28 Apr 2002 #0217.html

Nobert Schmidt

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Dear Paul and Kate, Melanie and Jared, Bridget and Justin, Sara, Ben and Sarah, Heather, Audrey, Rachel, and Matt via hardcopy,

cc: file, Tony Hafen, Pauline Nelson via mail, Sara and Des Penny, Diane Cluff, and Maxine Shirts.

Welcome to "Thoughtlets." This is a weekly review of an idea, belief, thought, or words that will hopefully be of some benefit to you, my children, with an electronic copy to on-line extended family members. Any of you can ask me not to clutter your mail box at any time.

"It has been a joy to be with the missionaries as they have taught the discussions to Nobert Schmidt. The first discussion was taught with Steve Feil, on splits with Elder Kasten, and Chris Schmidt at Christus Hospital. I had gone over with Chris and his step-father-in-law to give a blessing to Chris' Mom a week before. She was in the hospital with congestive heart failure. I walked over to Chris' house and rode with him to the hospital. Norb was with us and a couple of times on the way over and back I asked him if it wasn't time for him to be baptized. Then on Sunday I was told Norbert Schmidt did plan to take the discussions, that he had fallen, and he was now in the hospital. Chris and his Dad spared verbally during the first disussion, and as a result the lesson went all over the place. The next Sunday I learned he had moved to a hospital on Memorial for some physical therapy. Chris drove the elders and me down to Dairy Ashford and Richmond where the elders taught about half of a 2nd discussion. Then I grabbed hold of the process, took the Elders down in the afternoons, and we finished the 2nd on that Wednesday, came back on Thursday to teach a 3rd. The following Tuesday the Elders taught the fourth discussion, and then on Thursday afternoon they taught the fifth discussion. I could go into the contents of each of the lessons, and I won't.

I will just talk about some of my feelings and reactions. Whenever the Elders would ask Norb Schmidt who he would like to say the prayer, he would point his finger at me and say `Him.' Then he would explain to the Elders he met no disrespect to them, but I am older, and he relates better to me. He is 83 1/2 years old, and he makes sure everyone knows about the 1/2. I found it flattering to be so comfortable with someone who is 31 years older than me, that they would go on and on about it. I knew his wife's congestive heart failure scared him. He loves her dearly. His eyes would moisten up when he talked about her during the lessons. He felt bad about being active in Alcoholics Anonymous for over 20 years. He had been the President of Arrow Shirt Company in the 1960's when it was the biggest shirt company in the world. He was a social drinker, and when a power struggle took over the Board of Directors and threw him out he found refuge in the bottle. So when Darrell and I called at his door several years ago to challenge him to join the church he was still feeling sorry about things he had done. My interpretation is we scared him more. And he appreciated my straight forward approach. I knew it was the right thing the afternoon the Elders taught the Fourth Discussion and asked him to say the prayer as we left. What a wonderful, sincere, searching prayer. My eyes were wet as I gave him a hug good bye, and so where his, and so were the Elders. A testimony is such a fragile thing, and when the Holy Spirit bears witness, it is such a strengthing experience.

As I mentioned last Sunday, Chris taught me a wonderful lesson. The Elders had planned to teach the last, sixth, discussion on Tuesday. However, Chris wanted Mrs. Schmidt, him, and Michelle to be involved with the missionary lessons. Don't understand why I missed this. It was probably the best lesson the missionaries taught, although the spirit was not as thick as during some of the discussions at the hospital. As I look back on the last few weeks, there is a wonderful change in Norbert Schmidt's countenance. The Doctors were able to discover, operate, and repair a torn ligament in his right knee. He was walking with a walker at church today. And his face shines. He knows it is important to be baptized by someone, like his son, who holds the Priesthood, and there is a shine to his countenance.

When I called my friend Blaine Taylor, in the Richmond- Rosenburg Ward to tell him about the baptism, his wife, who knew the Schmidts and had visited their home before the recent hospitalizations and thir moving into Chris and Michelle's home, asked `Does he comprehend the lessons.' Absolutely! His answers are unique. Norbert Schmidt did teach Gospel Doctrine when they lived in New York. He also funded Chris' mission to Norway, supported his wife going to church all of these years, and has always been very positive about the church and it's influence in his life. And he wants to be sealed for time and all eternity, for he truly does love his wife. And it has been a wonderful blessing in my life to be able to participate in teaching him the gospel.

