FMI--Nuclear Stress Test

For the last few years, I have had a Dr. Fletcher, a cardiologist from Redding, who I see at and office in Susanville.  Once a year they do the following test.  I just had my third one.  I passed with flying colors although there is some evidence I may have had a heart attack on the backside of my heart.  (When Dr. Weston wanted to see my last stress test before doing the colon-rectal surgery, I told her I aced it.  When she was looking at it, she said, "Well, you did not exactly ace it, it is moderate.") The possible heart attack showed up last year also and it may have been that incident I had in winter of 1916-17.  He was very happy about the weight loss, I had no problem doing the treadmill, no stress at all.  He says he will let my San Diego team (Dr. Hemp) worry about the carotid artery which is supposed moderate at this time.  Dr, Fletcher is also the one who sent the gadget home with me to wear to determine my oxygen at this high altitude level.  I am fine in the daytime but not enough at night so I use the oxygen machine at night.  Sometimes I forget but I sleep much better and deeper with the oxygen.  Medicare pays for it.  I will see him again in November and then I suppose the following summer has another Nuclear Stress Test.  Every six months I have the blood test and he reviews the numbers.  He said there is no indication of anything wrong with my liver.  All numbers look ok except for the Cholesterol, of course.  333 but HDL is 81.  This is better than it has been, generally in the 360 range for the last 30 some years.  He is ok with me not using statins since my heart condition is familial and statins would not help much.  Keep my weight down and keep eating right!!

Nuclear stress test: What does it involve?

Last updated Thu 22 February 2018

By Christian Nordqvist

1.               

A nuclear stress test uses a small amount of radioactive substance to determine the health of the heart and blood flow to the heart.

The test aims to find out whether any areas of the heart muscle are not receiving enough blood flow during exercise. It is similar to the exercise stress test or pharmacological, or chemical, stress test.

It is also known at the thallium stress test, a myocardial perfusion scan, or a radionuclide test.

The test can be done while the patient is resting or doing exercise. The radioactive substance that is injected into the patient is called a radionuclide.

The test takes about 3 to 4 hours.

Although the patient is exposed to a small amount of radiation, the test is considered safe.

Benefits

During a nuclear stress test, the individual will exercise, a radioactive dye is injected, and then images are taken to assess the heart's health.

The nuclear stress test can help to diagnose a heart condition by giving vital information.

This data includes:

·        the size of the heart chambers

·        how well the heart is pumping blood

·        whether there is any damage to the heart

·        if there is any blockage or narrowing of the coronary arteries that provide blood to the heart

·        the effectiveness of any current treatment.

The test can also help determine whether the patient is suitable for a cardiac rehabilitation program, and if so, how hard they should exercise.

Nuclear stress test with exercise

In the nuclear stress test with exercise, a radionuclide, such as thallium or technetium, is injected into a vein in the hand or arm.

When the radionuclide has circulated through the blood stream, a gamma camera takes pictures of the heart while the patient is lying down. This is known as the "rest scan" of the heart.

The patient then moves onto a treadmill. The treadmill starts slowly and gradually picks up speed and incline, to simulate walking or running uphill.

At peak exercise, more radionuclide is injected into the patient. When the radionuclide has passed through the blood stream, the gamma camera takes more pictures of the heart. This is known as the "stress scan" of the heart.

The radionuclide helps to identify blocked or partially blocked arteries on the scans, because blocked arteries do not absorb the radionuclide into the heart. They are known as "cold spots."

Without exercise

Patients with severe arthritis may be unable to do the physical activity required in a test with exercise. These patients may do the chemical nuclear stress test

In a chemical stress test, the patient receives medications that either speed up the heart rate or dilate the arteries. The body responds in a similar way it would to exercise.

A radionuclide is injected into the patient's arm or hand while resting. When it has circulated through the bloodstream, a gamma camera takes pictures of the heart, while the patient is lying down motionless. As in the test with exercise, this is also known as the "rest scan" of the heart.

The doctor then administers a medication to either speed up the heart rate or dilate the arteries. When the peak heart rate is reached, the patient is injected again with a radionuclide.

When it has circulated throughout the bloodstream, the gamma camera takes more pictures. This phase of the procedure is called the "stress scan" of the heart.

As in the stress test with exercise, blocked or partly blocked arteries will show up as "cold spots."

