President and Sister Stratford were serving their mission in the Northern States Mission. We Chicago buddies used to go over to the Mission Home, especially when Lynn’s parents were traveling. When we were there, we had the freedom to explore that huge ‘castle’.
Once, Lynn painted his bedroom black with a reflective design on the wall. I was waiting for the hammer to fall on Lynn. When he finally reported how his parents responded to his graffiti, he said that they were, of course, upset. If I had done that in my bedroom my parents, especially my mom, would have grounded me for life. When I next saw Sally, I was waiting to be scolded for the poor influence we had on Lynny Treasure. Instead she asked how I was doing, hugged me and expressed her love. John and Roy’s mothers would have given me the ‘dickens’.
Sally, Lynn’s mother, made me feel like I was special. It was like the other guys were so-so, but I was absolutely the best of the bunch. Now I know that she probably treated all the guys that way but she made me feel special. She would pinch my cheeks with love and tell me that I was an extraordinary young man, a blessing for her son and that she loved me. All I can say is that her ability to make me feel like I was worth something was a trait she shared with the world. Lynn’s mother had the gifts of warmth and an ability to communicate her tenderness. I loved her then and I look forward to seeing her again.
Randy Turner
Sally Stratford 