I was born on September 6, 1941 in Indianapolis Indiana, to Harold Burton Riffel and Gladys Violet Green. I am the third child of 9 and the first boy. I have 4 brothers and 4 sisters. I am now 70 years old and enjoying life living in Utah. I have 3 girls and 2 boys, one deceased. I am married and will celebrate my 49th wedding anniversary in July 2012.
When I was real little and still in a high chair I pushed myself over and hit my head, which knocked me out. My dad put snow down my back to wake me up. I still have a scar on my head where I hit it on the floor.
When I was about 5 years old, we were living out in the country by Paragon Indiana. My mom and I went out to tell my dad it was time for lunch. My dad picked me up and sat me on one of the horses and took me to the road, he took me off the horse and told me to take them to the barn. The horses took off dragging me along. It was quite a bumpy ride as I only was on the ground about every 5 feet.
One time my sister Violet was dragging an old lawn mower, the kind without a motor...and I told her I didn't want the blade to go around and she didn't listen to me so I tried to stop the blades and it almost cut my finger off. My mom tied something on my finger to hold it in place. I still sport a nice scar from it.
We had bee hives and snakes in the yard and every time we did something wrong...my mom knew about it. I think she had eyes that moved in different directions, one way for one eye and another direction for the other one.
My dad built a house in Martinsville and we lived in the garage while it was being built. I had a paper route at one time, I also worked at a cafe doing dishes. I wanted a bike so I saved my money until I was able to buy it. My dad used to take us fishing up on Blue Bluff, north of town, near the REMC power plant.
After my dad died I watched over the younger kids while my mom worked. She worked hard to support us. After my mom married again, we moved out on Wilbur Road, west and a little north of Martinsville.
When I was about 15 or so, I ran away from home because my step dad hit me. I went to the park and slept for a few hours on a picnic table then went back home.
I went into the Marine Corp after I graduated from high school. I married while in the Corp. and later moved back to Martinsville, Indiana. I was introduced to the most wonderful gospel and the only true gospel, on the earth, by my wife. I was baptized on 4 December, 1973 in Martinsville. I served in several callings in the Church. I was called to the Branch Presidency as 2nd coun. in 1978 and was released in 1979. I have served as young men president, Ward Mission Leader, I taught Temple classes as well as Scout Master and also Asst. Scout Master. I have served as Ward Clerk over membership and over finances. I now spend my time building things and working a small farm.
I retired from the Electric Power Company in 1998 and moved to Utah on a farm my father-in-law had worked for over 50 years. I have one daughter that lives near me, which we rely on when we cant understand the new technology of today. I have a good friend who is my Uncle. We go fishing and to other places together. My life is content, I am in a wonderful Ward, with wonderful people...who could ask for more. Love you all.
No comments:
Post a Comment