The results may be superimposed with those of CT or MRI scans, to give a more complete picture.

Side effects

Possible complications and side effects include:

·        allergic reaction to the dye

·        abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias

·        fall in blood pressure during or after exercise, possibly leading to dizziness or faintness

·        chest pain

·        nausea

·        trembling

·        headache

·        flushing

·        shortness of breath

·        anxiety

In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that two drugs used in these tests, Lexiscan and Adenoscan, could increase the risk of heart problems during the test.

The drugs could cause blood to flow more effectively to unobstructed areas, leaving problem areas without blood. In rare cases, this could lead to a heart attack.

Anyone who has unstable angina or other cardiac instability may not be a suitable candidate to receive these drugs.

Radiation risk

Concerns have also been raised about the levels of radiation that a person is exposed to during nuclear medical tests, and whether or not this increases the risk of cancer.

Both the numbers of tests and cancer rates have risen in recent years, but it remains unclear whether they are linked.

The risk will depend on the age and sex of the patient, their existing health condition, the dose used, and precautions taken. Doctors are urged to used nuclear tests only if necessary.

Preparation

On the day of the test, it is important to wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity, including shoes for running or jogging, with non-skid soles.

Patients should come to the test ready to exercise

The patient will need to fast, meaning they consume no food or drink for since midnight before the test. They should not take any drinks containing caffeine, including tea, coffee, and sodas, in the 24 hours before the test. Some painkillers and chocolate also contain caffeine.

Some medications, such as those for angina or asthma, can alter the test results. The patient should discuss with their doctor whether to stop taking them before the test.

It is vital for patients to tell their physician exactly what medications they are taking, and only to stop them if the physician says so.

Patients must also tell the doctor if they have a pacemaker or defibrillator.

Patients who have taken medications for erectile dysfunction within 24 hours of the test should tell their doctor. These include Viagra, vardenafil, with the trade name Levitra, and Cialis, known as tadalafil.

Patients with diabetes who take insulin will be told how much insulin they should take on the test day. It will probably be less than their normal morning dose.

A person with diabetes cannot fast for too long, and they will probably be advised to have a light meal four hours before the test. Patients with diabetes must follow their doctor's instructions before and after the test.

Women should inform the doctor if she is, or could be, pregnant, or if she is breastfeeding.

The patient will have to sign a consent form, giving the medical team permission to carry out the procedure. It is important to read it carefully and ask any questions that raise doubts or concern.

Results

The doctor will discuss the results with the patient.

If there is normal blood flow during both rest and exercise, this suggests that the heart function is normal. The patient probably does not have coronary artery disease. In most cases, no further tests are required.

If there is normal blood flow during rest but abnormal blood flow during exercise, this indicates that a part of the patient's heart muscle is not getting enough blood during physical or strenuous activity. The patient probably has coronary artery disease, or blocked arteries.

Poor blood flow during exercise and at rest means that the heart is not getting enough blood. The patient might have had a previous heart attack, or they may have severe coronary artery disease.

If the radionuclide does not show up in some areas of the heart, there may be scar tissue, or damaged tissue, from a heart attack.

Patients whose hearts have inadequate blood flow may need to undergo coronary angiography, a test that uses dye and special X-rays to show the insides of the coronary arteries.

Patients with severe blockages in their arteries may need balloon angioplasty and stent placement, or a coronary artery bypass.

Masseys are at Moab

I myself do not remember being at Moab but I never knew there were these dinosaurs either.  Cute.  I think it is a hot day, maybe why they are not more excited?

Sarah Gets a New Companion and New Town

Parque Subercaseaux?  Is that really the name of the town?  Her new companion is from Argentina and she speaks perfect English but her native tongue has quite an accent so a challenge to understand.  Should help with Sarah's accent though, right?  Sarah really likes her.

She sent a picture of the chicken feet that the natives eat, but I did not share that picture.  Reminds of the pickled pig's feet our workers in Rancho Bernardo thought were such a delicacy.  To each his own!

Sarah said her new ward reminds her of her Carlsbad ward!!!  Interesting. She is so happy there but Sarah is pretty much a happy girl, makes a great missionary.