Norbert Schmidt's baptism this evening was a special event. There were about 40 folks in attendance. Chris was very nervous and ended up having to do it twice. There was a good spirit. His home teacher of 17 years from New York flew down for the baptism. His home teacher from Blaine Taylor's ward in Richmond-Rosenburg came up. I gave the talk on baptism. Elder Kasten talked on the Holy Ghost. Chris performed the ordinances. His grandaughters, Laura and Anna, gave the opening and closing prayers. There was a good spirit and it was a good evening.

Earlier in the day, at sacrament meeting, Gary and Roetta Jones talked. She read from her journal from September several years ago. Gary had been laid off by Champlin (I think), and had given her a blessing. In that blessing he promised her that everything would be OK and he predicted he would get a job to go to China. So the following February when I hired Gary to go to China, Roetta felt it was the Lord sending Gary to China. It was a really interesting talk, and it would be fun to read the actual journals and compare them to the events as recorded on notes in the boxes in the garage. Despite my faith and belief in the church and this kind of thing, I always question mine and other people's memories, and sometimes this leads to even stronger confirmations by the spirit that something is true. Gary talked about working in his Grandfather's mines when he was growing up. He talked about disaster training exercises, and what it was like coming out of a 1,600 foot tunnel, and when you pass the last corner, and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I keep telling myself I've seen the light at the end of the tunnel, and yet it doesn't seem to be getting any closer.

This week I received the following letter from BYU:

`Dear Roice Thanks for your interest in the geophysics position at BYU. We enjoyed your campus visit and were unamimously impressed with your expertise and innovate approach to solving problems. Unfortunately, however, we will not be able to offer you the position at this time. This is a particularly difficult decision in light of your vast experience and your obvious willingness to share that experience with the BYU geology students. Sincerely, Dr. Scott M. Ritter Search Committee Chair'


Oh well! Then I got a Jury Summons for May 7th (0219.html). Then I got a call from Shell (acutally I called and asked the guy who interviewed me originally whether they were still interested or not). The contracting officer explained things I did not understand. Specifically, I have an umbrella contract through December, and they have only authorized 10 days of consulting work on this contract. I thought I had 10 days a month for the next six months. Maybe, if the first job goes well, this is what will happen. In the meantime it was really disappointing. MKS called and said they have reviewed the Heads-of-Agreement, and will be getting back to me with written comments. I have not received the written comments yet. Mike Dunn called and he is going to pay me a few hundred dollars of consulting money to put together a presentation to sell a big data management project to a small oil company. That is better news.

Christian Singfield brought two guys up from Australia to work with him on the CDX business plan. I met with them on Tuesday and Friday. These were two of the most interesting meetings I have had in years. Francis Cox and Greg Palmer have built an imaging system for the meat packing industry. I have a little hands on experience here. They take digital images of a carcass every 30 seconds, totaling 3,500 carcasses a week. The have a database that shows where the sheep or the cow comes from, what it was fed, it's weight at various ages, and with the digital image they automatically calcualte the percentage fat, the marbling of the meat, and come out with quantitative measurements of the value of the carcass. They want to use their same technology to automatically classify lithologies, pore size, and other characteristics from scanning cuttings and cores using Christian Singfield's scanning tools. I was asked to talk about how my work with the Infinite Grid(SM) relates to the data management system that Christian has developed. They got it. It was so exciting to have some bright guys see what I was talking about and to be really interested in it. They are talking about some Australian companies investing in productizing the technology. It will be interesting to see what happens with all of this.

I met with Chris Dale from EVP (Energy Virtual Partners, Bob Peebler's new company) on Wednesday morning (see 0203.html and 0216.html). It was another great meeting. In fact, Chris called back on Friday and asked for a written proposal to data mine large Parish in Louisiana, and some additional data on the Knowledge Backbone(SM). He had a detailed proposal two hours later. Hopefully we will know something next week.

I spent more time last week working on the Texas A&M Census Track proof-of-concept for the Infinite Grid(SM). I believe it is pretty compelling. Hopefully I will have more to report about this next week. It seems to be taking as long at it took Nobert Schmidt to get baptized. He was teaching Gospel Doctrine in New York 15 years ago, and here he finally got baptized tonight.

