Arlene's Memories

Dear Family, We are starting a new feature in the newsletter that focuses on our great family legacy. It will be written by members of the second generation to pass on memories and faith-promoting stories. Here is the first installment from a newsletter submission by Aunt Arlene from l982. From Carolyn

Arlene Vellinga, Jan 27, l982 (Event Clifford Robertson funeral)

“It was a wonderful thing to start life in a small town surrounded by love. I was the first grandchild on either side of the family and what a lot of very special aunts and uncles I had. They were teases and they were handsome and they seemed always to have the time to notice a child. They liked to talk to mother. She always drew people to her through her love of fun and wealth of wisdom.

Daddy was so strong and big and kind. Mother spanked us often, but just to have Daddy scold, hurt for days. I don’t remember him ever spanking me. My friends loved to come to our house because they had such fun with mother. Many children in the neighborhood who had a lot more fireworks than we did, would bring theirs to our house because Daddy was there to help us set them off on the 4th of July.

There was such a love of the gospel in all our grandparents and parents and their faith was so strong that I don’t ever remember not wanting to go to church when we lived in Blackfoot. It was an integral part of our lives and though financially life was always a struggle for Mother and Dad we were so very rich in intangible things. I can’t tell you when I gained a testimony. It just grew as I did.

Daddy’s stories of his mission never tired or bored us and he was also successful in another difficult task. He taught us to like nearly every vegetable, fruit and fish and unusual things. I didn’t realize what a skill it was until I tried with our children. He always had a beautiful garden. Memories are special for each of us and I hope you will all have memories of wonderful aunts and uncles, grandmas and grandpas, mothers and fathers, brother and sisters, and cousins who love you and love the gospel. That’s what our family is all about and the heritage that came to us from great people is ours to keep strong, to hold fast and pass it on with greater strength to our children.

As always and ever with love, Arlene”