Massey Road Trip-Southern Utah-The Arches

Some Really Charming Pictures

Massey Road Trip and a Finding of Ancestors

The bright lights of Las Vegas.  The Masseys are headed for a wedding so stopped in Vegas for the night.  Lots of lights, noise, and smoky smells.  I haven't been there for years but it is always growing.

They also stopped in Bunkerville and learned a little about their ancestors.  Edward Bunker Sr. was one of the first settlers in 1877 and the town is named after him.  Richard liked going there in the summer because there were a lot of relatives still there when he was growing up.

This is a picture of  the monument dedicated tp Edward Bunker, Sr who lived from 1822 to 1901.  In a brief summary, he was born in Maine, left home at 19 and was baptized in Ohio where he was working in 1845. He went to Nauvoo where the Saints were being harassed at this time but he worked on the building of the Temple for a time and then joined the militia to help protect the Saints.   He met and married Emily in 1846  and they were living in Montrose and he was preparing to bring her West when they asked for volunteers for the Mormon Battalion for the Government to go to Mexico.  He completed the trip to San Diego and was released and traveled back and arrived in Salt Lake City in October of 1847 and then had to return to get his wife and new son who was now 11 months old.  They came out and settled in the Ogden, Utah area and then were later sent to settle Southern Utah where they lived until they were sent to Nevada in 1877 and founded Bunkerville.

He wrote his life story which can be found by clicking on the Hardy Family Histories to the side of this blog.   But at the end of his life story he concludes:

"In conclusion, I would say that now at the age of 72 I am resting from my labors and am associated with a goodly portion of my family, having in all three wives, 28 children, seventeen boys and eleven girls. Three girls and two boys have died. I also have seventy grandchildren, sixty-one of whom are living and two great-grandchildren."

Actually it was his son Edward Bunker Jr. who, at the time of the writing (1994) of this life story, was the Bishop of Bunkerville and who was called "Bishop Bunker" and written about in the Ensign..

Edward Bunker Sr would be the Great-Great-Great Grandfather.of the Massey Children.  Lineage is Keira, Meagan, John, Vida, Calista, Edward Bunker Sr and his wife Emily Abbott (no 1 wife).

Father's Day Talk by Linda, 2018

Linda did not have time to give all of this talk at her ward, but that is the nice thing about typing it out is that you can preserve what you wrote.   I like saving these and want to find how I can get scanned talks on here without retyping them.  I have many saved talks of family and relatives that I want saved and reread by others because their thoughts are important to pass on.  My blog is like a journal to me that I can go back and read whenever I want to remember a memory.  Thanks for sending Linda.  Memories are forever.  Love it.

Fathers,

I was asked to talk about fathers and the plan of salvation. It’s been a joy to ponder the life and example of my own father that passed away over twenty years ago. His father passed away when he was just eleven. He was the youngest of 3 brothers and his mother worked very hard to raise 3 boys alone. Money was scarce and life was hard. I think that at some point in my father's life he made a decision that his own children would never have to experience the same hardships he did.

You would never see my dad on a golf course. He worked long hours, but was never too busy to drop whatever he was doing when someone was in need. He owned his own business and often hired people not because they would be an asset to him and his company but because he could provide an opportunity to train and give them some skills they couldn’t get somewhere else. I remember one young man that he hired, who had no desirable work skills. But my father gave him a car to drive and simple tasks and errands that he could perform. This young man wasn’t very responsible and at one point he even stole some tools from my dad. But, my father never got angry or talked poorly about him, and he didn’t let him go, he knew he was a troubled youth without a father or anyone to guide him, and he saw a chance for him to make a difference in someone’s life. 

On vacations, all his attention went to making sure we were having a good time.   Later in life, I remember someone asking my Father what his worst vacation was, and he related this month-long camping trip that he and my mother had planned, driving from San Diego to Montana with camping equipment strapped to the top of the family station wagon, stopping to visit extended family, picking up cousins along the way to join in our adventure. Of course, I was stunned and a little heartbroken, that this vacation wasn’t as wonderful for him as it was for me. I had nothing but wonderful memories of us driving, singing and giggling as a family, Dad setting up the campsite, mom cooking the meals. Even stopping at the laundry mat and sitting out front with an ice cream cone were happy memories for me. Now, of course, as a parent, I can see why this might not have been his favorite vacation. But it was never about him it was always about us having a good time.

