Love, Burton, and God

by Evelyne South

December 12, 1986

 

I was born and lived twenty-two years in Geneva, Switzerland before coming to the United States. My childhood memories are happy, although I was an only child and often wished I could have a brother or sister. My cousin, Monique, was born about three hours before me, and we grew up together almost as sisters.

 

After high school, I attended business school for two years and then went to England to become more fluent in English. Returning home, I worked for the Swiss) Telephone Company. I enjoyed my work very much as I spoke to people from Germany, England, Italy, and occasionally the United States. I also worked at the United Nations when several world leaders met for important conferences. My work there was mostly public relations, translating messages for journalists attending the conference, and helping them telephone their home office.

 

In February, 1955, while skiing in Davos, I met a young American soldier stationed in Nance, France. He was visiting Switzerland, the native land of his maternal grandmother, Mary Emma Schreier Biron. As in fairy tales, it was love at first sight. After only four days, he asked me to marry him, and I accepted.

 

We talked endlessly it seemed. Burton told me all about his family and of his Mormon religion which was totally new to me. Religion, however, took second place in my thoughts. My main concern was that I would have to leave my family and native land. Since we had known each other for such a short time, we decided to delay marriage and write to each other for a year. Back at his base in France, Burton obtained special permission to come to Geneva where he met my parents and asked for my hand in marriage. My whole family was impressed. They felt at ease around him, loved him, and trusted him. We wrote many letters, and when our feelings were still the same at the end of the year, we decided to get married. It had been a hard decision to make, not only for me, but also for my parents.

 

We were married on May 26, 1956; two days later, I said good-bye to my parents, other relatives, and friends. We then boarded a plane for New York. Leaving was definitely difficult, but I felt happy and confident as Burton's bride.

 

From New York where Burton had left his car, we drove home to Evanston, Wyoming, where his family welcomed me warmly and were kind and helpful. I immediately felt a part of Burton's family. I began to attend church regularly and was warmly received there. Soon I was enjoying many new friendships.

 

The gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the Church was a wonder to me. I found in it the same vastness that had so impressed me in this land. Little by little, I settled into my new life, homesick sometimes, but happy. Burton was kind and loving. Not only did he have a great sense of humor, he was a tease as well, telling me for instance, that strawberry shortcake was called strawberry longcake. I believed him, but only for a while.

 

After four years, two children, and hearing the missionary lessons twice, I was baptized a member of Burton's faith. Learning of our pre-earth life and of the plan of life and salvation made a deep impression on me. Having been Protestant, I had some knowledge af a life after death, but nothing compared to gospel teachings. Eternal marriage and family were what I really wanted, yet I still had some reservations about .my baptism because I felt my knowledge of such a great religion was inadequate. Finally I became convinced that baptism had to be my first step. My husband, who had been very understanding and patient, baptized and confirmed me on May 2, 1959. It was a special occasion, not only for us but for our children, Burton's family, and many friends.

 

I first taught Primary and attended Sunday School classes. I learned a great deal from both. Two years later, on May 5, 1961, Burton and I were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. At this time our three children, Eric, Kim, and Cindy were sealed to us, Cindy having been born after I was baptized.

 

I will never forget how beautiful the children looked. The Lord was giving me many blessings. Tears of true joy welled up in my eyes.  It was a wonderful experience, made even more special and meaningful because of family members in attendance.

 

Six years later, our fourth child, Clay, was born the day after Christmas. He brought our family a lot of happiness and fun. Our three older children delighted in playing with and tending him.  As time went on, I had many more opportunities to hold various positions in the Church, and I always received much more than I gave.  As a result, my testimony and knowledge of the gospel grew.

 

During all these years, I kept in close touch with my parents and relatives. My mother was with me when our first baby was born. She stayed four months, and I still have wonderful memories of that special time. About seven years later, when we moved into our new home, my father and mother came and stayed ten months. Their visit was a most enjoyable time for all of us. They got to know our three children and became acquainted with Burton's family and our way of life. Eight years later, I took my first trip back home. From then on, I was able to go more often and visit my parents who were ailing. My father passed away, and two years later, Mother died.

 

I think of them often. I appreciate their love and unselfishness in letting me make my home far away from them, for surely they must have been lonely at times. Twice I had the missionaries talk to them, but they never chose to join the Church. In due time after their deaths, Burton and I performed temple ordinances for my father, Marcel Pierre Schmid, and my mother, Cecile Louise Berset Schmid. It was a privilege to do their temple work, for I had wanted them to have the blessings of the gospel. Now they could have them, and this assurance and knowledge gave me a warm and wonderful feeling.

 

In recent years, we have had the blessing and privilege of seeing our three oldest children marry in the temple. We have also performed ordinances for other family members. Another blessing has been the visits of several members of my family, among them, my cousin Monique. Despite the many miles of separation, we share close ties.

 

Through the tragedy of losing our youngest son, Clay, in a timber accident, October 28, 1985, the significance of the concept of the eternal family has become even more important to us.  Clay was preparing and looking forward to going on a mission. Losing him has been a great test of faith and, at times, harder to endure than we felt capable of. But we can find comfort in the teachings of the gospel, that life continues alter death and our loved ones are not far from us. They know and care for us. The gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed the light that will guide us back to our Heavenly Father and loved ones if we live according to his principles and ordinances. Everything in the gospel is for our benefit.

 

If we meet our trials with faith, humility, patience, and trust in the Lord, he will, as promised, bless us and reunite us with those we love and miss.  I marvel at the blessings in store for us predicated upon our faithfulness and obedience.  The gospel has taught me a great deal, but more specifically, it has taught me about t6he Savior.  His infinite love and his ultimate sacrifice which, by conquering death, opened the doors of salvation and eternal life for us.

 

I love the Lord and thank him for all my blessings, for my loving husband, our wonderful children who, are close to us, our beautiful and precious grandchildren, and a family who literally loved me into the gospel by example.  I am grateful for the gift of life itself, the gospel, the knowledge of where I came from and my purpose on earth. I also appreciate the opportunity of doing genealogy research for my family and offering  them gospel blessings.

 

Since the loss of our son, I have learned to appreciate the principle of prayer which enables me to communicate with and draw closer to my Heavenly Father.  God lives.  He loves us, answers our prayers, and gives us strength to endure our trials.  I pray that with his divine help, I will always remain faithful, endure to end and once again have our dear Clay and my family forever.