Days Three (Friday) and Four (Saturday) in Florida

Days Three(Friday) and Four(Saturday) in Florida

It was Friday and we decided to go to the Orlando Temple. It was built 14 years ago, long after I left the state. The Orlando Temple is absolutely beautiful! The Celestial room has touches of lavendar and purple like the wisteria that blooms so abundantly in Florida.

It was like every other temple session with one glaring exception. As I was offered a hand I could see it was a deep brown color and the man spoke with a thick Hispanic accent. It was then real to me, all my friends, no matter their color could now receive the gospel and be blessed based on their own choices. It was a thrill! Way back when. . . we were not even encouraged to discuss the gospel with our black friends. There were boycotts and protests regarding the Church's Stand. In Miami in 1972/73 there were race riots and burnings. And I could not understand why black men could not hold the Priesthood. But I knew—I did not know everything, nor would I ever. But the Lord knew and I had faith in Him.

It was only four years later, I remember hearing the news for the first time as we were driving out to the University Mall, that all worthy male members of the church would be extended the privilege of holding the Priesthood. But not until I stood in the Orlando Temple on that day did I see that all my dreams and wishes for these good people—who had done nothing wrong—became a reality. I saw more handsome dark-skinned men and beautiful women in the Temple that day than I ever sould have imagined as a youth. The same was true on Sunday when we finally found a meeting house. This experience alone was worth the whole trip. Thank you Heavenly Father!

Then it was time to head south. It was a longer drive than I expected. The Turnpike is nice enough but the orange groves were missing. We found them on the way back through the middle of the state. There was plenty of traffic!

When we arrived at the hotel, after Magellen, the “girlfriend,” tried to keep us going around and around the very last block before we arrived, we were a bit surprised. It was not the four star hotel it was made out to be on the internet. But I knew my sweet husband and son had done their very best to secure a really nice place for us-so NO complaints were heard from me. Although the walls and bathrooms had been updated-old hotels have very thin walls and . . . . We ventured down to the beach for a bit. After which we had a nice dinner—back in our room watching a beautiful sunset from the balcony. The tiki bar was very loud and uncomfortable to us non-drinkers. They did have good food and it was reasonably priced. I should mention, we tried several times to get into our room. The key just wouldn't work, no matter how many times they re-programed it at the front desk. The maintenance man finally got it to work but thought the battery might be going out, but he didn't replace it. Not once in four days did the key work the first time we tried. I gave up and left the fight with the door to him. He was pretty good at it by the time we left.

Saturday turned out to be the only day we would spend in Miami. It was further from Fort Lauderdale than Pat had thought. But Saturday really meant less traffic as we got an early start.
First stop, Key Biscayne and Crandon Park. I spent much of my life on that beach. Now it was more beautiful than ever. It was at least twice as wide and covered in pristine white sand. The Zoo was gone, moved to South Miami somewhere. But the old cabanas were still there as was the carousel and skating rink. We only stayed a few minutes as I had many miles to go!
Second stop, the lighthouse at the State park. Saturday in the town of Key Biscayne was very busy and full of traffic and soccer games for young and old. We waited in line for a good while before getting into the park. Never could figure out why they didn't open the other line. Even when we left it was still closed, and the line was horribly long by then. The lighthouse looked the very same. About the only thing that looked the same after 34 years. The beach was just as I'd left it, but couldn't compare to the beautifully expanded shore line of Crayndon Park. Again we only stayed for a few minutes. But this time I
took a picture of my feet in the water. With all the rainy weather I had my doubts about actually getting into the water all the way on this trip.

Back over the Causeway we went. The big bridge had been named for my Mom's boss, William Powell. That was really cool to see. The Rusty Pelican was still there but it appeared the water- raceway had been shut down. It was covered with graffiti. NOAA and the Seaquarium were still functioning but the number of boats docked around the place had probably tripled.

We then drove down Brickell Road to Dinner key where we used to take our take-out dinner and watch the sunset and the boats. The pavilion was gone but the place looked well cared for-as did the large number of boats and trucks and trailers all around.

Then we ventured up 27th Avenue to see if any of our old houses were still standing. No! We didn't find a one. But they were old when I lived in them. The one in Coral Gate was probably still there but I didn't go down the street to see. We then drove through Coral Gables on the Miracle Mile. Sears was still on the corner as was the restaurant formerly known as Sambos. It was lovely. Non of the Gables area looked like a hurricane had been though. Whereas, you could really tell every place else we went. The old builders knew about hurricanes and built things to last!

