Brother & Sister Pickering

Dear Brother and Sister Pickering,

It is a pleasure to express thoughts of appreciation to you - because it will be so easy, sincere, and from the heart.

When I said "Yes" to Sam - and became Mrs. Samuel B. Groom on December 29, 1987, I anticipated the many changes that would come into my life.

One of the greatest highlights has been working in the St. George temple, and a big part of that has been getting to know you, Brother and Sister Pickering, our supervisors.

To you, Sister Pickering, in my memory I shall always see your black popping eyes, expressing the enthusiasm that lies within your soul. Your love of life radiates - your quick steps - (and excuse me, your tiny waist) make up the part of you I will remember.

And then when I add to this the "always" smile of you, Brother Pickering, I see before my eyes the scripture, "Let your light so shine . . . (and) glorify your Father, which is in Heaven." To me this is the gospel ("good news"). We should be the happiest people on earth and we should show it - and you do!


In Appreciation

All things come to pass, they say
And soon you will move on
To other heights of service
You'll always carry on!

These are thoughts I'll keep of you
They'll always be a part
Of special memories I'll hold
Tucked deep within my heart.

Always we would find you there
Steadfast and early too!
Gleaning and rearranging
The work we'd have to do.

And one thing I could count on
I knew I'd hear you say
As you'd look down on your schedule
"It's going to be a good day!"

Cheerfulness is a part of you
I always find it there
Kindness always on your lips
You give concern & care.

The world's a better place, I know,
For all the lives you touch
I thank you very much!

To Sam

I know it's not Thanksgiving yet
But it is drawing near
When we give thanks abundantly
This season of the year.

But my heart's so full of gratitude
It's going to overflow
Unless I let these thoughts release
That I want you to know.

I'm counting all the blessings
That came into my life
When we clasped hands together
And I became your wife.

Thanks for all those little things
You do for me each day
For making beds and orange juice
And putting clothes away.

For turning keys and locking doors
You manage all the switches
You cool the house and warm the house
And wash my pots and dishes.

For slipping me those twenties
Never caring how they're spent
Never asking what I did
Or where the money went.

You joined me at the kitchen bar
When canning season came
I said I didn't need your help
You insisted just the same.

The apples pears and peaches
You peeled so very thin
We got it done in half the time
I'm glad I let you win!

I love the way you cuddle me
Within your sheltered arms
When nights are cool and chilly
And when they're hot and warm!

And I've learned to keep the sabbath
In a more perfected way
You've taught me that I should not cook
Upon this holy day.

You've led me to the temple
More often than I'd plan
How good it feels to walk inside
With such a worthy man.

No matter what each new day holds
No matter what the weather
We place our scriptures in our hands
And sit and read together.

So let me say because of you
I feel so good within
And now I have to ask myself
What have I taught him?

You've learned to play triominoes
Another game or two
You always wait and wait on me
You've gained more patience too!

You're learning too, to memorize
Almost to twenty-four
But since the new one has arrived
You've got to add one more!

The car is filled and ready
For all those miles we ride
My job is just to play the tapes
And sit there by your side.

I've taught you how to swallow pride
Your temperature got hot!
When the awful truth was learned --
Your best suit -- I forgot!

You traveled on and looked ahead
I tried to clear the air
I gleaned the back seat once again
It simply wasn't there.

We drove across the highway
In silence -- no one spoke
Finally after forty miles
'Twas I, the silence broke.

But you can wear the older suit
To church and you'll look nice
For two whole weeks we'll be away
I'll not wear the same suit twice.

You're learning to eat vegetables
With every single dinner
I've helped you cut down on your pop
You should be getting thinner.

So now this story tells it all
It's very plain to see
That I am very good for you
You're very good for me!!

October 31, 1988
The man I met one year ago tonight!

Sister And Brother Rowley

As the picture was taken December 29, 1987, and I walked down the steps as the new Mrs. Samuel B. Groom, I had no way of knowing the many added blessings that would flow into our life.

Serving in the holy house of the Lord and getting to know and work with you - Sister Rowley and Brother Rowley - has been one of our choice, added blessings.

We thank you for your dedication and enduing love and service in furthering the Lord's work in these precious last days.

Sam & Orvetta Groom

Dear Sam

Dear Sam,

Roses are red, violets are blue,
I'm so glad I married you.
It's Valentine's Day of '93,
And in '87 you married me.
Not knowing much about me then,
Now that you do - would you do it again?
We are much alike in many ways
We love the gospel, our Sabbath days.
We love the temple, we go there together,
Each week is our goal if it is favorable weather.
Our favorite date makes my pulse race away
My excitement runs wild as we watch the Jazz play!
And the end of each day closes quietly and sweet
With a few moments with ma jong and then its Tri Peak
But there are other times when alike we are not!
You never like salads, I never like pop!
You think I'm unwise when shopping I go
I un-label the cheap brands - hoping you'll never know!
You watch every tick-tock,
How you do hate to wait
I never glance up - until it's too late!
Still roses are red, violets are blue
And I'm still glad I married you!

Love,
Orvetta

A Man Named Sam

I've just met a man named Sam
And now I don't know where I am
No one else in their pursuing
Has made me not think what I'm doing.

I sure hope I didn't get
Collar on his red lipstick
But better there than with a kiss
Now I'm not even sure of this!

Anyway it's plain to see
That something has come over me
I just don't know how to plan
Since I met that Sam named man!