Robert’s Birth – December 8, 1935: The baby was born about 15 minutes past midnight, so was born Dec. 7, 1935. Dr. Stranquist pronounced him stillborn and laid him aside to help me, for it had been a severe breech birth and I was hemorrhaging. Had it not been for an attending resident intern, a Doctor Guy Fellows, recently graduated from University of Utah Medical School, our little son could not have survived. Dr. Fellows continued to work with the baby and continually kept saying “Doctor there’s life there.” It was indeed through the determined and persevering efforts of Dr. Fellows that our baby was saved, and finally gave a weak cry. Then for five days his life hung precariously by a thread as he lay in the hospital incubator, recovering from this severe breech birth. A Doctor Eugene Smith, a baby specialist, was also called in to assist. He was also blessed and given his name on Dec 8th for he was still not expected to live. Gene hurriedly picked the name. We had talked previously about the name, Robert, but not agreed on the second name. Gene close Harold because his brother, Harold, had died a few months previous, following an appendectomy in April of 1934. Many prayers were offered in the next few days in behalf of our dear little Robert Harold, and certainly with each day our hopes were strengthened. Dr. Eugene Smith told me later that his body was strong and perfectly formed, or he could never have survived the severe birth period. After the first tense week, he grew strong and well quickly. However, we were kept in the hospital over the usual ten day period, which as usual for this time. Gene’s mother also insisted I come to her home for another week of watchful care. By the time we took him home to the farm, he seemed perfectly normal and strong and had even lost many of the instrument markings upon his body. Toddler – Summer 1938: Bobby was crawling around quite well at this time, and Edward would love to play with him after school each evening. It was fun to hear them laughing as they crawled around together each day for a time Our Bobby was growing and developing into a roly-poly happy child and he had no illnesses or problems at all through the year. What a happy home celebration we had on his first birthday. I made a small cake with only one candle. Somehow, he seemed to know all the fuss and fun was for him. What a delightful happy little fellow he was, beginning to stand and walk a step or two before sitting down. Robert was a happy robust toddler that summer. I remember one interesting memory I have of him that summer. It happened while Gene and I, and Edward were in the berry patch one early morning. Usually, we would start as early as it was light enough to distinguish if the berries were ripe. Besides the berries had to be picked for early delivery to the markets. Bobby usually slept until we were through with our picking job. However, Bobby had awakened earlier that morning and had taken off his own nightgown and diaper, and decided to go out for a look around. I looked up from my picking job, to see a stark naked little boy running down the street on his way to the Morgans. What a surprise that was! It was about this time that an old stray dog found his way to our farm. I have never been a lover of dogs, especially vicious looking, German police dogs, but both Gene and I were compassionate toward hungry animals, and this dog was gaunt and hungry looking. We knew he was old too, for his coat was quite grey and shaggy looking. Anyway Gene feed him first, and soon I was doing the same, whenever there was food scraps from our meals. The old dog was not exactly friendly, and kept his distance, as though he’d been mistreated. Even so, we weren’t frightened of him and he stayed around. He’d been around several days before I received the scare of my life. Even though it was springtime the days were still cool, so I’d put the little red snow-suit on Bobby when he wanted to go outside. He hadn’t been out very long when I heard a cry and went out to investigate. The old dog had Bobby cornered and was growling viciously at him. I grabbed the broom from the doorstep and started for the dog who had bared his teeth. I struck the dog with all my power with the broom and rescued Bobby. How I shook with freight for the dog had only slunk a short distance, and was glaring at me. I vowed that dog would have to go immediately. Never have I been so frightened or so shaky. When Gene came up from his work in the orchard for his dinner, I told him of my scare. Gene didn’t hesitate, but immediately went for his gun stored in the back closet. When I heard the shot I knew we were free of the old police dog. I’d let Bobby outside to play, for he loved to be out-of-doors. It had been perhaps a half hour since I’d seen him, so I went to the back door and called. Not getting an answer I decided to go looking. But Bobby just couldn’t be found. I searched and called and finally became very upset. I knew the canal was full, and a great fear came over me, and I dashed down there. As I looked into that muddy looking water, and became dizzy with fear, saying to myself, “Oh he wouldn’t come down here,” hadn’t I always cautioned him to stay close to the house, not going out on the road, or down by the barn? Once again I hurried back to the house, calling and searching every conceivable place. Wishing I had a telephone and wondering what to do next. I’d prayed as I ran. I’d even looked in the empty ditches, that were used at irrigating times, I thought about going up to the Morgans, but just knew this was foolhardy, he’d been told too many times not to go out the gate onto the road. And he’d always been such an obedient child, so anxious to please. I still don’t know why I looked under the car in the garage, I’d been in and out of there so many times before, but that’s where he was, and sound asleep. Oh the grateful relief which flooded over me when I saw him so angelic and sound asleep. I wondered why he’d crawled in there, but who knows why little boys find dirty places to play. I just sank down and gave a sincere prayer of thanks for that dear little boy, so grateful for his safety. I even had to wake him up to get him out, for it was too small a place for me to crawl. What a rejoicing afternoon I had, just rocking and singing to him, and realizing what a dear little fellow