My father was not one to discipline, he taught us by example and expected us to do the right thing. I can only remember one time that I really knew my father was disappointed in me. I was a teenager, it was a Saturday night, I was getting ready for the church dance. Since I had a car to drive, it wasn’t unusual to get calls from other kids asking for a ride to the dance. On this particular Saturday night, I got a call from someone I didn’t want to particularly ride with, so I made up an excuse why I wouldn’t be able to drive them. As soon as I got off the phone, my father appeared around the corner and let me know very sternly, that as long as I was living in his house, driving his car, with his gas money I would give this person and anyone else that called a ride to the dance. I got the message and never forgot it.

I can picture our own Father in Heaven looking down from above thinking the same thing….Everything we have is a gift from God and is largely unmerited, I can imagine his disappointment when what little He asks in return seems like too much. I can only imagine the love of our Heavenly Father as I contemplate the love I have for my own children. We may be disappointed at times, but there is nothing more powerful than the love of a parent. Our Heavenly Father is always there, watching, guiding, hoping that we choose to recognize his watching and protective care over us.

In Primary, we sing  a beautiful song about our Heavenly Fathers Plan for us:

I lived in heaven a long time ago, it is true;

Lived there and loved there with people I know. So did you.

Then Heavenly Father presented a beautiful plan,

All about earth and eternal salvation for man.

Father said he needed someone who had enough love,

To give his life so we all could return there above,

There was another who sought for the honor divine.

Jesus said, “Father, send me, and the glory be thine.”

Jesus was chosen, and as the Messiah, he came,

Conquering evil and death through his glorious name,

Giving us hope of a wonderful life yet to be

Home in that heaven where Father is waiting for me.

I love that the gospel is so simple that a Primary child can understand it, yet so deep that we can never stop learning.

Growing up, the Plan of Salvation, or Plan of Happiness as we call it, looked like a wonderful gift, perfectly wrapped. How wonderful, that our Heavenly Father loved us so much, that he created this beautiful earth, gave us bodies to master, families to love us, prophets to guide us, scriptures to help us remember, priesthood ordinances to bind us to Him and Savior to save us from all our weakness so that we could indeed live with our Father in Heaven again. After some life experience, this perfect plan looks more like a puzzle with lots of pieces. I can see the picture on the box and I have faith that all these pieces will come together someday if I just keep working on it. Some pieces fit together beautifully. Some pieces look like they fit, but they don’t. Some pieces look like they belong in a different box. Despite our best intentions and inner confidence, we look at pieces of the puzzle and ask ourselves “What is this for? Or How does this fit?” But it’s ok, our growth in this life comes from working on the puzzle, and having faith and joy in the process of bringing it together.

Perhaps your own story looks more like a broken puzzle than a neatly wrapped package. Maybe the fathers in your life were absent physically or emotionally and you've had to do some personal work exercising forgiveness, patience, and a new perspective.

One of the things I enjoyed about serving down at MCRD was hearing the stories of these young men when they first show up as 18 and 19-year-old boys scared to death with a drill sergeant breaking down every ounce of pride and confidence they once had. It was very common to hear stories of absent fathers and lack of a mentor and or role model to guide these young men in their formative years. It was humbling to watch these young men transform under the discipline and commandry of the Marines along with the ministering and mentoring of good priesthood leaders leading them back to God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was joyful to watch as these young men accepted God in their life, graduated with a new perspective and confidence in themselves as men and future husbands and fathers, with the gospel to lead them into a bright future.

Fortunately, our Heavenly Father has given us wonderful instructions for structuring our lives and putting together our best selves. Those instructions work regardless of our age or circumstance. He has given us the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He has given us the Plan of Salvation, even the Plan of Happiness. He has not left us alone with all the uncertainties or challenges of life, saying, “Here you go. Good luck. Figure it out.”

If we will only be patient and look with a humble heart and an open mind, we will find that God has given us many tools to better understand His comprehensive instructions for our happiness in life:

·        He has given us the priceless gift of the Holy Ghost,

·        He has given us modern-day apostles and prophets,
·        He has restored His Church— and the authority to bind or seal on earth and in heaven.
·        He has given us the holy scriptures—His written word to us.

