The Sweetest Story Ever Told

I've heard it said so many times
In books I've read it too
It's always how the story ends
These words are nothing new.

"And so they were married
And lived happily ever after."
Then life is filled with golden hours
Of sunshine, joy, and laughter.

As if the climax has been reached
The conquest is now through
As if something "magic happens"
When you say the words, "I do."

Tho' you have high hopes of perfect bliss
With great anticipation
There is bound to be mixed in with this
Some feelings of deflation!

For when wedding bells start ringing
That's when school begins
You may think that you are getting out
But you have jumped back in.

Before you realize it
You will find that you enlisted
To take a lot of courses
That you never knew existed.

You've learned to keep a budget
That two can live as cheap as one
But you'll toss that theory out the window
Deflation -- number one.

Instead of bringing gifts and flowers
If I am not mistaken
You'll find it's quite a struggle
To keep bringing home the bacon.

You'll give a lot of hours
To your "Family Living" Class
You'll adjust yourself -- unmold yourself
In hopes that you might pass.

When he comes home late for dinner
It takes a lot of pride
To spread a smile across your face
When you don't feel that way inside.

But if he forms this habit
And you'd like to be the winner
You too, must form the habit
Of serving warmed-up beans for dinner.

Those many midnight hours you spent
To rate a better score
Will be replaced -- then multiplied
As you pace the nursery floor.

You've learned a lot of formulas
You may have thought that you were through
But boiled water, milk and syrup
Will cause deflation number two.

It's this steady pace that gets you
You may decide that you can't take it
But you don't drop classes in this school
There's no way to escape it.

And no matter how you work at it
You'll realize too late
That there's just no use in cramming
'Cause you'll never graduate.

Ponder this -- in deepest thought
As you pursue this school of life
Where lies the rich fulfillment
For you -- as man and wife.

It's clapping hands together
While thoughts and hopes are blending
It's watching plans materialize
That will be never ending.

One always has to keep a dream
That hasn't yet come true
One always has to keep a star
To tell his wishes to.

So grasp the challenges at hand
Work toward your goal
Give each day the best you have
You'll make the honor roll!

Tell her often that you love her
'Tis the sweetest story told
May you look back on this day and say
I'm glad that I enrolled.

Written for Maribah Ann Winsor and Leo John Stephenson
Wedding reception: June 8, 1968

Orvetta's thoughts: Maribah was one of my Laurels I taught.

To Linda and Richard

Where do all the hours go
How quickly they slip by
Ever moving, passing on
Like drifting clouds across the sky.

Could some pass my unnoticed?
Seems only yesterday
We saw you just a little girl
Happy, carefree, gay.

Skipping down life's highway
Picking summer flowers
Then school & books, then plans & hopes
Began to fill your hours.

And as you went along your path
There was a little boy too
Traveling down his path of life
With plans and hopes like you.

And now you've found each other
Your new life has begun
Your paths have joined together
And blended into one!

Your eyes are fastened to the stars
Beheld in fascination
Your thoughts behold tomorrow
With sweet anticipation!

Beginnings are so beautiful
Unmarred, untouched, new
Like rising dawn unfolding
Cleansed by early dew.

No word has yet been spoken
The music's still unheard
Dreams lay waiting to come true
Still silent - undisturbed.

Seeds of kindness, warmth & love
Are still as yet, unsown
The laughter and the joys ahead
Are still to you - unknown.

Life's beauty waits to be revealed
In gorgeous colors - rare
Each golden hour lays dormant
For you to fill and share.

You're standing on your threshold
And only you will see
Just what the future holds for you
Because you hold the key.

May you turn the sweetest music on
And may the words you say
Spread warmth and love and kindness
Through every passing day.

The beauty that surrounds you
Together you'll discover
The laughter and the joys
May you share with one another.

The dawn of life is beautiful
The sunset may be too
It depends upon what lies between
And that is up to you!

For though hours are quick in passing
None go unnoticed though
They're ever molding, ever weaving
Life's pattern as they go.

May God be with you always
May your choicest dreams come true
May the golden hours you fill through life
Build happiness for you!

June 9, 1967

You Told Me You Would Get Him

You told me you would get him
A long long time ago
In fact if I remember right
About 6th grade or so

His hair was white as cotton
A dimple in his chin
I really couldn't figure out
Just what you saw in him

But you liked the way he grabbed your books
Or broke your pencil lead
It seemed no matter what he'd do
Your face would turn so red

Then as he started growing up
He really did look neater
And every day you seemed to him
To grow a little sweeter

High school days were crowded
For with athletic things
Jim was always on his way
To meet the other teams

You liked the way he stood around
And lingered near your locker
You didn't like the coaches look
That said it's time to drop her

And oh how he could move that ball
Jim Warnick was so quick
It wasn't long until he made
That other kid look sick

Well, basketball was over now
And with time passing on
Somehow your feelings held for Jim
Had grown to be so strong

You didn't need a moonlit night
Or shining stars above
Nor music softly playing
To know you were in love

Just anywhere you seemed to meet
On bus rides, dragging main
Washing dishes, tending kids,
These feelings stayed the same

