Barbara Tidwell Brown Remembers

by Barbara Tidwell Brown

 

Allen Dear, you had a wonderful Grandpa and Grandma Tidwell. They were sweet and loving and very concerned parents. They taught us how to work by working with us. They were always examples for us. If they didn't want us to do something, you could be sure they didn't do it. Mother always wanted us to be good homemakers, so she taught us how to clean. If we didn't do it to her expectations, we did it again.

 

They were very concerned about obedience and respect. I only remember having a spanking from my father once and that was when I was yelling at my mother. That was one thing he wouldn't allow us to do. Of course, he wasn't always around so he didn't see or hear all. We got angry just like children today, but the discipline was a little tougher!

 

Mother was a generous, giving woman.  She was always doing things for others, especially the shut-ins and elderly.  She provided numerous meals to those in need.  She was not a very religious woman, but she was a good person.  She was shy, and I don’t remember her every action, but I never remember her praying in public.  I’m sure she prayed a lot in private.  I don’t remember her speaking in public, but I remember she always wanted us to do the things we were asked to do.

 

My parents provided me with every opportunity for self improvement. I took piano lessons and then taught Eunice what I learned because they couldn't afford lessons for both of us.  I took singing lessons and dance lessons. I'm sure they must have sacrificed for us to do these things because we didn't have much money.

 

We never went without anything because Mother sewed our clothes, and our folks raised most of our food.  Dad was a good farmer and always provided us with the necessities. Thelma, Ruby, and your dad were all much older, so I don't remember much about our younger years with them.

 

I remember your dad was always gone but would occasionally come home on his motorcycle. I remember staying with him in American Fork and having fun on the motorcycle in the summer. I became closer to your dad as I grew older because we interacted more. He would come to visit Mother and Dad, and I was always happy to see him. He had his problems I'm sure, but we never did hear Mom and Dad talk about them in front of us.  They loved him very much. Their love was unconditional for all of us.

 

Now that they are gone, we miss them so much, but their memories will always remain and help us through our own ordeals with our children. We always had a loving family and what we had helps to keep us close now that they're gone. I hope this helps you know your grandparents a little better. Eunice has a much better memory so she can probably tell you more. Your grandfather was the religious strength of our family and did nothing but good for everyone.