It was off to the old Miami second ward. I had wanted to go to church there but. . .it was no longer the second ward. It was the Stake center for the Miami South Stake and Spanish as well. But the building looked good. There were cars around but it was locked up. I did get a few pictures. I spent a lot of time in that building. It is where I learned about the Gospel, and gained a testimony of the truth.

We stopped a a little bakery across Flagler and I got a pastry-carne. Exactly as I remembered, it was so good! We also had some chocolate milk, I guess that was breakfast. But while we were there I struck up a conversation (imagine that if you can) with a local man and he told us where we could get a good Cuban sandwich. It wasn't too far so that is where we went for lunch.

Cuban sandwiches are kind of like subs. People put different things on them. But I got the traditional one with pickles and grilled in a press. It was good! Pat decided he'd might as well try one while he was there. It was a funny place just teaming with Cubans. I am pretty sure I was the only one there that did not speak Spanish. But it sure felt familiar.


Then back across town to Miami High. As you can see from the pictures, it was undergoing renovation. Considering how old (over 80 years) it was, it was a good thing. But it was sad to see it so run down. I still got a couple of good pictures that can give you a hint as to its former glory.

I somehow missed the Orange Bowl as we continued to drive east. It may have been torn down. But we drove right through downtown and then over the Rickenbacher Causway. We hit a lot of traffic but that gave me time to look around. Everything has grown up! We traveled north upo the middle of Miami Beach, what a zoo! But it was Saturday afternoon. The old run down hotels of the 30's and 40's have been restored mostly. It was cool to see the Art-Deco styles and colors. But the people. No one watched out for cars! I ws glad to find the Julia Tuttle Causway and head back east over the intercoastal waterway and then north toward the hotel.

We stopped at the Jungle Queen and got tickets for the 6pm tour and all you can eat buffet. I was able to locate and use the coupon for $3 off each ticket! WooHoo!! I thought we had enough time to get back to the hotel and rest for a few minutes. I was right but the few minutes-after struggling with the door and getting maintenance to let us in again was less than 15. Not worth the effort or the gas really.

Nonetheless we made it bake to the boat and got good seats on the port side and enjoyed the tour through the Venice of America. I hesitate to say enjoyed. The obvious consumption of goods and displays of wealth were somewhat troubling. I can see where people might get ideas about “deserving” help and the need for redistribution of wealth. I am glad I live in Utah and do not need to see this kind of display all the time. And talk about a lot of boats, yachts I should say, man oh man.
They were everywhere! And huge repair places! Do you know what BOAT means? Bring Out Another Thousand. The dinner was good, all you can eat ribs, shrimp, chicken. . . which pleased both of us. And a nice little show that, of course was moved inside due to rain.

We were two tired people!

Day 2 of Florida

Bristol, Florida

The old family home-lovingly restored by Heywood Henderson

This will not be very interesting for most of you as it pertains to my interactions with family members you do not know. I am goin to post it nonetheless for preservation sake.

We started north plenty early, about 7am. First we found the Waffle House—YUMMMM! Then we tried to detange the freeways, not so free-freeways, via a map we purchased at the local gas station. Sorry, no State DOT maps to be seen anywhere.

We did pretty good until I (I am admitting to my mistake here so listen up!) thought we were on the wrong road and had Dad get off the turnpike. No road signs or Speed Limits to be found. They seem to skimp on signage to spurge on rest stops. Not to bad a trade off for a person who takes water pills.

Back to the story, The toll taker said we did not have the prepaid pass we were supposed to have . . .and made us pay. It was only fifty cents but now we are worried we may be running all the toll booths. We'll call when we get back to the hotel tonight. After we got off, found a place to ask we got right back on-we were on the right road. Turnpike to to I-75 North, under a different name and then on to I-10 West.

I started raining a bit before we arrived at John and Mary Kern's home, about 1:30. We'd been on the road for the best part of 5 hours. Mary's husband, John is crowding 70 and is the Young Men's President. He has a great workshop and 13 baby goats, one yet to be delivered and mommas feeding them. They had 17 acres of trees and ponds and a creek running through it. Wow, what a place-paid for too-they told us. They both worked and retired from being nurses. He had a funny personality. Ask Dad about his comment on Blogs. I will not dignify it with repetition.

