Linda Lee Swan ⁴¹⁰

  General Notes:

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

The first thing that I remember is my big brother, Jim, in the hospital. I was about nine months old. I didn't understand why he was there. Mamma took Merri Lou, and John and I to visit with Jim. He had a hard cast on his whole body, clear from his waist down to his toes. I would crawl on his bed, then he would let me swing from the bar hanging over it. I was sad when we had to go home, because I had had so much fun.

I had a magnificent childhood. Being the youngest of eight children I had lots of protectors, and bosses, but most of all lots of love.

My years as a teenager were outstanding. Everyone had left home, I had Mamma and Daddy to myself. Having the opportunity to talk with, to be with, to do things with, and to learn from them-sometimes more than I wanted-but nonetheless I had all their love.

I always loved to check out the new missionaries that came to our little town of Bisbee. One particular Sunday was the same as any other except for this new missionary. When I saw this very tall and handsome missionary. I poked Mama to ask her, "Did you see the new missionary?" She said yes, "he is very nice, now be quiet."

This missionary, who I found out later was Elder Olsen, spoke in Sacrament meeting, giving me an excellent excuse to stare at this attractive new missionary. After Sacrament meeting, Daddy invited the missionaries over for dinner. As time passed I got to know Elder Olsen better. I later found out that he was to return home to Salt Lake City, Utah just two months before my graduation from high school. This worked out great for me, because I was moving to Salt Lake City to live with my older sister Merri Lou. For my birthday Elder Olsen gave me an IOU for a date upon my arrival in Salt Lake.

Once in Salt Lake City, I wasted no time in contacting my missionary to collect on my date. He said he was "busy" and didn't know when we could go out. I was somewhat disappointed. However, after approximately a month he finally called. After months of dating, I chased him until he caught me. We were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 15, 1972. The coldest recorded day, for that date. However, we have been warming it up ever since.

While living at the University of Utah housing, we had our first son, Erik in 1974. We then moved to Midvale in 1975 where we received our second bundle of joy, Christopher. After moving once again, we settled down in our first home in West Jordan. In 1977 we had our first daughter, Kimberly, who was a great blessing. Marci came three years later, adding a little spice to our growing family. Then came the caboose, Tyler, in 1981.

While raising five active children, I had a desire, and a need, to work at home. Thus, slowly developing my own business as a contract sewer.

One of our proudest moments was the day Erik received his mission call to the Marseille, France mission. After two years of dedicated service for the Lord, he returned home July 1995.

Another proud, significant moment was when Christopher received his mission call to Dublin, Ireland. The day of his farewell will forever be in our hearts and minds. Just as we were preparing for the day we received a call from Mama, Daddy had returned home to his Heavenly Father. After talking calmly with Mama I hung up and wept in the arms of my loving husband, Steve. How was I going to make it through the day? Not knowing how to deal with my emotions, joyous for Daddy, yet I was sad for my loss.

I was excited for Christopher, though I knew how much I was going to miss him. Arriving at the church it was wonderful to have so many family members together to support each other. I know that Daddy said to the angels "Before you show me the rope's here, there is one more thing I have to do. I need to support my grandson at his farewell." I know Daddy was there.

Throughout my life, in dealing with different experiences, I have been supported and loved by family and friends, whom I am dearly grateful for. ⁴¹⁰

  Life Events:

1. Church Affiliation: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ⁴¹⁰

Linda married Stephen Bruce Olsen on 15 Dec 1972 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, USA.⁴¹⁰ (Stephen Bruce Olsen was born in 1948 ⁴¹⁰.)