Trent D.

     Trent D. Van Leuven was born the 18th of February, 1970. As the 17th of February came to a close after many hours of labor  the clock on the wall in the delivery room ticked toward midnight. Dr. Terry M. Buxton said, "it appears we are going to have a midnight baby." Sure enough! Before we heard his first cry we noticed a stream of yellowish liquid shoot straight up. Dr. Buxton ducked to miss the full force of Trent's announcement to Earth Life. He had just emptied his functioning bladder. After a healthy cry we all were notified, "It's a Boy!" Dr. Buxton then asked if we wanted to put on his birth certificate his birthdate as the 17th or 18th. We chose the 18th for a new day for a new baby.

Shirleen, Trent, Dale and Dale Ray

    Dale Ray had been concerned that he would have to share his toys, and even worse his new brother would break them. That was quickly resolved when he could see that this threat was not going to change his world too much. This new brother was not going anywhere by himself. He loved him!
     It was my turn to choose a name. A couple of months before his arrival. I heard a student tell another that his aunt was going to name her new baby, Trent. The name sank into my soul with a peaceful understanding that this was my baby's name. The name Trent is still pleasant in my soul. The 'D' of course stands for Dale. Ultrasounds were not know as they are today.  We were left to guess and wait for the delivery of the baby to know if we were having a boy or girl. We actually enjoyed the mystery, and then the announcement. "It's a boy!" It was like opening a special gift Christmas morning.
     Trent was six months old when school started. My sister Lanette, agreed to tend Trent during the day while I was teaching school. Nels had just finished school and was working on his thesis. They needed the income and the arrangement helped both of us. We were still remodeling the home we purchased from Keith and Carma Hartle. Also we had purchased 5 acres of land to build on in the future. We knew our little home would not house us for too many years and did not have a strong foundation. Dale's vehicles always 
seemed to get in the way of my desired goals. I was exhausted, but I went back to the classroom anyway. I really would have liked to have been home. But we needed the extra income! I began to have spells of probably postpartum, melt downs of depression and exhaustion.

At Grandmother Van Leuven's home, Dec. 1970.
Dale and Dale Ray, 4 years.
Shirleen and Trent, 10 months.

     Finally, about March 1971 I hit rock bottom and was hospitalized. My mind and body were sick! I felt as if I was going to loose my mind. My mother tried desperately but patiently to convenience me I was fine in an effort to keep me from crashing completely. She'd tell me she understood every strange feeling I was experiencing, but I was just sure she'd never felt as I did. Dale and my father gave me priesthood blessings which supported me a lot, but then once again I'd battle with another spell. My heart would race and my senses were numb. I lived in a fog, parts of my body would suddenly go numb, fear ruled me, and many awful nightmares would awaken me in a cold sweat. Name it, I believe I had it. My mind was receptive to what others said around me and would often send me reeling into a panic. Dr. Buxton finally decided to put me in the hospital for a few days. It turned out to be a learning experience and a spiritual strength that I have never forgotten. Not one women from the ward came to me and told me of their struggles with the same affliction. They all seemed so confident and put together. This added to my loneliness and mystery.  What surprised me it was men that came forth with compassion. Were the women too ashamed or prideful to admit they had times when they were depressed? Dr. Terry Buxton came to my hospital room and told me his mother had experienced and I was not the only person that had a mental breakdown. Dr. Madsen came in and sat down by my bed and told me after he finished medical school he crashed. He had learned when he felt life closing in on him he knew he had to get away. He'd leave everything and go! Then he said, "Infact, at this very moment I am fighting it." What great doctors, son's of God, and priesthood holders! One of them even took time to give me a blessing one day. I admire them to this day. President Bellon of the Roosevelt West Stake called and said Dr. Buxton asked him if he'd give me a call. He said he'd gone to see Dr. Buxton a couple of years ahead with depression and exhaustion. He told me of his breakdown after becoming stake president. He'd began worrying about the many women that came to him with depression issues. He could not get them off of his mind, plus his son had revealed a serious problem he had. He believed the Lord allowed him to experience a severe depression so he could understand the women in his stake. A newly returned missionary Richard Lamb, from LaPoint Ward came to my hospital room one day during a horrible few hours and gave me a blessing. I recognized the spirit had sent him. I felt the peace that followed. Dale and Dad had done likewise. My brother Raymond tired to build me up. Life had not been easy for him. I know Dale didn't understand and felt helpless. I left the hospital not feeling I was ready to go home, but Dr. Buxton told me I needed to get back to my duties and gain confidence and strength in myself. He was right! St. Francis of Assisi said, "Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible." Dale's uncle (President of his Salt Lake stake) Duayne Johnson came to our home and almost repeated the same words President Bellon had. I'd had witness after witness of many mortal angels coming to my aide. Miracles! God is still a God of miracles. (Mormon 9:19). I had been home a few days, when I could feel a panic attack was starting to engulf me. Doubt flooded into my mind. I thought, "Maybe all those that said they understood and had experienced didn't really understand the depth of what I was feeling." I went into the backyard where I didn't feel imprisoned in my home. As I plead in prayer, I glanced over at the beautiful green field of alfalfa across the road. The still small voice spoke to my mind and said, "Gather a handful of alfalfa and put it into your blender with some water. And drink the water." I drank about a fourth of the green water once each day for several days. After about three days my depression was gone! My head cleared! Obedience to the voice healed me. God had healed me. I did not doubt! I knew it and I knew God knew I knew. If I ever struggle again over anything I know where to go for comfort and peace. Dale was patient, helpful, and endured to the end of our trial. A trial that made me stronger, and I'm sure had a purpose for him and others also. 

