-6-

-1887-

There was only father and mother Clark and Mary-Lissie who know anything about who I am. But they are just as good to me, so I feel so much at home, and I can talk with Mary as a sister which is a comfort to me. It took several weeks to gain my strength. We named the baby Wallace Rich, after his pa's second name, when he was eight days old. His grandpa Clark blessed him, giving him a good blessing, said he should be a prophet in the last days, and should lead his thousands to Zion, and many other things he would accomplish through the medium of the priesthood he would hold. This made me feel good, and I eagerly desire to be worthy of being the mother of sons so great as was promised in that blessing. I have always aspired to be a worthy mother. My prayers ascent regularly to the Lord that he will give wisdom that I may train my family in a way that He will delight to acknowledge and bless them.

On the 16th of October my father, mother, brother Joseph and his family came to see me while I was yet in bed. My brother Joseph had been called to go to New Zealand on a mission, and they came to see me before he went. They brought their little ones--a little baby girl that I had never seen. It was a treat, but how strange it seemed to think he so soon would be on the fartherest island of the sea representing the cause of truth. I felt honored to have a brother worthy, but it was hard to part with him, and see him leave his family.

I had another brother Walter married. This all took place, and I could not be present. Such is the sacrifice I make to live the law of God. It is said, "One hour of liberty is worth a whole eternity in bondage," however, such was my lot. I do not have the privilege of going to meetings and Sunday Schools nor any of these things. After having been a regular attender all my life, it is hard to see them all preparing to go but myself. There is nothing to break the monotony. Now my little boy's smile cheers my path, but I have to avoid seeing every friend. How long this will be my lot, I know not, but it is all in the providence of the Lord. I hope I can have strength to endure all the experiences that are necessary for my development, and purification. When John saw the mighty vision, he saw some arrayed in robes of white nearest the thrown of God. One replied, "These are they who have come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

There is no royal road to exaltation. This we should bear in mind and follow the pattern of our Saviour. He bore everything without a murmur, and I know we are expected to follow his example.

We must learn to look at things with a spiritual eye, control our natures, and model our minds so as to regard the things of God the most important. As yet, I feel that I have been strengthened by the power of God, and that my experience has been a benefit to me, and I desire to always be found worthy to claim the Father's blessings, for I know I do no good without them. I desire to keep the channel open that I may feel free to ask for a blessing when I need one.

I get along very well. My baby has the colic a great deal, but he grows well, and is growing so pretty and sweet. His grandpa says he is a daisy little fellow worth a thousand dollars.