Grace Gull was called to Western States Mission in Denver, Colorado. At this time Grace's divorce from Harry Granbery was pending, she had a 22 month old daughter and engaged to a man named Roland Heeder. On the mission Grace would frequently guest the home of the Whitaker family with the other missionaries in the area. Here, she met and fell in love with the son, Berlin. Grace became torn and confused. With a daughter and fiance at home, while serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Grace was lost emotionally in the mission field. As her love for Berlin grew, the Whitaker family did not welcome her into their home.
She writes in her mission Journal:
17 May 1923
Though she tells me to give you up, I cant and will not. Her life is almost spent, I am just beginning mine and hope it is with you.
As her and Berlin's love began to grow they created a secret language to communicate to each other. To this day no one knows how to break the lovers code..... until NOW!!
Last year, I was in the processes of writing my last paper for my degree at BYU. It was all about these journals and her life as a missionary mother. My main goal was to find a way to break the code. One of the best things about college was connections. There I knew someone in the field would know how to break this code. I had my dear friend Amber put to the test, and in less then 24 hours she broke it and had it all translated.
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UnK
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Unk
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Unk
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My mind is still blown from this. Three generations passed. And now it is saved. She writes
February 26- Tuesday
“The thing which I have been fighting so long has at length taken possession of my whole soul I have prayed and prayed for help that I might overcome my desires for him . but they increase - rather than decrease after the D we talked of things ------ the thing is we cannot trample on someone else to enjoy our happiness.
I hope he calls at six.”
March 15
‘I am thinking of you sitting near me - that I can feel the caress of your hand - that you are telling me of your love- what it means to you. I am wondering where you are at this time- if there comes to you a longing for your sweetheart- as there is in my heart. I shall go to bed with these things on my mind- and think of them until sleep overtakes them...
If we want happiness dear, we must stand the tempest- because when we once embark, there is no turning back. It is for time and eternity.”
Within five month of the May 1923 journal entry Grace had passed away. Berlin and Grace were sealed in 1967 along with Grace's daughter, Derelys.
Every time I write about Grace, I feel a love unlike any other. The more I learn about her, the more I want to be like her. (Well I could pass on a few things) But the amount of love she gives to people is unreachable.
Derelys Anthony, "Mama," Mama and Me, 1-2.
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