End of the table - Duayne Johnson.  
Left side back to front- Duayne's wife Venna Johnson,
 Vera Van Leuven, Dale Ray Van Leuven,
Jeanine Van Leuven, Shirleen Van Leuven.
Right side back to front - Ione Simpson,
Del Simpson leaning back, Marva and Eldred, and
Kathy Johnson.

     Trent came to know many family faces. All of them good people that were the best example for a child to be raised among. Even today family is important to him. He has a real need to hold them close. He is one of our great supporters of annual family reunions. Family association is really important to Trent. 
     The traditions started with Dale Ray continued. Family gatherings, Sundays at Grandmother Van Leuven's, and holiday celebrations were observed. The annual LaPoint Ward Christmas program which always brought Santa Claus with everyone singing, 'Here Comes Santa Claus.' Santa always had a good sized bag of peanuts and candy for all the children and adults. The Fourth of July and Twenty-fourth of July always meant we'd go to Vernal to Grandmother's. She lived by the Maeser Road which gave us a wonderful view of the fireworks. Occasionally, Grandmother Van Leuven and Kent would plan a picnic in a peaceful mountain area. We got to know family by attending

Shirleen and Jeanine (Ray's wife)

wedding receptions, extended family gatherings etc. Grandmother Van Leuven's sister Evelyn lived nearby and visited with grandmother often. Uncle Duayne was another frequent visitor. His cheery personally was always a special treat. Norman, another brother was spoken of often. He was greatly missed by his family. The plane he flew went down somewhere over France near Domfront. Occasionally, those that lived far visited. Grandmother had sisters that lived in Nevada and Connecticut. In later years Grandmother did a lot of tripping with them. It was fun to hear their stories and see the items she would purchase from other countries and the states they visited. Some of the places over seas they visited were Russia and Israel. She even stayed a week with a family in Russia.

Trent's first birthday. 
Picture taken at Grandmother Van Leuven's.
Left to right - Dale Ray, Trent and Shirleen.
February 1971

     The souvenirs adorned her
living room and made good 
conversation topics for the grandchildren. They learned many things from her.
     Many good memories surround Grandmother. She was a very important figure in all of the children's lives. I believe we can speak for all of her grandchildren.
     

Demolished station wagon. The motor has been
ripped from the rest of the car. 

