I had the huge privilege of growing up next door to my paternal grandparents. They were awesome!!! My grandpa was a farmer and raised potatoes and wheat, and loved to fish and hunt. (My first job was working in the fields for him, and he was very generous when he paid us, no matter how young or old we were)! My grandma was an amazing seamstress, homemaker, and artist, and had the most gorgeous flower garden. She particularly loved wildflowers. I think bluebells were her favorites. She taught me to recognize lupine and Sego lilies, and she used to share her tulip bulbs with us. She also had a beautiful alto voice, and sang in many choirs. I was always welcome in my grandparents’ home, which my grandma made such a peaceful and beautiful place.
Sometimes Grandpa and Grandma would take us on little day trips and adventures. We would go fishing and picnicking at Meadow Lake, take fun drives to the woods to search for wildflowers or huckleberries, or up to Wyoming to eat at my grandpa’s favorite place for cheeseburgers. We would watch for buffalo, deer, and other wildlife along those very scenic drives. It didn’t matter what season it was or the condition of the roads; Grandpa would drive us through the snow or on barely passable gravel roads, and I remember trusting his skills implicitly. (When I got my driver’s license, he would let me drive his brand new car, and even his new truck when we were helping with the potato harvest).
Just before I left home for college, I remember going with Grandpa and my brother out to the Ice Caves. It was a long, scary drive in places, and even though Grandpa was getting older, I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to drive. On the way, Grandpa suddenly stopped because he saw some pretty wildflowers that he knew Grandma would love. It seemed so wonderful to me that a sportsman like him would be on the lookout for his sweetheart’s favorite flowers.
Sometimes Grandma would bring over little surprises for us. I remember her bringing me and my sister dolls one night! She had created the pattern for them and sewn and embroidered them herself, complete with changes of clothing, shoes, socks, slips, and underwear. (I still have mine, and even used it to make a pattern for a similar doll for my daughter). Often, she and my grandpa would bring over berries or other bounty from their garden to share with us.
Probably my favorite memories of my grandparents, though, are sitting by them at church each Sunday, and having family home evening each Monday night with them. We would sing and pray together, have a fun lesson, and always have a treat afterwards. Sometimes we would go to the sand dunes to roast hot dogs, hamburgers, and marshmallows, or go out for pizza in Rexburg. In all these fun times, Grandma and Grandpa were teaching me about faith in God, love for Jesus Christ, and the sacred nature of families through their examples. I cannot imagine growing up in any better circumstances!
I can’t believe how much I miss my grandparents. I’m so grateful to be their granddaughter. While I was reading about them and looking at genealogy online last year, I found these pictures. This is my grandpa! And behind him is the home where I was raised. I’m so grateful for parents and grandparents on both sides of my family who love me and are so good to me. Even though my grandparents have been gone for a long time, I know they watch over me and still care for me. Families really are forever!❤️ (Thank you, Brenda and Aunt Karel for uploading these pictures).❤️ #LightTheWorld
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