And then he went away to school
To study and to learn
Oh how lonely were your days
Until he would return

And weeks and months kept drifting by
But never did you tire
Of planning out just what you'd do
To fill your heart's desire

And then he went away to work
Now wasn't that a pity
But you found lots of things to do
Right in that same city

I know when you make up your mind
To what you want to do
Somehow - someway - you always win
And Jim will learn this too

And so this dream has now come true
This amber gold September
I know this day, this month this year
You always will remember

You said you want a family large
'Bout 8, 10, or a dozen
May all these hopes and dreams come true
Are these wishes from your cousin

Wedding reception of Evelyn & Jim

Sherri

Have you heard the news of Sherri
It didn't surprise us though
She's caused her mother worry
For she knew that she would hurry
And look around and find herself a beau.

For years & years & years she's had her mind set -
That when that certain someone came along
There would be no hesitating
Just no need in waiting
To turn her life to romance, dance, and song.

While Sherri started thinking
Of college, books, and grades
Or finding work out in the world
To get some money made.

Her thoughts somehow grew different
She somehow changed her plan
She put her time is studying
Just how to catch that man.

So when summer months are coming
And the roses burst in bloom
When the bees & birds were humming
Underneath the yellow moon.

Sherri's eyes began to twinkle
Everything was going fine
She knew that she had made her catch
He had swallowed hook and line.

She had to shout if everywhere
She loved this guy named Mitch
And she knew within a few short months
They were going to be hitched.

Now Sherri has had many loves
Throughout her life so far
She's idolized her brother Dave
Her horses and her car.

But since she's found this new love
Oh how her taste has switched
She said that if she had to
She'd trade them all for Mitch.

Love must be something magic
The changes it can bring
It turns a plain world right side up
Turns winter into spring.

It adds the glisten to the snow
Rings bells in someone's head
The days and nights turn into one
At least that's what Sherri said.

I'm glad her world's so beautiful
May it always be as rich
I know that it will be because
She found this guy named Mitch.

To Annette

As I see you here before me, all arrayed in white
I visualize the path you've walked, to this your wedding night.
You set your goals and you've worked for them, from the early years of your youth
Your aim has been high as you've searched for the beautiful light and truth.
For you have been looking for someone with the same ideals as you,
Someone who'd want you forever, who saw life the way that you do.
I know this hasn't been easy, there have been stumbling blocks all around.
But your steps have been sure and steadfast,
And your happiness -- you have found.
And now as I see the stars in your eyes, your heart so full of emotion,
One thrilling thought envelops me, time will bring deeper devotion.
Your foot steps shall know the same rhythm in this new life you've begun,
Your ears shall hear the same music, your thoughts will unite as one.
No --- happiness doesn't just fall on all, as rain from heaven pours.
It comes to those who deserve it, it will be eternally yours.

Husband & Wife

And so they decide to get married
The biggest step in one's life
And down the road
Let come what may
They just want to be husband & wife.

Dear Parents

Dear Parents,

I would like to express to you some of my deeper feelings that never seem to get said and yet so much a part of me.

I have always been so grateful for the many wonderful qualities you possess and is there a better time that Christmas when love and beauty flows from all mens hearts to let you know what flows from mine.

To you Dad - how proud I am of a handsome father. From my very beginning this has been so much a prideful part of me. Here you are seventy-six and one of the neatest dressed men ever. I appreciate the effort you take in looking special always.

And you know, Dad, to me one of the greatest qualities you possess is your genuine interest in others - your deep concern about your fellowman, your nation, your kinfolk - family.

It matters not who you chance to meet you show a great interest in them. No wonder you have the talent for a great conversationalist.

And always have i been aware of your systematic way of living. Would that all could develop this one trait - how much better the world would be.

I have always considered you a successful person financially. Realizing that from your boyhood you have struggled on your own to get your education and make your own way in life. These experiences have made you aware of the value of being practical. Your wisdom has taught me much as I walk my way in life!

To you Mother - if I should just reach out and grasp a few words which best describes you, I must first of all take unselfish. For always your concern has been for others. Along with this I must think of sweetness and warmth. Just to step inside your door and one can feel the smile of welcome. No one ever could compare to your warm hospitality.

So noticeable is your quick energy and great enthusiasm. This enthusiasm has kept your life so meaningful.

And so expressive of you is your sense of humor. It has always kept laughter ringing in our hearts! I shall always remember that Irish twinkle in your blue eyes.

How very proud I have been of your creativeness of thought and philosophies. You have given me a realization of something greater - beyond my earthly habitat. Through your eyes I have seen the beautiful!

There seems to be no way to end this for as my pen flows so does my heart.

So to you both my thanks for the heritage that is mine! May I so live to be worthy of it!

Your Daughter,
Orvetta

December 21, 1965
Delta, Utah

Response Letter:

Dearest Orvetta,

I can't think of beautiful words to express appreciation like you did to us, but I must say you are a gifted writer and it is wonderful to have a daughter who has inspiration flow through the channel of Holiness which I new came to you. It is a great blessing unto me to know our other daughters write poetry and can be close in communion with the Divine who stands ready to give assistance like you received. I was going to ask you to send a copy of each of your poems and writings you have been asked to give on different occasions, and now I have this other writing of your sentiments to us most beautifully expressed. You have other qualities, such as good business abilities and we enjoy and appreciate such a daughter. So I will treasure this Christmas message and hope to receive your other poems to add along with this, and thanks more than words can express.