Wednesday, February 3, 1971 did not end well. Dale and Trent had stopped by his mother's on their way home. Dale Ray and I had rode back to Vernal to do some normal errands with my parents. Dale was an excellent husband and father and always helped to support me in the care of the boys. He was doing just that on this evening or Trent would have been with us in Mother and Dad's station wagon. He could have been killed or injured. We did not have infant car seats in those days. Being just short of his first birthday he would have been on my lap in the front seat. After all was accomplished in Vernal we drove home after the sun had set. As we topped the hill at the Whiterocks Canal, a horse crossed the road right in our lane as another car with their brights on approached us from the opposite direction. Dad didn't have time to stop and we hit the horse! The hoof of the horse slammed through the front window and hit Dad in the head knocking him unconscious and throwing glass everywhere. After loosing control of the car, we came to rest in the icy canal after passing through a fence. The car was demolished. Our bodies worked small pieces of glass from our scalps and skin for several months after.

Shalamar Reception Center Salt Lake City.
15 June 1971
Left to right - Beverly's parents, William J. and
Gayle Dittmer, Beverly Kay Dittmer, Raymond, and
Velma, Leland Perry.

     Raymond married Beverly Kay Dittmer on 15 June, 1971. Dale Ray and Trent had learned to love their Uncle Raymond and Uncle Kent. They were good role models. 
     Like Dale Ray, Trent attended Headstart in LaPoint, and Maeser Elementary. He had many close friends. Cory Harrison, Dean Clerico, and George Hartle were from LaPoint. Once he started school in Maeser they added Scott Atwood and Randy Griffths to their tight friendship unit. Pete Harrison was also a good friend. He enjoyed being with him on his family farm among the livestock.
      Trent has always stepped forward to help others when others needed or needs assistance. Although at home, he could be a real pest. His forte was TEASING! Later as his siblings arrived they were his victims. He could keep the girls in total misery. To have him in the car with me and the other children was a nightmare, to say the least. Often he'd raise the roost and then run off to grandmother's until the feathers were settled again. He and grandmother were the best of buds because of his frequent visits. Trent was hyper enough that he was never happy in front of the television. He had to be doing something. He loved being with friends on their farms among the animals. David Murray, a neighbor, was one of his special haunts especially during branding time or round-ups. During the summers the boys would earn a little money rolling hay bales etc. "They say it takes a community to raise a child." Trent made that statement true. LaPoint had many good friends, neighbors, and family that were an asset in his future. 

Trent and Nona 
Dressed in their best for Prom
1988

     He begin dating Nona Lynn Rynes his Junior year. They broke up for the summer. She asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance during his Senior year, and they continued to date.
     He graduated from Uintah High School with the class of 1988.

Senior Class picture
1988

He married Nona Lynn Rynes the summer after graduation on the 7th July 1988. 
     We worried about him making a living at such a young age, but he went to work and put our worries to rest. He has been very resourceful, wise, and talented in making a living for his family. Trent became a self-taught chemical engineer, serving in the Uintah and Duchesne oil field production, which lead him to build businesses of his own. He built a business which he named 'Stinger One,' serving oil wells with chemicals and servicing wells on location; and a second one under the title of 'Liberty Sales', selling supplies for wells including gloves and safety glasses.
      His greatest accomplishment was experiencing his own spiritual awakening. Often those awakenings come through an affliction. There are not many trials that come with much more pain than divorce.

Kati Marie, Charidi Rae, and
Kaden Lee Van Leuven

Trent loves his family! His children are his greatest treasure. The very thought of loosing them was about more than he could bare. His suffering caused him to loose a lot of weight even though he didn't need too in those days.  We still recall how ill he was Thanksgiving, 1993. He spent the day on the bed. He had just come to understand the full outcome of his marriage. Nona and Trent's divorce was finalized 29 March, 1994. Nona married Lane Joseph.
    Trent has his own spiritual story of repentance, redemption, and learning to listen to the Lord's voice, and obedience. When he hears others say things about coming unto Christ, he always says, "Yep!" He knows! He walked it. It is not done in a day! He also knows that life can still be a challenge even though one is spiritually awake.
    There is a quote by an unknown, "When someone steps out of your life, let them go. You can go on! They are not a bad person. It just means you pack into your suitcase another experience of goods to take on your journey. This part of your journey is over." True and full of wisdom, except for one thing. Our special little ones! Much knee bending was yet ahead, not for just Trent but all of us.

