you. Possibly the trip over to the Island would do you good, so I would suggest that you take it....When you speak of how deep your feelings go, S.H., imine is the same, and it just seems so hard to go away without seeing you. But, never mind, if we are only true and faithful to each other, then when we do meet how happy shat meeting will be.” “I thought it a good opportunity to write a few lines and see if I can offer or express a _few words of encouragement and comfort, for I can realize your feelings by now and the great disappointment that you received. But, I can say that 1 know you cannot feel it any worse than what I do. But, never mind, S.H., we have had an uphill pull ever since we met and it seems we are not through as yet, but nevertheless, let us be and prove faithful to each other We have done so this far and if that proper feeling is there, we can continue. Just think, a few more short months, then we shall be where no one will have a right to interfere with our personal feelings, but we shall be able to do as we desire. Lam heartsick and homesick but not for home, it is for Adelaide and the best girl that lives there. How I would have enjoyed another evening at your house and had the privilege of seeing you all again....Be good and cheer up, for you and I shall have our desires sometime, somewhere.”