1978 Christmas and  New Year's Greetings 1979

My very dear ones:

I usually do not think of writing my holiday letter until Thanksgiving has passed, but this year I will be away for two weeks in December, so I think it best to do it now.

Rosalind will be leaving for Mexico City at the end of November on a working assignment, and has asked me to join her when she completes her work there. We are looking forward to spending this time together, and seeing something of the great land south of the border that has given this country, especially California, so much of our heritage. We plan to return to Los Angeles on the 20th, in time to enjoy Christmas with the family.

Many of you know that 1978 has been a year of some major decisions and changes for me. I felt it was time to sell our home on Queens Road, since I had known for some time that Mother would be unable to return home again. It sold shortly after it was put up for sale in February, and I moved on the last day of May. I had mixed feelings about leaving the lovely home where our family lived for almost 38 years, but I knew it was the right thing to do.

My mother left us on Labor Day, the 4th of September. Her passing came as a blessing, for she had a very long confinement, and had been ready to leave this world long before she did. If my letter reads like a dedication to her, it is, for I feel so grateful to have been her daughter. She was a Mother, and a person, of rare and virtuous qualities. Perhaps it was her great gift of music that gave her both the gentleness and strength that she expressed in her every action. All who knew her remarked about this as well as her ability to make her loved ones feel very dear and important to her life. She was special because she remained child-like in so many ways throughout her lifetime. Her religious and philosophical beliefs gave her the qualities of deep understanding, patience and a truthfulness that radiated from her character. She was truly a beautiful woman both within and without, and a great inspiration to me always. How fortunate we were as a family to have been blessed by her noble presence for so many years.

"My cup runneth over" when I think of my many blessings. Having had Doctor as my life's companion, as well as my spiritual guide. Having such a wonderful family to love and serve, and in turn being loved and served by them. Also being given the privilege of so many devoted friends who have helped to fulfill my life, and I pray theirs, in some small way. I often wonder what I have done to deserve so much in one lifetime!

This year, however, marked the loss of two of those very dear friends, Reece Taylor of the New York City group, and my precious friend Johanna Pesoian of Los Angeles. Johnanna's passing so soon after Mother was difficult to accept, but we must, for one thing I have learned is that God gives, but He also takes back what He gives, and in His own time. However the memories of all our associations and experiences remain with us always. The lessons learned from them become a part of our being, and in this way nothing is ever really lost.

I will be moving to Northern California next April, God willing, where my future home is being built. For many years I have been attracted to Oakmont, an active adult community near Santa Rosa, as the place I would like to live someday. It is situated in Sonoma County, where the loveliest scenery one could find anywhere. Santa Rosa is an hours drive north of San Francisco, and from there, only an hours flight time to Los Angeles. My family, friends and I will be visiting often, by God's grace. My new home will be much smaller than our Hollywood Hills home, but large enough to accommodate my loved ones.

David, Beth and family will be moving to their new home near the ocean next year, as they hope to start building in early Spring. Today is Justin's third birthday, November 14th. My little grandson is such a joy to his entire family. He will have a baby sister (or brother) around the 20th of January.

My grown-up grandchildren, John and Laurie, are doing well with their busy lives. Laurie now flies with American, so I am hoping to see more of her during her stopovers in the Bay Area. John is still an Islander, living and working on Kauai.

Last month I had the good fortune to spend a week with my brother and his wife Elly in Waldport, Oregon, near the coast, high above the Ailsea River. Their home is surrounded by fir trees and in the distance, a majestic mountain can be seen across the river. I had a grand time with them, also a very good rest. Before going there, I stayed a week in Oakmont, with dearest friends, the Chiesas, who have helped me to make the final decisions on my home. They are determined to see that everything goes right for me and how very grateful I am to them.

Doctor's books and other writings are being stored until our new homes are ready, but enough material is being kept on hand for orders that may be sent for in the meantime.

I thank you for your letters sent throughout the year and hope you will forgive me for not always answering as promptly as I should. I'm sure you can understand that this year has not been the easiest one for me, but I think of you often and wish for you all that is best for your happiness and welfare. When you write telling me what Doctor's life and teachings have meant to you and how much both have helped you to live your lives more meaningfully and in the spirit of God's Word, my heart rejoices.

It is my prayer that He blesses you all and keeps you well, and that the holidays with all their joys be yours and your loved ones to share together.

My family joins me in sending love and best wishes in the spirit of the season. Let us hope once again that the New Year with its challenges can be met by all of us with equanimity and that understanding will prevail to help bring about a more peaceful world.

As ever,
Vivian



Vivian Thind
1464 Queens Road
Los Angeles, CA 90069

After May 1, 1979...
7383 Oakmont Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95405