I received a couple of responses to last week's Thoughtlet, which have news several of you will find relevant, so I will quote them. First from Diane Cluff:

`Dear Roice, I am surprised about your comment that Activities Committees Chairman isn't a real calling either. I think it's great that you have this calling simply because you strike me as a "sideline" kind of guy at parties and it's good to have to see the other side. Well, I stop and let Andrea do the badgering. Ben came home from his mission on April 10th. Daniel flew up that first weekend and none of us got any sleep but we had a great time. This last weekend was his homecoming talk and several family members & friends came to hear him speak, we didn't get much sleep that weekend either. So today I am in recovery, thank goodness! Michelle was the youth speaker and both she and Ben did such a good job with their talks. It was certainly a "Pay Day" and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ben had a strong testimony before he left on his mission but wow, it grew! He bore powerful testimony about the Book of Mormon being able to change lives, it was very uplifting to hear him speak. He wants to go back to school in the fall and is making plans to get there. We hope he can find good work here locally but he may go to San Jose to work for the summer. Still checking out options. Hope all is well for you. Any news from BYU yet? Love, Di.'


Hard for me to believe Ben is back from his mission already. It seems only yesterday we were all at their house in Los Angeles when we all went to Disneyland. How fast time flies. Yes, Diane, I sometimes put comments in just to see if anyone reads these Thoughtlets. I knew you were the Activities Committee Chariman, and partly I was reporting and partly I was jerking a chain.

I received the following from Marti via Sara:

`Sara--will you forward this to Roice and your dad? I don't have email addresses. Rob's graduation--Saturday, May 25, 1:30 p.m. at Reliant Arena (formerly Astrodome Arena). KHS's graduation is before MCHS, so allow extra time to park--it will be crowded. Entrance to parking is from Naomi Street only and costs $6.00 per vehicle. As you arrive, you'll be asked to wait in a waiting area until the previous graduation has cleared and afterwards we're asked to leave the lobby area promply and exit the building to find Rob and family. So all who wish to can sit together, I suggest we meet, as you face the front of the building, by the doors furthest to the right at about 1:00 and also meet there afterward to find Rob and anyone else who gets misplaced. Directions--from West Houston, take 1-10 to I-610 South, travel on I-610 South past Bellaire, curving to I-610 East. Exit Alameda (FM 521). Go left on 521, then left on Naomi, which will lead to Reliant Area parking Now, from Melanie... For those of you who are going to be able to come to Houston for Rob's graduation, Jared and I would also like to invite you to come to the blessing of our baby the following day. We plan on blessing her May 26th in Vidor at 11:00. Around 3:00, we are having a pavillion party if any of you can stay that long. A pavillion party is just a potluck dinner with all the family at the neighborhood pavillion. They're fun and... lots of good food!! We really hope ALL of you can come to meet our new daughter and for this special day!!! Here's directions: Take I-10 East through Beaumont. About 5 miles east of Beaumont take the Vidor exit. Turn left under the overpass. To our house: go about 6 miles or so. You'll see a big Baptist church on your left and then a Conoco station on your right. The next left you can take after the Conoco station is our street (West Circle). We are the 3rd house on the right. If you want to go straight to the church, just continue past the Conoco station another mile or so and the church is on the right hand side.'


I feel like commenting about Marti not having my e-mail address, and I won't. For those who don't know, Rachel's graduation is in the same place Rob's is at 5:00 that afternoon. Also Landmark is having a 20 year anniversary and invited us all to attend and wanted me to speak to them. However, it is during Rob's graduation ceremony so I won't be going to that. For those I didn't talk to on the phone, Melanie called a little while ago and she is having 30 second contractions every 5 minutes. When they get to 50 seconds she will be going to St. Christus Hospital in Beaumont at the Calder Exit. I expect we will have a new granddaughter within the next couple of days. (Since Andrea went to bed before I finished this, and so it was proofed this morning, I called Melanie and Jared this morning at 7:45, and there was no answer in their room, so I'm assuming they are at the hospital.)