Heavenly Father has given us this support because He loves us. He said of Himself, “This is My work and My glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”

This does not mean, however, that our lives will be without paradoxes, heartbreak and opposition. In the scriptures, we read: “It must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things”. Agency and obedience, for example, are two foundation principles that are in tension with each other. It is in the struggle to be obedient while maintaining integrity, to have faith while being true to reason and evidence, to serve and love in spite of imperfections and even offenses that teach us how to act and not merely be acted upon as we allow divine power to enter our lives in transforming ways. While our Heavenly Father’s plan may be perfect, the work we do in this life is not. Perhaps it is the work that we do during times of conflict, opposition, and brokenness that we allow ourselves to be humble enough to seek the Lord's help in acquiring divinely needed gifts such as patience, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness.

We can learn much from Book of Mormon fathers as they strived to teach their children the gospel. Lehi sent his sons back to Jerusalem to get the brass plates or the “words of their fathers.” He knew how important the words of their fathers would be to future generations, exhorting “them with all the feeling of a tender parent that they would hearken to his words”.  Book of Mormon fathers constantly reminded their sons of saving truths and bore their testimonies to their sons. King Benjamin counseled “Remember that these sayings are true, and also that these records are true, I would that ye should search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby.” Alma bore witness to his son Helaman saying “I do know, and the knowledge which I have is of God”. Helaman’s talk with his sons produces one of the most memorable verses of the Book of Mormon “And now, my sons, remember, remember, that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation.”

These Book of Mormon fathers knew that their children needed to know the scriptures, they needed to know the plan of salvation, they needed to know about the atonement, the resurrection, judgment and eternal life.

As I pondered the example of my own pioneer ancestors, their lives were a testimony of their love for God, the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the gospel. I feel blessed that I have a quite lengthy letter from my great-grandfather to his son. In the letter he related the life of his father. So, this is a letter from a father to a son, about his grandfather. Who was my great, great-grandfather?  Sylvester Earl, who, at 21, accepted the gospel in Far West Missouri, where the Saints were gathering. He was ordained an Elder by Hyrum Smith and received a blessing from Joseph Smith before he left on his mission, that his tongue would be loosed…and that he would bring many souls to the knowledge of the truth. He wrote of many of their troubles and hardships as they traveled from Nauvoo across the plains to Salt Lake, and then of his call to help settle Utah’s Dixie. They finally settled in Pine Valley where he lived until his death years later, but before he passed away he lay unconscious for 36 hours and then awoke and called his wife, his brother and his son to his bedside and slowly related what had happened while his body lay in unconsciousness. “I have been to the world of spirits, I have seen the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum, they are very busy men. I saw many others that I knew. I walked the streets of their beautiful cites and saw many people. I wish to leave my dying testimony that we are not deceived, that my family is not deceived. This is the work of the Lord that we have embraced. Joseph Smith is one of the mightiest prophets that ever graced this earth. Brigham Young is the right man to lead this People.” the letter continues and then again ends with the father's testimony to his son. What greater gift can a father leave his posterity than the testimony of his faith in Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, the atonement, resurrection, and eternal life.

In closing, since I’m the one speaking, I get to give a shout out to the father of my own children. The love that my children have for their father now is a testament to the kind of dad he was and is. It never mattered what Gary was doing, he always wanted his children by his side. Whether he was working around the house, serving in the church, running to the store, or having fun with his toys, he wanted his children right there next to him. They were opportunities for him to teach by example and show them that he loved them. When we once asked our children why they weren’t more disobedient, one said: “I didn’t want to disappoint dad, I knew how much it would upset him.” 

They have happy memories of their dad going on their scout trips and visiting girls camp, a few of them commented that “he was the cool dad, everyone wished they had.” Another said, “I loved when dad would do trivia with us while driving in the car, he is sooo smart!" Sarah, our missionary said,  “He is my inspiration out here for being sweetly bold with our investigators. Dad always knows how to tell people how to get work done, or do the right thing with power, but at the same time just being super motivating with love.”  

Carole

Carole sent a picture of her complexion after a month of using No. 7 Boots anti-aging serum!!!  Wow, I am going to get some.  It looks wonderful.  I told her she should send them a before and after picture and maybe they will pay her for an endorsement.

Where Was Richard?

Last week Maria and Mitch were looking for Richard's Grave at the El Camino Memorial Park.  They called me and I gave them the directions I knew.  Finally I sent them pictures from our 2015 meeting there and they could see where it was located by the other buildings and such in the distance.

