Visit an old Friend

In the temple, just before Christmas I was helping a sister named Willden.  I happened to mention that I knew a family of that name in Ellensburg, WA.  She was married to a son, Doug, of that same family!  She told me that her father-in-law had died a year ago (we were in Russia) and that her mother-in-law was living in American Fork!  We exchanged phone numbers and thought we would get together after the busy holiday season.  Last week Sister Helen Willden called us and we chatted for a while.  We decided to get together for lunch at her house - near the Mt. Timpanogos Temple and we did that this Thursday, January 23rd.  It was interesting to learn about some of our other friends that she has kept in touch with - McInelly's and Morrills.  

When me moved to Ellensburg, Brother Boyd Willden, was the Institute Director.  They had six sons and one daughter.  They had a returned missionary son living with them and their youngest was 3 years old, we had Sam the next year.  We worked together in Primary and I asked her once what age of child was the hardest - she replied: Returned Missionary!  What!  I give up!!  She said he has been on his own for 2 years and goes out with friends and stays over and doesn't think to call home to worried parents!!!  Our family would go visit older Brother and Sister Willden for FHE sometimes.  They lived with their son Boyd and his family in a separate apartment and would make yummy desserts so our kids liked going over there! 
   All seven of their children served missions - one is a Stake president now, another one a bishop.  She said when her husband got very sick - he gave all their children and most grandchildren a blessing.  Susan Madsen is their only daughter - lives in Highland and has a company about empowering women..."Making a name for herself" is how Helen put it.  We hope to meet again and hopefully Polly can go with us.