Page 19 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2022 - Online Magazine

A YOUTHFUL PERSPECTIVE

I have been so blessed to have known Marella Elder for over 50 years. We went to the
same church and elementary school in Houston, Texas and were roommates at the
University of Houston. That relationship has only deepened as we grew older.

I married my soul mate, Gary Belshaw, on August 21, 1975. Exactly one year
later Marella married hers, David Elder, on August 21, 1976. We gave birth to our
firstborn sons one year apart. The four of us still celebrate our wedding anniversaries
together.
Somehow God united a “joy of the Lord” couple with a couple who are the heart and
soul of our Savior - gracious, merciful, and forgiving. It has been and continues to be a
glorious and blessed kinship. ~Renee Belshaw

Randall and I first met Dave and Marella around 1986. We both had large families,
and our children enjoyed many activities together. Since that time, Dave and Marella
have become very dear friends, and we’re honored to be connected through the
marriage of their son, Jon, to our daughter, Jennifer, and are blessed to enjoy four
grandchildren together (including Kristi).

Both Dave and Marella come across as quiet and unassuming, traits that conceal their
Oh boy, she was good; she is still a depth of faith, conviction, and their exceptional servant hearts.
champion multitasker, often on the
phone, while feeding a baby, and Marella is a “gentle and quiet spirit” whose soft voice and presence bring a lovely
grading someone's math. That has calming effect wherever she goes. Dave is known for being one of those “behind-the
been the nonstop life of the Elders. scenes” leader/servants. They are the “real deal”—always available, always caring,
Even now with 21 grandchildren, and wonderful to have as lifelong friends! ~Dana Hinds
she can be cooking a large meal and
babysitting ten of her grandkids. How
does she do it? I have no clue.
I am so blessed to have such fantastic
grandparents; they have shown
strength and love all of my life.
They have made such an impact
in the world we live in. I would
not be the same person I am today
without them. I simply cannot put
into words how lucky I am to have
them as grandparents. My hope is
that everyone who reads this will be
encouraged to be just like them.

Kristiana Elder is 12 years
old and is homeschooled.
Her favorite hobbies are
ballet, baking, archery
and writing.

Lubbock Senior Link 19