Strangely Maria was sitting right by it and Mitch said, "I am looking at it and it is not there, Grandma, do they ever take them out?"

He put down his pencil and felt it and then he began to pull away the long grass and mounds of dirt.

I notice in the upper right hand corner it looks like one above is also sinking into the ground.

I know we stopped digging for the vase as it kept getting buried long ago, now the tombstone, too?

I called the El Camino office and was immediately put with Rebecca who had been there for 21 years.  Richard was buried in 1996, 22 years ago.  She said she only knew of one other time that this had happened.  She apologized profusely and said she would send a crew out and do whatever needed to be done.  She did say that they had started using recycled water in January and there were more vitamins, etc in it and the grass was growing much more.  Mitch said it seemed very wet and soggy in that area.  She also said they were putting in a new system of maintenance which she thinks will prevent that happening again.  She also said she would call me and tell me what they find the problem is.  So far she has not called so I will make that call this week.

Thank goodness Mitch needed to write a paper about cemeteries or it might not have been discovered until when????  

She did say whenever you cannot find a plot immediately to come to the office or call their number and they will send someone out to find it for you.

For future reference, it is lot 167, space E and F (for me, too) in the Cumorah Lawn hill.  There is a beautiful large tree to the left of it.

Nico, The Second Youngest Great Grandchild

Meagan just sent me this happy picture of Nico.  Doesn't he look pleased to be riding this elephant, just like it was real.  Such a joy, that boy.

Sharing Thoughts from Maria, James and Linda about their Father on Father's Day, 2018

Maria worked closely with Richard as his assistant for several years and she knew best about his business troubles and how he struggled to make everything work during that last fiasco which destroyed his financial world and probably his life.  She wrote a beautiful long talk about Richard which is in his memoirs.  Let me share just the ending for this Father's Day.  She was living in another city at this time.

"I never worked for Dad after all that, it was pretty disheartening to be a part of such a difficult time, it caused us a lot of stress not only because we worked there but seeing how difficult it was for Mom and Dad.  Dad tried hard to shield Mom from how bad things were but she knew.  I wrote in my journal one day during that time that Mom had started crying to me because of all the problems that were going on and the frustration she felt toward Dad. it really scared me because my mom never cries, in fact, I only saw her cry one other time in my life.

Dad did his best to make the project work, but too many things were working against him, he didn't have a chance.  Constantly putting more money in so they could get it done and get out.  Those who were involved with him, his investors, those who stayed close to what was going knew it also.  Even through all that, even through the money the investors lost, and the fiasco of the project, his investors, his clients, still think the world of him.  Once the project started, there was no quitting, it had to be seen through to the end.  He couldn't have walked away if he wanted to, there were so many loose ends that needed to be tied up for any of the partners to walk away, it wasn't just Dad, they were all stuck like glue to the bitter end.  It was definitely these projects that financially ruined Dad.

Interestingly enough though, the worse things got, the more Dad read and shared his insights and testimony.  When I was having a difficult time with money and he felt bad that he had none to give, he had great wisdom to share instead.  He always stayed positive in his views and was a wonderful example of perseverance, integrity, and courage.  

My Dad may have died penniless, but he was wealthy to me, wealthy in all the things that mattered."

I found this from a talk that James gave in 2001.  I think it is beautiful the way he talked about Richard's testimony.  The talk was on Testimony.

"In preparing for this talk I thought of my Dad who passed away a few years ago.  He lived a successful life in business and as a father and as a husband.  He enjoyed a full life of boats, cars, dream homes, and dream vacations. Yet toward the end of his life, his business was not as successful.  His net worth was dismal and his car was less than desirable. Yet I believe his last years he spent reflecting on his life.  Wondering at times if he had done all he could.  Wondering at times if he had accomplished all that he should have. 

 A few years before he passed away he was called as a Temple worker.  He told me when he was first called he was concerned that he didn't have time, with his business being less than optimal, but he had never turned down a call.  While at the Temple often his thoughts were focused on his life.  The example he had lived, the people whose life he had touched and served.  He was a great missionary who bared his testimony often. I think of what he left and what he took to the other side.  He left his testimony.  And he took his testimony.  And today he is still busy about his Father's business."

Linda gave a wonderful Father's Day talk a few years ago and included a little about Richard's background so I am including it as well as her thoughts about him to show how it probably influenced how he became the charitable and kind person he was.

