Comments on: In His Own Words: Arnold Ga—n, 1950

By: m&m

m&m — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:11:13 +0000

WOW.

By: Michelle Glauser

Michelle Glauser — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:30:46 +0000

Wow, how fascinating! I love his English and his faith that he’ll get what he asked for . . .

By: Jami

Jami — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:10:42 +0000

A jewel, Ardis. You find the most amazing things. Thanks for sharing them.

By: Anne (U.K)

Anne (U.K) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:59:10 +0000

I have an overwhelming desire to give 12 year old Arnold a big hug and a huge pot of homemade soup. Here’s hoping he has had a life filled with love.

Thanks, Ardis.

By: Amy

Amy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:55:22 +0000

What a gem of a letter.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:51:02 +0000

This is awesome.

By: Mark B.

Mark B. — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:57:18 +0000

Thanks again, Ardis! We have another winner!! I couldn't help but think of another little German boy, of about the same age, who spoke just last month of his experiences in post-war Germany. See Pres. Uchtdorf's talk here. It would be interesting to see if he or his family kept any contemporaneous record of those days.

By: Researcher

Researcher — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:30:41 +0000

What an interesting letter and story! From time to time I meet a German who lived through that era and always enjoy visiting with them and hearing their memories of that time.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:26:02 +0000

You capture what caught my attention, Velikiye — his upbeat attitude despite what was obviously a very hard living situation. When you realize that his entire life had been lived during wartime or in the terrible conditions in the first years following the war, that he could be so optimistic, and that he had the education to write so well in English, speak well for his parents and his own temperament.

(Note, though, that Arnold doesn’t live in Utah, although he did emigrate to the U.S. If he were within reach here, I’d be knocking at his door to tell him what a lift to my spirits his long-ago letter gives me.)

By: Velikiye Kniaz

Velikiye Kniaz — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:06:29 +0000

Wow! What a remarkable young man! Can you imagine the horrors this fellow witnessed as a child caught in the midst of war? Yet he had a bright positive outlook on life and his future. Thank God neither of his parents were casualties. He was not alone in the tragic loss of his home, though. Millions of war orphans lost all that and more. It is good to read that the G.I.’s made it a point to be kind to the children.
Evidently, our Heavenly Father wanted Arnold to find this copy of the “Children’s Friend” because he knew that it would speak to his heart. I am glad that he made it to the U.S.A. and to Utah. I am certain that his contribution to our society and state was great. Thank you very much, Ardis, for sharing his touching, moving letter!