My Favority Sister in Law

Today I received word that Lora Helen Parker Newcomer passed away last night in her sleep. She was my secret girl friend even after she had married my brother Ted and had four kids. Lora was a stickler for organization, she could talk to anyone and size them up in about 30 seconds. She learned to cook wonderful dishes after living in the south, Okinawa and other parts while Ted was in the Air Force. She had a beautiful smile, a quick wit and her eyes always sparkled when she was having fun. Lora hasn't been the same Lora for almost 4 years as she was diagnosed with a brain disease that took away her motor skills and verbal skills but not her memory or personality. I last saw her last October when us siblings celebrated Ted and Lora's 50th wedding anniversary. She got a degree in Interior Design at the University of Wyoming, was a docent at the Buffalo Bill Historical Museum in Cody, Wy and taught Jr High and High School. She was a wonderful wife and mother. I hope she is having a wonderful time talking to her father, who preceded her in death in 1972. She will be missed by those of us who knew her and loved her.

35 Years and Still Going Strong

I know this is late, but my heart is still beating stronger than ever for my sweetheart, lover, confident and best friend. Because our anniversary fell on a Thursday(May 20th), we decided to do the actual celebrating on Friday (May 21). So, after work we went to a restaurant and had lobster tail, then went to an opera in downtown Salt Lake. The opera was from Puccini and involved two one act operas. The first one was a tragedy about a nun in an Italian convent. Her family hadn't been to visit her for years and she had a terrible secret...she had given birth to an illegitimate son before she became a nun and found out that her son had died. So, she wanted to kill herself to be with her son. Then the second one was a farce about a rich man who was on his deathbed and all his relatives were waiting for him to die. Anyway, without boring anyone who might want to read this, the operas were great but the fact that my wife is still with me after all these years is the best part. We have enjoyed each others company all these years and love the children that she bore. My life has been so much better as a married man. I couldn't have accomplished nearly as much in my life without my Debbie by my side. I love her so and want my children and friends who read this to know that she has made me a better person. Like all men that I know, I married above myself. She is the best person I could have ever married.

Roots

Debbie and I recently drove the Banner Wyoming to honor my Uncle Ralph and Aunt Nellie for being married for 70 years. The east side of the Big Horn Mountains is where my roots are firmly buried. My father was born in Banner, Wy, my mother born in Oshoto, Wy (by Sundance and Devils Tower) When I arrived in 1952 I was born in Buffalo, Wy where my father had found employment with the Federal Land Bank. Two weeks ago I drove through Buffalo to look at favorite places and familiar sites. The Masonic Temple which was where my dad had his office was being torn down. It saddened me because one more pillar of my youth is gone. The high school where I watched my brother and sisters play basketball, drama and band and where I studied, played in the band, ran track and played basketball has been torn down. The land that my parents owned ( a mere ten acres) now has three homes other than the one I grew up in. The garden spot where I anxiously watched as dad plowed in the spring so we could plant all the vegetables that would sustain us through the year is covered by a shed.

Today I sit in our new home in Lehi, UT having spent 32 years, 7 months and 10 days not living in Utah. I think now that Debbie and I can really put down roots. We've had neighbors offer to help, bring fresh baked banana bread or just drop in to introduce themselves. I'm excited to move into this phase of our life where we can visit our children and they can visit us and it only takes 10 minutes to get from one house to another.

Many years ago, a musical called "Paint Your Wagon" had a song which I feel has been the story of my life. "Wandering Star". The question is: have I finaly found a place to live where I can feel comfortable? Can I stay employed long enough to save some monies upon my sweet wife and I can depend to serve a mission? Will I stay healthy enough to spend time with my children and grandchildren and watch them grow and progress?

I felt the tug of Newcomer roots two weeks ago when I visited with my cousins. Debbie has felt the tug of Sprague and Sessions roots when visiting Powell and Byron, Wy. Now our roots are in Utah Valley and we can visit other places, but I finally feel that we have truly found our home.