LETTERS FROM HOME ARE WELCOME AT CHRISTMAS TIME

If you know somebody that is in the US Military, or on a religious mission or even a person confined to a prison, this is a great time to send them a letter from home. Although many kids love Christmas, it is often a time of loneliness for many, especially those who don't have a home or can't get back home. Find somebody to send a long hand note to. Nothing too personal, but enough to show you care. Christ is a part of Christmas and even St. Nick would agree. I found this letter sent to Pvt. Alma Coyn Jones during World War Two. It is from the LDS Bishopric of the North Ward in Nephi, Utah. I very much knew Bishop A.E. Smith and Counselors Robert Pixton Garrett and Albert Sells, and although they authorized it and signed each letter to the servicemen in their Ward, I also very much know who scripted and typed it. The words are very much those of LaVon Harris, a Nephite who would eventually wed Private Jones, once he returned home. You don't have to Marry the person you write but it will Merry them, and they may not get it til after Christmas, but it will be cherished, especially those in the Foxholes of the World.

An un-reined Stallion isn't much good til he has been trained and treated well.

 A Stallion doesn't do a heck of a lot of good until a Cowboy trains and teaches it. Same situation is with a scholar who needs to know how to put his thought process together with an idea. A solider or a football player isn't going to win against his opponent until his potential for violence is controlled. A few days ago, I witnessed such a mentor with Mike Bowring, the Football Coach at Juab High School, who lead his team to a State Championship win, which has never been done before. As he introduced the Captains, one could feel and see the enormous good this Coach is teaching those monster looking kids, not just for the game, but for life itself. Todays story isn't just about Coach Bowring, but touches on the importance of teachers who know how to manipulate their students in a positive way. I therefore bring you the teachers of Nephi High, Class of 1926. I was well acquainted with some of them, and I give them praise for how they helped kids nearly a century ago. The school building still functions well as the Juab County Complex, which was built in 1922, and the school song was changed in 1928. It was then know as Juab High School. The Sand Dunes by the Ockey Ranch up Nephi Canyon is now called Petticoat. Must have been a man that changed it!

LONG LIVE COWBOYS, THE LAST OF THE GREAT AMERICA SPORT.

 If you pick a newspaper across America, and turn to the Sports section, you will see whatever the sports writer and editor want you to believe. Their motive is fighting for their jobs in an era where many believe the media is very distorted. Many of the major sports appear to be going down in flames, not just because of the Virus, but because of what many of us in Rural America believe is un-American type acts. But all that glitter is not gold. And I hear tell that a group in another country are giving out awards and money to people that have done nothing except to exploit themselves or destroy the integrity of what America was founded on. In comes the Lone Ranger of Men. That happens at American Rodeos, which just may be the last of the good guys. The National Rodeo Finals finished last night, and it was a great feeling to know that the Champions from Utah are not only the best in the saddle, but the best to be common Americans you can talk to and shake their hand. The Wright Boys Do It Right. They are family men with the women taking care of the kids and branding the cattle in rural Utah. Our cowboy hat goes off to the best American Sport that should take precedence everywhere. LONG LIVE COWBOYS.

What did teenagers look like in the 1950's and 60's?

While trying to find a photo of a "Class of 65" friend who passed away, I came across a herd of photos of classmates and friends from Juab High; Richfield, Sanpete and elsewhere. Where are they now and why did I spell my own cousin's name wrong! I think it is related to the dumb years when we become teenagers and think we know more about life than parents, friends and teachers who tried to steer us right. As I stare at the photo of Carolyn Sparks, I recalled how much I was smitten by her. It was 1959 when I fell in serious love with her and she lived just down the street. I was in the 7th grade and she was a Senior, but it made no never mind. With a bottomless bucket tied to the old tree in the back, I would become a basketball star and win her over. She was tall and stunning, but in love with Richard Park, who was a Juab Basketball star and a plain good man. Everyone knew that "Sparks Sparked With Park", but being 13 and in passionate love, I would just eat more Mush and get tall. I still smile looking at all I have known and loved. Those include my buddies whose life's ended far too quick. On his dying bed, I had the courage to hold and tell a best friend how much I loved him. If my life ends today, I have truly loved life and found happiness around the world and back at home. I have lived and loved and even lost loves and been in love alone. All is okay. I found that true love is not just for spouses and family. It can be shared most nobly to all of Gods creatures, not just the Cheerleaders from Richfield!

CHERYL LEE WAS LIKE HER MOTHER-MARGARET, WHO WAS LIKE HER MOTHER-VERLIE; WHO WAS LIKE HER MOTHER.