Aunt Sara wrote nice note, including:

`Dear Roice and Andrea, ... I can't remember if I told you Mom is now diabetic on top of everything else. It's not serious yet because they are just using pills to help control it rather than insulin shots. We're assuming Melanie hasn't had her baby yet, but let us know when she does. Des broke his shoulder helping with the ski races at Brian Head, but it's healed well and he doesn't have to wear a sling any more. Now he has to rebuild the muscle. It happened about a month ago. Brian just got back from Disneyland and a California performance with the Cedar High Orchestra. They had a lot of fun. This weekend he goes to Provo for State Solo and Ensemble. Bridget will be down to play for a friend's wedding. Justin is planning to try out for "Music Man" this summer if he can work a job around the rehearsals. Bridget was accepted for graduate school, but has decided she's happy with the B.A. for now and so she's going to try to find a good job in Sept. after she graduates in Aug. while Justin finishes his degree. At that point they are planning on graduate school, maybe in California. I have my 19th annual Suzuki Concert on May 6 in the new city theatre. It's beautiful. You'll enjoy seeing it when you visit next time. I related to your comments about 1984. We left Texas in 1983 and got out just in time. Some of our friends in Beaumont were stuck with houses they couldn't sell for years. When Rachel figures out what's happening have her let me know if she wants to stay here for June. We need to clear out the room because Brian has turned it into his guitar room. She's welcome to come. Hope this is a great week for you. Love, Sara'


And lastly was a quiz from Haden Hudson, which I found interesting, and which I am passing on for those of you who like quizzes. It is suppose to be sent as a separate e-mail, and you all are smart enough to copy it out of this Thoughtlet and forward it to those who would be interested. And. of course, you get to send me back your score. Mine was 30.

`Dr. Phil gave this test on Oprah. Some folks pay a lot of money to find this stuff out. ... psychological profile - don't be overly sensitive! And it only takes 2 minutes. Take this test and send it to your friends, including the one who sent it, and let them know who you are. The person who sent it placed their score in the subject box. Please do the same. Don't look ahead before you answer. Answers are for who you are now ... not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready. This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees. 10 simple questions, keep track of your letter answers. Ready?? Begin.. 1. When do you feel your best? a) in the morning b) during the afternoon & and early evening c) late at night 2. You usually walk a) fairly fast, with long steps b) fairly fast, with little steps c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face d) less fast, head down e) very slowly 3. When talking to people you a) stand with your arms folded b) have your hands clasped c) have one or both your hands on your hips d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair 4. When relaxing, you sit with a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side b) your legs crossed c) your legs stretched out or straight d) one leg curled under you 5. When something really amuses you, you react with a) a big, appreciative laugh b) a laugh, but not a loud one c) a quiet chuckle d) a sheepish smile 6. When you go to a party or social gathering a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed 7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted; do you ... a) welcome the break b) feel extremely irritated c) vary between these two extreme 8. Which of the following colors do you like most? a) Red or orange b) black c) yellow or light blue d) green e) dark blue or purple f) white g) brown or gray 9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep, you lie a) stretched out on your back b) stretched out face down on your stomach c) on your side, slightly curled d) with your head on one arm e) with your head under the covers 10. You often dream that you are a) falling b) fighting or struggling c) searching for something or somebody d) flying or floating e) you usually have dreamless sleep f) your dreams are always pleasant POINTS: 1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1 3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6 4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1 5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e 2 6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2 7.(a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4 8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1 9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1 10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1 Now add up the total number of points. OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care". You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you. 51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate. 41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out. 31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful, and practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken. 21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature. UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything. They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't. Now forward this to others, and put your score in subject box.'


On Saturday Rachel went with some girl friends to the Senior Prom. She didn't have a date, and was really cool about it. Rachel, I am so proud of you, your willingness to answer the Bishopric's call and talk about Priest-Laurel Conference in Sacrament meeting and to bear your testimony. She saw Rob at Carmellos. He was going to the Mayde Creek Senior Prom. Said he has gotten big, and he seemed happy. Andrea was released as Young Women's President today. She was only here a couple of months when she was called, and there are several changes in the Ward Leadership happening, and as the first step of these changes she was released today. No calling for a couple of weeks. She will go crazy. She made cookies for the baptism tonight.

So I guess that is what I can think to write about. It was good to talk to Roice, Ben, Paul, Melanie, Audrey, Sara, and Mom this evening. Hope to catch up with the rest of you soon. And all in all, the highlight of my week was the baptism of Norbert Schmidt."

I'm interested in sharing weekly a "thoughtlet" (little statements of big thoughts which mean a lot to me) with you because I know how important the written word can be. I am concerned about how easy it is to drift and forget our roots and our potential among all of distractions of daily life. To download any of these thoughtlets go to http://www.walden3d.com/thoughtlets or e-mail me at rnelson@walden3d.com.

With all my love,
Dad
(H. Roice Nelson, Jr.)

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Copyright © 2002 H. Roice Nelson, Jr.