"Mom" looking on after the Wedding Ceremony of Carlton & Cathy Christensen
I first met Lois Nielsen when I arrived at her home to pick up her daughter Cathleen in what was a "blind date" on February 10, 1990 at their home in Layton, Utah. When I came into their home, I noticed nearly an entire wall filled with pictures. I was amazed at the quantity, and replied, "Do all these people belong to you, or did you just keep the inserts that came with the frames?" I think we hit it off from there. What I didn't realize that evening, is what a profound impact she would have on my life and my family. I often amazed at the joy she garners from the simplicities in life and the satisfaction of some of the more basic elements in her life. Early on in our marriage, Lois and her husband Frank Nielsen allowed me to call them "Mom and Dad" respectively. Sixteen years after the passing of my last parent, she remains the only living grandparent to our children and I am grateful for the continued influence she has upon our family.
Mom was born to William Lloyd and Olive Hill Greaves. Born in the middle of her family, her father worked for much of his career at the printing presses of the Deseret News and her mother, later for Bennet Paint. They raised their family in a modest home located on West Temple in what is now known as South Salt Lake. They were faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in a variety of ways in the Church, helping family and helping neighbors.
Lois is on the far right, middle row
Mom married Franklin Harvey Nielsen at the age of 19. Their married life started up near Dad's family farm located in Marion, Summit County, Utah. There were many challenging days as they raised their family. They moved often to find good employment and their entertainment of the family often came from within the family and their conversations. Even today, once the Nielsen Family gets going, unless it is a topic you want to engage with, you should have a project you can go and do. There is no stopping them! Their frequent relocation, often living in cities where they didn't own their home, certainly could have created instability, but they both did an amazing job in keeping their family together and making the best of what life provided.
Frank and Lois on their wedding day
When Frank & Lois finally secured a home on Camelot Drive in Layton, it became in part, their castle where they did the best to provide for their family. Music was an integral part of raising their family and each child grew up singing together and sharing their talents. While spouses have joined their musical groups from time to time, my participation is still pending. Apparently singing on-key, is a requirement! Dad in his later years became disabled. A crippling disease that took its toll on his large frame, left him bent over and unable to get around without canes and a mobility cart. It left Mom as the primary provider as she returned back to work and ultimately left her as a widow at a much earlier age than I am sure she anticipated.
Like any of us, their marriage while not perfect, was perfect in love. As they progressed in life, they like the rest of us found forgiveness and kindness. Honesty was always a staple of their life and they accepted the consequence of any mistakes. They moved forward the best they could and just wanted happiness and love for their family. I have seen Mom sacrifice much to have her children succeed. She is not one for having a lot of physical possessions. I imagine one day at her passing, you could really go through her personal belongings in less than a couple of hours. Where her wealth lies, is in the conversations, the quilts, the bears and the baby blankets she makes for others. As one who has great faith with a focus on family, you frequently find her praying for her children and grandchildren.
On a family vacation to Nauvoo, IL, mom agreed to go horseback riding with Carlton's family.
Mom, a diligent student of the gospel of Jesus Christ, always wanted to visit Nauvoo, Illinois, an early settlement location for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 2004, Mom joined our young family and we visited it and other locations in Missouri. It just so happened that my eldest brother Elliott was also there with his family, affording us some joint opportunities to be together. One afternoon, they suggested we join them for a 2 hour horseback ride around the adjoining countryside. It had been a few years since Mom had been on a horse, but in her usual, let's give it a try attitude and the help of a set of stairs, went for a ride. We have loved her interactions with our family and it doesn't take much for me when projects need to be done around her home, to engage my daughters Jessica and Sarah. They will do anything for Grandma.
In her acts of service, Mom makes stuffed bears for children. She was looking for a home for them and I suggested the Police Department for the Utah Transit Authority might could use them. It's fair to say they are heavily subscribed to and officers use them to share with little children they encounter in the course of their service. Mom has never been one to seek attention or need acknowledgement, but this year, after the need for isolation, we decided she needed a few people to wish her Happy Birthday. Last May, when she turned 82, the UTA police were kind enough to pay her a visit. I kept it a surprise and it definitely made her day.
I am often getting in trouble with Mom, when I do projects around her house. She thinks I spend too much, but I think I don't do enough. I have such gratitude for the goodness of this wonderful woman who has allowed me to be part of her life. I am grateful for the impact she has had in her family and upon mine. I am the direct benefactor of her youngest daughter Cathy, our children Jessica and Sarah and most importantly her testimony of faith and fortitude. I am grateful to have two moms in my life.
