Well Done, Grandpa, Well Done

On Tuesday December 15th my family lost a beloved Grandfather. It was the first time I have had to deal with the death of a Grandparent; I felt so thankful for my faith. My Grandpa was a Hero in his own right; successful business man, loving father and devoted husband. As I reflected on his life, I realized that he and my dear Grandma enjoyed a great American Romance, one that only grew stronger through the test of time. I hope and pray that Kelly and I will have that level of love and devotion well into our twilight years. My Grandpa made me laugh, his quick wit and jovial personality made him an instant favorite among many. He was strong both physically and spiritually. He was smart, savvy, classy and had an eye for style. Most of all though, he knew how to love. He knew how to express love and made me feel like I was so much better than I am. He knew how to connect with children and loved having them near him. He expressed to them how great, smart, pretty and handsome they were each time we were around him. He loved babies and even though it was painful for him to walk, he was always the first one in my hospital room to welcome our newest addition. I will miss his loving support and kind words immensely. Thankfully, I know I will see him again! I know he is reunited with loved ones and is patiently waiting for all of us here on earth. He lived a wonderfully full life, committed to faith and family, and enjoyed the success that comes from a life well lived- a job well done. I love you Grandpa, thank you for loving me and for teaching me some of life's greatest lessons. Your legacy lives on, my everyday Hero.

Passing The Torch

Recently Kelly and I had the privilege of attending my younger brother Benjamin's law school graduation. I was and am so proud of my brother for this major accomplishment. The desire to practice law runs deep in his veins as his Uncle, Grandfather and Great-father precede him in the career of attorney.

Ben, the curly haired middle child, was quiet and at times, lost in the crowd of 4 boys. He has always been kind hearted, intelligent and sometimes mischievous. But, because of his sweetness and boyish charm he was rarely in the hot seat. My earliest memories of Ben were of him standing in his crib calling for Ra Ra, his older Sister Sarah. I would come and scoop him up and play with him, cherishing the fact that he called for me over my Mother, and that I (5 years his senior) could comfort him. From those early days I have grown use to Ben calling for me, confiding in me and sharing his life with me. I feel privileged. I admire Ben. I love being his older Sister.
Now, his supportive wife Amy and their darling son Owen have worked together in accomplishing the task at hand: Forth Generation Law School Graduate. I know my Grandfather is so pleased. He looks forward to sharing an office with Ben, imparting his Grandson with wisdom about Law and maybe more importantly, Life. Congratulations Ben and Amy!

I'm RICH!

Inspiration lead our Primary to create Family Temple Time Capsules.
What is this you may ask? A time capsule made out of a food storage can filled with family photos, special mementos, letters, fact forms, current event lists, etc. These cans were filled and sealed on March 10th, not to be opened for 10 years. Our capsule has been placed high on a food storage shelf, waiting to be re-discovered (I know time will fly).

One requirement of each family was to collect letters from older relatives (grandparents, great-grandparents) to be read in ten years. Our children have 5 living great-grandparents, of whom I received letters from. Looking at the letters, I realized one very important thing: I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH A RICH HERITAGE. Growing up, I was closely nurtured and taught by 2 sets of loving Grandparents. My beautiful Grandmothers (Rosie & Louise) trained me in the ways of being a Lady. At the same time, my Grandfathers (Paul & Stan) loved to have fun and graced us with their wisdom in most things. Kelly was also blessed with loving Grandparents, all but one have passed from this life. When I received each precious letter, I knew great wisdom would be imparted to my children and I felt their abundant love seeping from the sealed envelopes.

Warm tears streamed down my face as I drove to this activity. The knowledge of their mortality has never been more clear. The guilt of taking these precious times granted, immense. I promised myself to enjoy the twilight of their lives more fully. I'm very lucky to have these wise spirits pave the way for me. My children are beyond blessed to have come to love, and be loved by so many 'GREATS'!