Robert Allen Hackworth Remembers

 

Two grand lovebirds, Robert Frank and Evaleo Brighton, lived unpretentiously in the sleepy, peaceful town of Smithfield, Utah.  Both Frank and Eva, possessing admirable dignity, were physically beautiful. They both had endearing smiles, and Grandpa especially smiled frequently. Grandma's soft, abundant, snow-white hair was always curled and combed. This lofty lady cared about her appearance.

 

Instead of being enfeebled by age, Grandmother and Grandfather Tidwell were empowered by it. They glowed with kindness and hospitality. "Would you like some ice cream and cookies. I can give you some raspberries, Dear," Grandmother would say.

 

Grandpa called chicken "the gospel bird." That is because chickens were apparently served in his family on Sunday. Grandpa liked anything associated with the gospel. Gospel stories and teachings were milk and honey that nourished his noble soul. As the couple grew older, the tendrils of their lives became increasingly intertwined. Grandpa and Grandma became excellent examples of the clause, they twain shall become one flesh.

 

In Farmington, Utah, on the northern edge of the Lagoon parking lot, a heavy, chain link fence defines the park's property and protects the area. This fence stretches past a large box elder tree. Over the year, the tree has melted and pressed its way through the fence. Consequently, now the fence intersects deeply through the trunk of the tree. The fence and the tree grew to be one; they are inextricably fastened together. If one were to jerk the fence from the tree, the tearing would rip the tree apart, deeply wounding the tree.

 

The tree and fence are Eva and Frank, blending their lives with love and a common purpose. Like the tree and fence, such a blending did not occur overnight. It was a consequence of many battles and victories, of a lifetime of being true to one's sacred marriage covenants made in God's holy temple. Observing my grandparents in marriage has been forever a blessing because they showed me the glory and possibilities of what marriage can be.

 

I observed Grandma and Grandpa Tidwell on many occasions. Particularly, after my mission, for two summers, I drove a semi truck from Idaho Falls, Idaho to Ogden, Utah for the Kitchen Queen Potato Chip Company.  I often stopped in Smithfield to see my grandparents.  One memory associated with these visits was Grandpa always keeping his hair cut very short on the sides. He always wanted my hair to be cut the same way. But I didn't like my hair as short as Grandpa's, so I often was not anxious for him to cut my hair.

 

Grandpa and Grandma Tidwell raised four beautiful, gracious, loving daughters: Ruby, Thelma, Eunice, and Barbara, and one hard-working, talented son, Frank Alton. The children all have some common personality traits: (1) they were grateful and loving to their parents, (2) they show unfeigned love and support for one another, and (3) they became devoted, caring parents and grandparents.  Perhaps this is because the special miracle of God, love, is found abundantly in each of their hearts.