I remember thinking, as a child, that you, Grandpa and Grandma, were rich. Your house seemed so big to me and you always had store bought milk (we had raw milk from our farm cow) and peanuts. I loved the orange cabinetry in the kitchen and remember when you remodeled and turned Ann's bedroom into a bathroom, took out the decorative bar that divided the dining room from the living room, and put the forest mural on the wall in the downstairs basement. I love that house and relish every minute I spend there.
I remember when Grandma and Grandpa Thompson lived there with you. Watching you take care of your own aging parents was a powerful example to me. Sometimes I would get to cut Grandma Thompson's meat for her if we visited for dinner. I always felt so good about doing that - like in some small way I was following your example. Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma, for showing us about honoring parents through all the stages of life.
I remember competing in the 5th grade spelling bee. Grandpa, you were the guy in charge. Unfortunately, you didn't ask me to spell antidisestablishmentarianism because I was prepared for that one. I missed the word "calamity" and came in second place. I've never forgotten how to spell it. I felt that you were proud of me.
I remember splashing in the back yard when it was irrigating time, picking snowballs and lilacs from side by side bushes in the back yard, watching the Lawrence Welk Show on Saturday night and staying up to see the ball drop on New Year's Eve. I love that I have never seen anything on your tv that was rude or inappropriate to any degree. Not once. Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma, for creating a place where I could feel the spirit.
I remember so much good food and company. Obviously, I remember Grandpa's bread which I especially love for toast. Yum! I also remember Grandma's chicken pot pie, homemade rolls, homemade donuts which you brought to sledding parties, homemade carrot cake with butter rum sauce, divinity at Christmas, and delectable German chocolate cake with special frosting. Jay and I also remember Grandpa's morning eggs which you made for us nearly every time we spent the night. They were scrambled and sometimes you put bacon bits in as a special touch. You called them Hoo-AY-Vuz. Jay and I both served spanish speaking missions and love your pronunciation of huevos (eggs) so much that we still use it in our home. And Jay still scrambles his eggs the way you do, Grandpa.
I remember both of you helping our family move to Iowa when I was in High School and coming back when my mom graduated from college. I remember driving back to your home one summer and being so overjoyed to be back again. I remember the first summer Jay and I lived in New Hampshire when Sher drove you both all the way to the East Coast on a church history tour. Having you in our home was such a gift. I believe you were 82 years old when you made this trip. Unbelievable! Thank you for always being there.
I remember that every time Jay and I made the drive from Salt Lake City (where we lived) to Boise (where both of our parents lived) we stopped in Rupert and spent the night. Being your house guests was an incredible treat. Even if we hadn't called ahead (which was almost every time) you greeted us as if you were absolutely delighted to have us and I think you were. We definitely convinced ourselves that we must be your favorite grandchildren. Did anybody else feel that way? Jay is as much your grandson as I am your granddaughter. Thank you for loving us so individually and unconditionally.
I remember when you worked at the Logan temple for many years. Occasionally, when we lived in Salt Lake, Jay and I would drive down to see you in Logan. We went to a little cafe there called, I believe, Angie's. I don't remember the food. I just remember being with you. That example of devoted service in the temple over the course of many, many years inspires me. Just as inspiring are the kind acts of personal service I have witnessed such as Grandpa baking bread for the widows in the ward well into his 80s and Grandma always inviting people who didn't have family to share a meal with them in their home. Thank you for showing me, whether at the temple, the employment center, during your tenure as bishop and relief society president, and especially in your home, how to be aware of the needs of others and serve. Thank you especially for showing Jay and I how to parent our children and grandparent our grandchildren (someday) by making your home a haven where every person is valued, taught, forgiven, praised and loved.
Some of my favorite memories revolve around the 4th of July. There is something terrific about spending Independence Day with a veteran and the wife of a veteran. I love going to the parade and seeing the tractors, horses and crazing jumping motorcycle guy. I especially love seeing a WWII vet with suspenders and a ruby ring watching the festivities. I love the stories I have heard from you, Grandpa, about your time in the military. I am honored to be the granddaughter of someone who sacrificed so much to defend our country and protect the freedom of citizens of other nations as well. We always have a picnic or a BBQ after the parade. The house is packed with wall to wall people and little children are exploring every nook and cranny but neither of you seem perturbed. Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma for still enjoying us when we are noisy, messy, and hungry - for always seeming to want us in your home.
I love knowing that things haven't been perfect in your lives - that you were poor in money when your kids were little but rich in children, that you had to work long, hard hours raising and providing for your children and that sometimes your house was messy (I never saw this but I've heard this was sometimes the case) and your pockets were empty. I love knowing that through all these years neither one of you has ever doubted the existence of the Savior or questioned your membership in His church. Your legacy of faith is something I prize highly. Your children and grandchildren know and will always remember that you loved and served the Lord and His children all the days of your lives. Thank you for showing us how to do this with courage and joy.
I pledge to you that I will spend every day of my life trying to continue this legacy of faith and service. That I will spend my time and use my opportunities to testify of the Savior and His church to my family and all others who fall within my sphere of influence. Grandpa and Grandma, thank you. I will never forget.
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