We visited for a about a half an hour before her sister, Minnie came over. Minnie's husband is very sick with some kind of cancer and she can't leave him for long. She also strongy resisted any picture taking. But it was very good of her to take the time to come over.Minnie is an artist. You can see some of her work-some of it fractiles like John, on line.

Mary then played host and guide as we went to the Pleasant Hills Cemetery. It was renamed from Pea ridge. There was a nice fence around it and many of the trees had been cleared away to make a larger ares. I took pictures of the headstones. I will post my father's here. Most of his generation are gone now. Lorenzo Francis Henderson

was number 11 of 12 children and would have been 85 years old now.

We then went and saw my Aunt Tressie, she was married to Uncle Heywood, my father's brother. He too passed away some time ago. Aunt Tressie was always the hostess when we went north. I will always remember she fed us wild turkey stew, a turkey her son had shot right out back. When we took the kids back to Florida some 24 years ago we spent the night with her family. Their daughter Becky lives with Tressie but was at work att he time. Her older sister, Susie has a brain tumor, not like mine I guess. Tressie said she moves very slowly now and doesn't speak unless spoken to. She just isn't Susie any more. So we did not go up to see her.

Lake Mistic

We saw Like Mistic and took a few pictures. It is such a beautiful place! A litte lake and flowers in bloom everywhere, wisteria, azalyas, and camillias. Even the dogwood was in full bloom. The pictures doon't do it justice.

Lastly we visited with Sue and Ronald Williams and stayed there the longest. They had two boys, Robert and Randy, who were close to my age. They came down to Miami on vacation every other year or so. Thus, I got to know them better than the rest. Sue's father was killed in WWII so I never even got to meet him But Sue is a sweetheart and has always been good to me. They live on Indian Springs road and used to run a “fun” place. It had a roller rink, arcade games and a swimming hole with slides. I always thought that would be the best place on earth to grow up.

Ronald is the Ward membership clerk and a “hepper” in the High Priest's group. Their home teacher is Scott Bladen-from Logan 3^rd ward-nonetheless. Scott is in their Bishopric too. Robert had four children. One girl, Kim, married in the Tempe and lives in Saratoga Springs, three boys, one off his mission, one on a mission and one graduating for High school this year. Randy had two children, neither are members of the Church. The girl is a veterinarian and works at Cornell University in New York. The boy hasn't done much with his life they said.

I was told by a distant family member years ago that "the Henderson women were always faithful, the men well, they struggled." I don't know about all of my father's brothers, but Morton and Heywood were in the end faithful. As for the women. they married men, like unto themselves, faithful and dedicated to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Avery one we visited was active and serving in the Church. This is a priceless treasure to me, a heritage of faith among women like me, women that looked a bit like me, science and math loving, artistic and creative, women who had faced challenges and remained true to the faith.

The Trip Home Day one

Ready to go!

They say you can never go home. Who would want to when all the people you love live in Utah? Well, I would, just for a day. I knew things had changed, so. I still wanted to see the places thet only exist in my ever dimming memory.

Dave and Lexy went to Florida last year and brought back some great pictures. That really made me want to go home again-just to see it again. Dave, I am sure, talked Dad into the adventure and together they gave me a trip of a life time.

It began April 7th with Beck and girls taking me to SLC. We started our trip with a visit to Mooches-we needed "drinkage" for the trip. We met up with Rachael at Crown Burger for lunch after which Rachael took me to her house to pick up Dad and then to the airport.
I knew we needed to be early because of the increased security. I had not been on a plane since all the new rules were put into place. What a pain! My bag weighed just 3 pounds under the limit. They also made me dump out my ice. I LOVE to chew ice! Ice is not a liquid, gel or cream. . .It is a solid. But I threw it out, keeping my cup! I could get more ice on the other side. I had tucked a bottle of water in my bag for Dad to have with his lunch from Crown Burger. I had to throw that out too. Oh well, I like feeling safe-whether I truly am or not.

We were off on time but a little late getting into Denver. We were sopposed to have 25-30 minutes to change planes. Who knew gates 30 something and 44 could be so far apart. Clear across the airport it seemed, we ran. But we made it and we were off to Florida.
Here is the only picture I took the first day-Dad, my hero, waiting for the luggage. How could ours, which had to go in last actually come out last? Just one of the many mysteries I do not expect to ever have answered.
Our rental car turned out to be a very nice upgrade to a dark blue Grand Marquis, with all leather interiors-WOW! Here is a picture from later in the trip.