    The children born to Trent and Nona are: Kati Marie, 22 February, 1989 born in Vernal, Utah, Uintah County.
Charidi Rae, 5 March, 1990, born in Vernal, Utah, Uintah County.
Kaden Lee, 18 October, 1992, born in Vernal, Utah, Uintah County.

      
     After his divorce he met Alaina Bastian from Neola, Utah. She had been raised on her parent's farm and had been around farm animals all her life. She had learned to ride horses, drive cattle herds, participate in rodeos and had been Neola's Rodeo queen. One can easily see how the Lord directs our paths.

Trent and Alaina

     Trent and Alaina were married 17 August, 1996.

Left to right - Dale, Shirleen, Alaina, Trent, David, Michelle, Rayma
Maria and Dale Ray are missing from the picture.

     They began their marriage in a Vernal apartment and later purchased a home in Vernal where the are still raising their family as of today 25 July, 2016.
     Trent has progressed through his priesthood to the office of an Elder. 

     The children born to Trent and Alaina are;
Shaylynn    12 January, 1997, Roosevelt, Utah, Duchesne County.
Chenille B.  21 September, 1999, Roosevelt, Utah, Duchesne County.
Korven T.    31 May, 2003, Vernal, Utah, Uintah County.
Kenndi C.   18 February 2009, Roosevelt, Utah, Duchesne County.

Back left to right - Charidi, Alaina, Korven (in Trent's arms), Trent, Kati
Front left to right - Kaden, Shaylynn, Chenille
Picture taken in front of the Vernal, Utah Temple 27 March, 2007.

     Trent and Alaina were endowed and sealed, 27 March 2004 in the Vernal LDS Temple, Vernal, Utah, Uintah County. All the children were sealed to them on that day.
     Alaina is what a 'help-mate' is all about.' She has been at Trent's side in building up the businesses. Trent has supported her in rodeos. Alaina takes a great role in making the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo a success every July and has done so for several years. She has helped to train the flag riders and has ridden with them. Also taking part in the celebration's parade. Trent has helped haul horses and tend the younger children during these occasions, and been an attentive part of the audience. Shaylynn and Chenille (Chelli) have rode and

Rodeo flag riders mounted and ready for action as another Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo is ready to commence. It is always fun to watch their colorful performance.


 participated with their own horses. The children are involved in sports with the full support of their parents. They are involved in their community and ward.  They are hard workers and are continually helping others in one form or another. 

    The family enjoys having fun, as one can see by this picture and the announcement in the local newspaper, The Vernal Express. 
      Trent and Alaina find a lot of enjoyment in supporting their children in hockey, soccer etc. They look forward toward mounting horses and moving cattle off the mountain each Fall for Alaina's parents. They are great supporters of the Van Leuven Reunions. These are activities that hold families together. Most importantly the true gospel of Jesus Christ is the real cement.

Korven is on Kaden's shoulders. Charidi is holding Kenndi.
Shaylynn and Kati on far right. Chenille front of Kati.
Trent and Alaina

     The years are adding to their family. The three older children are starting families of their own.

     

Back left to right - Robert and Kati Johnstun, Shaylynn, Chenille, Alaina and Trent, Charidi and Blair Beyer
Front left to right - KinLeigh,(Kati and Rob's daughter) Kenndi, Korven
Kaden is missing from the picture.

As of this date 25 July, 2016 they have three grandchildren.      
KinLeigh Marie, N. Kayzlyn (Kati's)
Kashton (Kaden's)
Expecting a girl in August (Charidi)
Update 9-26-17: Navie Rae is Charidi's girl. She just had her 1st birthday.
Kaden and Mackley Young is expecting a girl in March, 2018.
Kati is expecting also. They do not want to know until the arrival whether they are getting a boy or girl. Fun!