The Heroin Influence in our Family

It is stunning and revealing to consider the heroin influence in the lives of both my father and my father-in-law.  The powerful impact of heroin on Lorin Wayne Goates, George Edgar Neilson, and their descendents cannot be underestimated.   

The idea or suggestion, however, that heroin had any effect on Lorin Goates or George Neilson should be very disturbing to anyone who knew them.  But almost as troubling is the fact that more recognition is not given to the "heroine" in each of their lives who almost single handedly and against incredible odds instilled a testimony of the gospel and preserved temple covenants for them and future generations. 

Without question, their mothers, Clara Evans Goates and Ester Luella Stephenson Neilson, are heroines deserving of recognition and incredible appreciation from their posterity, and especially their descendents who value the restored gospel.  It is hard to believe that anyone would envy Clara's or Ester's lives or the situations they faced, which were filled with incredible tragedy and hardships.  

Clara and her children about 1914

Clara Evan Goates was only 29 years of age in 1906 when her husband of seven years, Joseph, tragically died from typhoid fever, leaving her with four children, the oldest only 6 and the youngest about 8 months old.  She was left to be a single parent and the sole provider for her young family.  No doubt the stress of having to work and always being concerned about her children at home took a heavy toll.  Father told the story of him and his twin brother luring a chicken into the house while their mother was at work, and then chasing it all around until they were able to catch and kill it.  I can only imagine the frustration and despair Clara must have experienced when she came home to a house full of feathers and who knows what else.  She was doing the best she could, but no doubt felt at times it all was too much and she was failing.  There was no way she could know the incredible influence she would have for good on her children and future generations.  It was stunning to me when in my mid-forties I discovered how she had directly affected my life for good, as I explain in my posting about Clara's influence on me.

Esther and her son George

Ester Luella Stephenson Neilson's situation was different, but no less difficult.  She did have the advantage of having a husband to provide for the family, but his licentious and drunken behavior in his later years makes one wonder how any of his children were able to be faithful to the gospel or lead even semi-responsible lives.  This is not the forum to disclose and discuss family secrets related to Ester's husband, but being aware of his dissolute father, I once asked my father-in-law while camping out under the stars, how it was that he chose to be a good person and so committed to the gospel.  He did not hesitate a second, but simply said it was because of his mother, Esther.  

George & Marjorie

It wasn't Esther's lot to bring up her children on her own, however she had the unenviable task of having to overcome the bad example and influence of their father.  That is not to say that he did not have positive qualities, but fortunately because of Esther, their children did not follow in their father's debauched ways.  And not only did she have to surmount her husband's bad example, but Esther was also required to suffer for years with the nightmare of Alzheimer's.  It is difficult, if not impossible to believe that anyone would want her life and the trials she endured.  And yet, there are dozens of her posterity who have served missions, married in the temple, and strive with all their might to be faithful to the gospel.  It is very questionable whether any of her descendants would enjoy these blessings without her valiancy and godly influence.

The heroine influence

I marvel at the remarkable individuals and the families who are descended from these two extraordinay women, and I recognize that without the saintly influence of Clara and Esther, our lives would be missing the eternal blessings and covenants we value most.  Truly, Clara Evans Goates and Ester Luella Stephenson Neilson are heroines whose influence for good permeates our lives.






Post Apology - a part of me is sorry for resorting to yellow journalism to draw attention to Clara and Esther.  It certainly is not my intent to impugn them or to leave the reader with any suggestion of drug involvement by family members who have proceeded us.  Quite to the contrary, my intent was to draw attention to how beneficial and significant their lives and contributions have been to their posterity.  I am sorry if my attempt and use of sensationalism has left a bad impression or taste in anyone's mouth.