Thanks heavens for Magellen (which Dave lent to us-Thanks!) We found our way to the Days Inn on International Drive. We didn't get into our room until after midnight. We were so tired-we didn't even seriously think about eating. We needed sleep!

April 18, 1980-September 30, 2002

(l-r Mary, Dave, Dad, Rachael, Sarah, Mom. John, Rebecca--and the green brush)

The Family-April 1985

April 18, 1980, was the birthday of my oldest son, John Patrick Nolan. We celebrated it-without him. September 30, 2002 was the day that changed my life. It was the day I lost him, he would no longer be here with us on our earthly travels.

I know I am not the only one that misses him. It is that very fact that has made survival possible.

If you never knew John, I am sorry. He was a great person to know. Not only was he smart but he was kind and nevr judgmental. He was the ultimate pacifist, he would not fight with you or tolerate harsh sounds or words. He would just leave. He was an excelent teacher, he did not make you feel stupid, no matter how many times or ways he had to repeat himself. the world would be a better place if we had more like him. He was a musician playing classical-accoustic guitar and the viola. I miss hearing him sit on the couch and just play background music.

Oh, I know he was not perfect.
As the girls say, "he missed the clean gene." They also believe "clean" is a recessive gene as their parents are also appear to be challenged in the house cleaning area.

I really do not have the words to express how much I miss him. BUT, I have living children and grandchildren that I truly love and cherish. Thay are here and as long as they are (and forever) love and cherish every minute I get to spend with them.

Thank you God for allowing me to be John's mother. And thank you John for teaching me about the really important things of life, God and the ones I love. Everything else is extra! 'I will love you forever, I will like you for always. As long as I am living ( and forever) my baby (son) you will be!

What Spring Means

Spring! (picture and collage by Mary)

Spring means a lot of things.
In Utah Spring means SNOW. We had about 4 inches yesterday. they say there is more to come. If we didn't need the water I would complain. But, we do need the water, badly!

Beck and me at Ella's Concert

Spring also means End of year Concerts for parents, and grandparents, of school aged children. Thus, it was my privileged to attend Ella's first performance. Of course, she was great!
At the Technological College Spring means Fashion Show. For years Dave has done the music and lights. it is a lot of work but it's worth it to him. Last year Lexy and Noah were involved. This year it was just Noah. What a doll. He's been sick-but what a trooper! (I will add pictures when I get them)

Ella, top left.

Spring also means General Conference. What an exciting time of year. I so love the inspirational talks and music. We used to go down SLC for Conference almost every time. Now it is hard to get tickets and usually the kids come up here. Now, if the kids come, we can't hear anything so they mostly stay home. Divide and conquer seems to be the solution at this stage. And this year with all the illness going around-we are better apart!

Spring means Easter. The single most important holiday of the year to me. there is nothing more valuable to me than my Savior, Jesus Christ, and the atonement. It is the only way by which I may return to live in His presence. My deep feelings and love for my Savior prohibits me from sharing the stage with a rabbit. The world loves to corrupt and distract from what is truly important, Christmas and Easter are the most glaring examples. I want and need my "Holy Days", I need to express my love and appreciation for my Savior.

As a child my mother dressed us up in new clothes, representing the new life that comes to the world via Jesus Christ and symbolized by the rebirth of plant and animal life. We would go to the Orange Bowl and see the pageant-Sunrise Services. I can see the progression of the story, depicted by real people who also looved the lord. We were not of the same religion-but we shared this central belief. I gained a deep respect for people of other religions and beliefs.


Now I go up to the cemetery. I sit on the bench at John's grave. Sometimes i sing, sometimes (usually) I cry, and I watch the sun come up. And I say "As surly as the Son of God rose on the first Easter Morn, and As surely as the sun came up today, my son, John, will also rise." and we will all be together again. Oh, the promise of Easter can not, will not be overshadowed by the world! Without death we would not know life.


Come what may, this is my 100th post and I would be wrong not to thank my God for the blessings he has given me. they are to numerous to mention. I recognize His hand in guiding and protecting me to this point in my life. I will praise His name forever.