There are two cemeteries in Nephi, Utah, the heart of rural America. One is near town and the other is called Vine Bluff, because Mormon Pioneers planted grape vines there. That is where Cheryl Lee's earthly remains were put to rest. I attended her graveside services, where a son quoted from his mothers journal of a half century ago. Cheryl wrote being proud of her Mormon Pioneer heritage; Nephi being the best city in the world; teaching her family the importance of living and loving Nephi and attending the Ute Stampede rodeo. Although I haven't attended as many funerals as the Anderson Mortuary family, I have logged hundreds. At this one, I moved around the crowd, yearning to feel her family which have already graduated from this earthly experience. Her folks were mine as well, going back to the Tolley Family of Brigham Young days. I sensed the grieving of the family, who temporarily lost one of Gods most perfect daughters. I have been keenly aware of that since she and I attended the Old North Ward together; close friends; neighbors, and classmates of Juab High-Class of 65. As I moved closer to the casket without disrupting the services, that was when my tears fell. But why was I crying? I didn't feel her mother-Margaret or her grandfather-Claude, or other classmates we have lost. Come on Guardian Angels- I am here, let me know Cheryl has safely returned to those family and friends that have already returned to our real home on high. Nothing! Zippo! I stared at the beautiful coffin, adorned with serene and fragrant flowers, and that is when the answer came. Unbeknownst to the grievers, a multitude of honey bees found the sweet life giving nectar in the middle of winter. I smiled. Cheryl Lee is still providing life for all. She was born with a destiny to be an earthy angel, full of zest and love for all. In the Class of 65, we were all family, although there were a couple of us that were hellions. No matter to Cheryl, we could always count on her to be involved with all activities and consoling me after a teacher was justified in giving me a "Central School Whoopin". Cheryl hasn't missed a beat, as her  abundant life will continue to give her family help through our worldly challenges. After the services, Cheryl's daughter walked toward me and I her. I don't think we had met, but somehow we knew each other, and when she spoke, it was as if Cheryl was there and after the photo, it came to me later that Cheryl Lee...... will always be a genuine Tolley and never leave any of us without her love and help.

Do You Like Chicago? Perhaps, It Depends On Your Point Of View.

Eighty Three years ago, on Oct. 30th, "Phyllis", a gal from Nephi, Utah wrote a letter to LaVon Harris, to tell her of the beautiful city of Chicago. At the time Al Capone had been out of illegal brew for ten years, but Phyllis saw only the beauty. That could have been that she only knew of the good work that she was being taught during her time in the 4-H Club. Her views are different than my first visit to Chicago in 1974. I wanted to see where Mayor Daley had his office, and on my way, I watched a young 14 year old kid try to snatch an elderly woman's purse, who resisted. He pulled out a handgun bigger than himself and shot her in the back and fled. As I tried to give comfort to the dying woman, I watched where the kid ran. Shoppers were annoyed that I laid her down on the sidewalk, in front of them. Nobody offered help until a police officer ran across the street, who had heard the shot. She died in my arms while back up officers arrived. The cops followed me as I sprinted toward the dead end alley where the kid hid. I saw him behind garbage cans, and I grabbed him and threw him against the wall and demanded to know where the gun was. I wasn't used to this type of violence in Utah, and I assume "Phyllis" wasn't either. Although it wasn't until later that I nearly wet my levis, the officers were  a little amazed by the blatant disregard for my own safety. Although Chicago police officers were trying to keep me from further violence on the juvenile, he told me where he threw the gun, and admitted "he had to kill her, as she wouldn't give up her purse". I knew the Miranda Warning well, but didn't follow it. I had no interest in going back to Chicago until I was on an assignment and had the chance to see Soldier Stadium, and the Art Galleries of Chicago. But like Phyllis wrote in her letter, "But to come right down to it, I wouldn't trade Utah for all of Chicago".

Please Rise-Judge Sharla Tolley Williams has been promoted to a higher position.

Judge Sharla Tolley passed away on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020. That was following complications from triple by-pass surgery. We attended her viewing and gravesides services today. Knowing Sharla, she wouldn't have wanted a bigger deal out of it. She just wanted her remains to be by her folks-Bill and Elda Tolley; grandparents and great grandparents. Her wish came true and while her granddaughter played the violin, off in the distance, we counted a 21 gun salute. Although it was just at the nearby rifle range, my guess is that her grandfather had something to do with that blend, as he(Uncle Hy) was the father of the "Dry Tolley Humor" that was passed down, as Sharla used it on and off the bench. She served as Justice Court Judge in Juab County, Nephi, Levan, Santaquin, Goshen and Genola, Utah. If you watched her at work, she used that Tolley Heart and Judiciary savy to make things fair and equal for all that came before her. She was loved and respected by all, and that was demonstrated today with the Pallbearers being law enforcement officers from Nephi City; Juab County Sheriffs and Utah Highway Patrol. They additionally lite the way to the cemetery. Her other passions was her family; music; season ticket holder to Hale Theater; monthly dinner with her high school girlfriends and just plain fun. Although I never attended any of the many marriages she performed, my guess would be she would ask if the new couple were really ready for that giant leap. Her great grandfather-Wm Fisher Tolley was directed to Juab County by Brigham Young to help build the road between Ft. Green and Nephi. Side jobs for him included being a Probate Judge and helping to Marshall in bad guys with Orrin Porter Rockwell. If you got thick glasses, you may find part of the Tolley Family History which included three wives named Sarah! So Sharla, congratulations on your promotion. God couldn't have chosen a better Administrative Law Judge for some of our family members that remain Hellions in Heaven!