he was. I’m sure he didn’t realize all my strange behavior, but he seemed to enjoy the attention he was getting. I stripped him off and gave him a bath in his white enameled tub, and let him splash to his heart’s content. What a blessing to find him safe and happy after such a scare. Young Boy: He dearly loved to play baseball, and had his opportunities often, for there was a large ball-diamond practice field just across the Taylor Road a bit north. Here the farm bureau teams would often practice, as well as, the older boys of the community. And Bob would always be there, chasing their balls and hoping to be included in the game. His favorite position was being first baseman. In fact, he’d received a very fine ball-mitt for his twelfth birthday. This was his prized possession. Occasionally, Gene, Edward, and Bob would go fishing, which they all loved to do. There was always a contest to see who could catch the biggest fish. Gene didn’t always win either. Gene really enjoyed going out into the hills and canyons, so it was not “all work and no play” for my three boys. I was aware in 1948 that our family was growing up, and all too quickly. Edward was now 18 years of age and a young man. Bob was 13 and a very conscientious scholar, bringing excellent grades home, and showing unusual scholastic ability. Our dainty Helen was 9 and already in the third grade, how quickly the years were passing, even our baby was growing up, a darling four year old. We were so proud of our family, and their conscientious desires to do their best in all areas of school and church activities. Robert was not like Edward in this, for although he joined the Utah National Guard, on the advise of Edward in August of 1953, he really did not enjoy the drills, nor the summer camps, to him it was merely duty, not enjoyment. Nevertheless, he did fulfill all the requirements that were assigned, for it was his nature to do all things well. He attained the rank of Corporal in 1954. He also re-enlisted for another three years, when his first term was completed. Nevertheless, he was not the natural soldier that Edward was. Anyway, this was a good way for both our boys to fulfill their military duty, for we, as parents, had no desire for our boys to serve in the regular Army. College: At Weber College Bob enjoyed a close personal association with several of his instructors; this was helpful to him as he took an active interest in his studies. Unlike many students his age, he limited his social activities sharply, saying he was going to school for learning and not for socializing. He did join one club, however, the Phoenix Club, which required special standards and grade requirements for membership. Bob was his own taskmaster in this, and he was not anti-social for he had a world of friends, and was particularly well liked everywhere he went. His own particular brand of wit seemed to bring him favor and good friendship. However, he placed many of the college entertainments and social gatherings in the category of wasted time, which he felt could be used in studying. Perhaps, this aided him in keeping his grades high. Of course, Bob was a normal boy and was attracted to pretty girls and always picked the extra pretty ones. Strangely, however, he seldom dated a girl a second time. Maurine Parker, who was later chosen Miss Utah of 1954, was his particular fancy for a time in ninth grade, but after a few weeks she held no further charms for him. He also went with Patsy Seegmiller for a while in 1956, but he dated very little during his Weber College years. He was very dedicated to his studies at this time of his life. He had always been conscientious, taking all his assignments and duties, both at church and at school very seriously, always doing his best, and he was his own taskmaster also. He’d served faithfully as a Ward teacher from Jan. 1951 to Aug. of 1953. Also during this time he’d been the M.I.A. chorister, a job he had enjoyed very much. Then he was asked to be an Assistant Ward Clerk on 8th November 1953, and served here until 30, September 1956. Certainly, he took seriously every Priesthood assignment from the time he was first ordained a Deacon in 1947. Bob took his first long trip away from home in March of 1955. He went with the Weber College Engineers Club on a field trip to California. They visited several large industrial plants, and gained some practical knowledge during the ten day trip. Bob also visited his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Ethel White in Palo Alto. He also toured the campus of Stanford University, with the thought in mind of perhaps attending that great school at some future time. Bob came home from his trip with his horizons very much broadened. Bob took his first real job employment with the Bureau of Reclamation on the Weber Basin Project in Wanship, Utah. Here he worked during the summer months of 1955 and 1956, gaining on the job training in the engineering field during the construction of the huge Wanship Dam. Here, together with a friend, Fred Lasko, who was also employed at the Dam, they maintained living quarters near the job site, and learned to cook and do for themselves. Often on weekends they would drive home in order to go to church on Sunday, and have Sunday dinner at home. Then very early on Monday morning they would drive back in Bob’s old car through Weber Canyon to their jobs. Bob and Fred formed a good stable friendship that summer. Robert Accepts a Mission: Near the end of summer, on September 11, 1956, Bob received a formal call to serve a Church Mission in West Germany, which he accepted. The Wanship Dam was now nearing completion, and Bob’s job drawing to a close. Therefore, Bob began at once to make preparations for his mission. Of course, he was a bit reluctant to interrupt his college studies, but he knew the mission call was more important, and he felt he could complete his engineering course after his mission was completed. Since Bob had graduated from Weber College, he felt that a break in his studies at this point would not be too detrimental in the long run, for he hoped to be able to enter the University of Utah and complete his Engineering Course there after his Mission. He was honored at Testimonial Services on October 21, 1956 in the Wilson Ward and then went to the Mission Home in Salt Lake City for a week of