Love always, From Mother and Dad

Geneva's thoughts: I have a copy of a little letter I wrote to Orvetta when she sent us the Christmas message in 1965 when we were living in Salt Lake at the Wilson Hotel. But I feel I shouldn't even keep a copy of what I wrote when it isn't anything beautiful at all but it does acknowledge her lovely appreciative statements.

Those Were The Good Old Days

When I was just a little girl I sat at Grandma's knee
And listened to her tell the tales of how it used to be
And now that I'm a grandma I find to my surprise
My little ones look up to me with wide and wondering eyes

For my days are as strange to them as Grandma's was of old
And they simply cannot comprehend the stories I have told
No kleenex then to blow our nose, no paper towel invention
And we used that big thick catalogue for what - I dare not mention

And when winter winds grew chilly we raced to the outhouse fast
For we bounced and jiggled in our home as long as we could last
We didn't go to doctors much, for when anyone got sick
We used old family remedies and we got better quick

A mustard plaster on our chest, vicks pushed up our nose
I'm telling you we went to bed a smelling like a rose
Mama put that big rock in the oven and there it stayed all day
Gathering heat for our little feet as we'd sleep the night away

And that big old number three tub across the kitchen floor
Put there every Saturday night for six or eight or more
The littlest always got it last and I was one of those
Freshly starched and hanging there, our Sunday homemade clothes

They heard of every Sunday morn when sacrament was passed
How everybody took a sip of that one big heavy glass
And baptism day was different then, we'd freeze and we would shiver
Not adorned in all white clothes and they dipped us in the river

Now "Shaves and Haircuts six bits" was a saying true
We traded an egg for a sucker, five cents bought an ice cream cone too
A bag of salt cost the very same as a ticket for the show
I remember this so very well - Mama wouldn't let me go

She said she needed our last ten cents for a bag of salt tomorrow
But I begged and pleaded desperately, I put her through such sorrow
"If I have to miss that show," I said, "I'll never be content"
At that she gave me her last dime and to that show I went

I sat there on the edge of my seat, my heart was beating fast
I watched the two bill and coo 'til she got kissed at last!
I couldn't wait for Christmas for I knew that there would be
A great big juicy orange tucked into the toe for me!

On Mondays when each wash day came I knew what we'd have for dinner
On that little old monkey stove, down the stairs, a pot of beans would simmer
She put drops of bluing in the last tub, cooked the starch 'til it was thick
Started melting Naptha soap, 'twas a smell I can't forget!

I pumped the old player piano, my tiny feet pressed on with glee
While Mama's voice, in the background, echoed sweet harmony
Yes, music rang out in our humble home, she whistled as she worked through the day
My sisters and I, cuddling three in a bed, would sing the night away

And the birds sang their rapturous good morning, waking us up so soon
The croaking frogs and the crickets - sang on by the light of the moon
Sunflowers dotted our clovered fields as far as the eye could see
The hollyhocks standing wherever they chose, sweet fragrance returns now to me

We were three times a day at the table, everyone gathered there
Be it hot mush or our bread and gravy, never a vacant chair
And now as I've gone down through memory lane telling about our ways
I just have to end my story with, "Those were the good old days"!!!

March 1999

Mother's Day Program

It's a pleasure for me to express appreciation to my mother this morning.

I feel that I owe much of my life's patterns to her.

From my earliest beginning, Mother showed me a life of beauty, and love, and a natural understanding of God who is the creator of all the beauty around us.

And how deeply rooted our early impressions are.

Yet through my maturing years I was never forced nor dominated by her belief. I am sure that I must have caused her many anxious moments through my faltering year. Yet my mother was always quiet, gentle. Her silence indicated her trust and faith she had in me. She gave me the opportunity to walk my own path and make my own decisions.

Given at a Mother's Day Program, 1970

When We Kinfolks Get Together

When we kinfolks get together there's excitement in the air
For there is a special feeling that we all together share.

We know that we are each a leaf upon the family tree
And as leaves have their resemblance, so alike are we.

As years have blended one by one, these family traits so strong
Have bound us close together. We feel that we belong.

There's a bit of wit and humor, the laughing Irish eyes
The artist's hand that captures God's beauty from the skies.

We're a people full of warmth and love for God and fellowman
Musicians and composers are spread throughout our clan.

The strains from Grandpa's violin has floated through each year
Until it's rhythm comes again through all his children here.

When a mother looks upon her child she feels no greater joy
Than seeing family traits appear in her little girl or boy.

May we be forever grateful, may we each do our part
To keep alive this heritage of music, culture, art.

Though there's no great wealth of earthly goods we're rich as we can be
I'm glad that I became a leaf upon this family tree.

Composed for the Joshua Holden Cook Family Reunion
August 5, 1967
Delta, UT