"To give a little background of my Dad, his own father passed away when he was just 11 years old.  He was the youngest of 3 brothers and his mother worked very hard to raise 3 boys alone.  Money was scarce and life was hard.  I think that at some point in my father's life he made a decision that his own children would never have to experience the same hardships he did. And he did accomplish that goal.  My father worked very hard to provide his family with the things that he so desired as a child. But at the same time, it was also very important to him that we knew that the material things we enjoyed in this life in no way made us better or worse than someone else.   I received very few scoldings from my father but I do remember him being very disappointed in me when in my youth I didn't want to give someone a ride to the dance.  He made it very clear that as long as I was living in his house and driving his cars that I would give this person and any other person that called a ride to the dance.  He was a very generous and non-judgemental person.  If we spoke unkindly about someone's behavior or looks he would point out that we don't know enough about that person's background to make assumptions about this person and the things he does or doesn't do. 

 He was never too busy to help someone who needed him and I never heard him speak unkindly of anyone.  He owned his own business and often hired people not because they would be an asset to him and his company but because he could provide an opportunity to train this person and give them some skills they couldn't get somewhere else.  I remember one young man that he hired who had no desirable work skills.  But my father gave him a car to drive and simple tasks and errands that he could perform.  This young man was not very responsible and at one point he even stole from my Dad.  But my father never got angry or talked poorly about him, and he did not let him go.  He knew he was a troubled youth without a father or anyone to guide him, and he saw a chance for him to make a difference in someone's life.  His attitude was that if someone stole from him, they probably needed it more than he did.  

My Dad was a great example of a person with charity.  He was always more concerned with other's needs than his own."

My Husband on Father's Day, 2018

I guess it is natural I would marry a man who was also kind, caring and gentle.  I used to tell my Mom I wanted to marry someone like Dad and she would say, well, it takes time to become that person, they have lots to learn even when they get married.

Nevertheless,  the thing that attracted me to Richard was his caring way and how kind he was to everyone.  From the night we met he made me feel that I was so important to him and he was not letting me go to anyone else and he would take care of me.  That was that. 

Six weeks later he made it happen, we married.  It was not until he had his first heart attack that I realized I could not be "taken care of" forever, I needed to grow up and be a partner and less his burden, not make it more.  He used to always call the babysitter and do anything else I did not want to do.  For instance, scrub the kitchen floor. 

 

Of course, I did the yard work, he did not like that.  And I was a good wife, who did all the things wives in the fifties were expected to do, much more than most think is necessary today, but he took care of me and tried always to do what I asked of him.  Actually, he always used to take my car and get it gassed, even when I had been a career woman for years.  He was always kind and of service.  Resting on the couch? and I needed something, he would willingly go...always of service.

I surely learned to take care of myself, 22 years now...but always, even in those last years when things were so hard and I was not a happy camper a lot of the time and I gained so much weight doing work I did not enjoy in the mortgage business and seeing our world fall apart with the business disasters, he would tell me he loved me, most every day.

 In the Temple, those last three or four years of his life whenever we would chance to meet in our service there, he would immediately whisper in my ear how beautiful I was or tell me he loved me.  He was a caring man.  And he was a caring father, a good father, a good example of work ethics and faithfulness and dutifulness.  He cared so for his Mother and his brother's family and his office workers and anyone else in need.

My Father on Father's Day, 2018

My Dad was such a gentle man, he did not say too much but was always there to listen or just be there.  In these pictures he would have been about 57 or 58 even though he looks older.  He and Mom had driven to be with me after I broke up with Bill in San Diego in 1959.

He loved sports and when I was a junior my friends and I had boyfriends on the football team and he would drive us to games that were far away (in Montana everything is far away) and put up with us.  My friends all thought he was amazing.  I think it was a tournament in Billings, maybe basketball, and we stayed overnight in a hotel and he actually surpervised us.  He did not have a friend with him or Mom.  Just him.  And I am one of six children.

You can tell he was not a Californian, so white.  But he was never overweight but he never exercised like the guys do today, just hunted and fished and often walked to work.

Hey, how about that white glove effect, we often wore the gloves and that is a dress I made.  I made most of my clothes for awhile in my life.   What a dear man with many gifts and abilities but always humble and kind and thoughtful of others.