missionary instruction. The first week in November found him traveling east by train where he set sail Nov. 13th on the huge luxury liner, S-S United States, on his way to his field of labor in West Germany. Thirty months later, after a world of priceless experiences, he returned home to continue his education once more. Like a “God-send” he was blessed with the good fortune of receiving a $400 scholarship award from Standard Oil of California to the University of Utah. This was most thankfully received. President William Miller of Weber College was instrumental in obtaining this scholarship award for Robert. In order to brush up again on his studies and equip himself for fall courses, he enrolled in summer classes at the University of Utah within a few days of returning from his mission. He rented an apartment at 169 South 13th East in Salt Lake, which was being vacated by his new brother-in-law, Noel Nellis. This apartment was near the campus, and he planned to walk to classes, perhaps to avoid the necessity of purchasing a car, and thus saving on school expenses. His upstairs apartment was like an oven those hot summer months and he spent much time at the library because of this unbearable situation, nevertheless, he applied himself well and progressed in his studies. Since he’d accepted a job teaching a Sunday School Class in his home ward, most weekends found him returning to Ogden by bus. However, near the end of the year 1959, he began attending the University 6th Ward, and his visits to Ogden to see his parents were less frequent. He also accepted a Home Teaching Assignment in the University Ward. Robert Marries Helen: He met Helen Ruth Barlow while on a Home Teaching Assignment, and before long he was seriously courting her. He even did something that surprised and saddened me very much, for he withdrew from his savings account the thousand dollars which he’d so carefully and diligently saved for college education funds, and purchased a big white Ford Sedan. I suppose a car is very important to a man when he is courting his lady love, but somehow It did seem out of character for Bob to do this, and before his college was half complete. Well, within a few months they were engaged. Then later in the summer the marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on 1st September 1960. They took up residence in another apartment at the same address, 169 South 13th East, and Bob began his second year at University of Utah to complete his degree in electrical engineering. He graduated June 5, 1961 with a high scholastic record. He was awarded the Donald Kirk David Fellowship, for study in business administration at Harvard University. What a wonderful “God Send” for Bob & Helen. Late summer found them traveling east with their household belongings in a large U-Haul Trailer behind their car. Their next residence was at 75 Easton Street in Boston, Mass. Soon they were going to church at the Cambridge Ward in Boston Stake. Here they enjoyed many fine experiences and found wonderful friends. Their first child, a son, whom they named Marc Barlow Burrows, was born 25 October 1961. He was a beautiful healthy baby who easily captured his parents hearts, and before long much of their time and thoughts. With the completion of the first school year, Robert worked during the 1962 summer vacation time with Cahners Publishing Company - publishers of trade journals. Bob worked on the staff of the Metalworking Magazine located at 221 Columbus Ave. in Boston. Robert Earns His Masters Degree from Harvard: Beginning the second year at Harvard, Bob found very little time for anything but study. He was also concerned for his father who had suffered a heart attack in September. Although he had rallied, and appeared to be quite good, he nevertheless suffered another heart attack and passed away November 1, 1962. Of course, Robert flew to Utah for his father’s funeral, and brought his year old son, Marc, with him, that his Mother could see her grandson. Helen did not accompany Bob on this trip because she was not feeling well at that time. The following spring a second child was born, this one a daughter born 5 May 1963. She was given the name Anne Patricia Burrows. About three week later Robert completed his studies, and received his Masters Degree from the Harvard School of Business. Soon after graduation Bob took employment with the DuPont Corporation in Wilmington, Delaware. Their new residence was now 3221 Naamans Road in Wilmington. Soon they were welcomed into their new L.D.S. Ward. The Wilmington Ward, Philadelphia Stake. Soon they found good friends and neighbors here in the Wilmington Ward. While I was writing I realized it was now four years since Helen Barlow Burrows had passed away. How I wish Bob could have continued to live in Bountiful. So many changes are always occurring. Bob Finds a Wonderful Wife in Germany Bob had taken employment in Frankfurt Germany in 1974 and had desired to take his children with him. I admired him for doing this, but nevertheless the following months were full of worries and deep concerns for their welfare. I knew Bob was a devoted and conscientious father, yet I feared he would overdue and his own health would be endangered. After all, one person can only do so much. The children were young and would need much care. Some of his letters told me much more than Bob was meaning to reveal, and I knew he had deep worries for their schooling. They were attending German schools, but not getting the extra tutoring they needed. However, Bob’s prayers together with my prayers, were certainly answered, almost miraculously; for Bob met a wonderful woman, Alberta Jacobs, who was teaching in the German schools in Berlin. The story of how they met and fell in love is nothing but a miracle. Certainly, I am not qualified to tell it adequately. Suffice it to say they were married in the L.D.S. Temple in Bern Switzerland on Nov 23, 1974. Alberta’s parents attended the wedding. I met them when they visited my home just prior of leaving for Germany. They live at 1052 Darling St. in Ogden, Utah, which is only about four blocks northeast of my home. I have often thought about this miracle and blessing, of how Alberta came into our lives, and I thank our Heavenly Father very often for this great gift of love to my son, the father of six precious grandchildren.