[Tucson-Thatcher]

A leisurely trip in the morning, then a shopping trip on the way through Tucson--shoes and shirts for me, a jacket and blouse for Marian. We visited with David awhile, then on to Thatcher. This is retirement day. We checked into the motel, then soon went to Thatcher Stake Center where the banquet and evening-with-a-General-Authority-telelecture would be, plus a short awards session. It was so great to meet with old friends--so many familiar faces--so wonderful to see them and hug them again. (Haven't been set apart yet!) Needless to elaborate, or name names. no way! So many and so happy.

The banquet was the standard banquet. I ended up with my slice of roast beef covered in cole slaw--yukk! The company was great. the telelecture was President Howard W. Hunter, and he sat and gave priceless instruction. It was memorable. (So was the specter of Sam Peterson sleeping beside him!)

Following the telelecture the physical fitness awards were presented, 20-year awards to a couple of men and wives, 30-year awards to 3--Halls, Andersens and Davidsons. Then Charlie Beckert had Marian and me come up to the stand. He said a bunch of nice things, then had Marian speak, then me. She did great. She told of her appreciation, told of our mission call, told of her testimony. I was reeal proud of her. I fumbled and said something. Then a flood of well-wishes after, and back to the motel. We had several visits there, too.

OH--our retirement gift is a 48 pound bronze statue of a teacher teaching. It's beautiful. My appreciation to the CES is only increased in this retirement! We will lose income for the rest of our lives, but we will be all right. And, the Lord wants us to serve there now. So what is the sacrifice?