Grandparent's Day

This is a holiday I never thought much about and didn't really even know about it. But this year I can't seem to hide from all the reminders that today is Grandparent's Day. Even our bishop reminded us from the pulpit at church, and my heart just sank. I've been blessed to have had all 4 of my grandparents a part of my life....until now.... My Grandpa David Jenkins died this week, and now I'm filled with all sorts of emotions. I'm wishing I had celebrated them by getting to know them better and letting them know how much I loved them. Although I know death is inevitable for everyone, I've never faced the loss of a loved one and have always taken it for granted that my grandparents will not always be with me. I have lots of regrets, but today I want to celebrate the memories of my Grandpa. I remember him helping with apple shipments, working outside with a large straw hat, handsome, always clean shaven, left handed artist, sales man, and spiritual giant to mention a few. My Aunt Teri asked for any special memories I had of him, there are the ones I shared with her.

*We had a family picnic at a park and I was probably four. My cousin Anjuli fell into the duck pond. I remember watching as everyone yelled to her to swim and I was sure those ducks would attack her. When she got out of the water, my parents took off most of my clothes to let her wear them. While all the attention was on her, I felt vulnerable and naked. My Grandpa just held me and talked to me and for whatever reason, I remember just how special I felt and how comforted I was in his arms.

*Grandpa was always strict and a bit intimidating. At a reunion up near Flagstaff my brothers, cousins and I started jumping from bed to bed. Grandpa came in and I was scared. not only did he not stop us or get mad, he laughed.....it made jumping so much more fun.

*When I had my baby he always had a red nose and rosy cheeks. When I think of my Grandpa, that's what I remember about him too. Maybe Kaige got it from him. Grandpa had a rosy red face and when he smiled a twinkle in his eye that was contagious. There was nothing better than listening to Grandpa laugh and watch his whole body shake after being told a joke or a funny story.

*Up in Dewey Grandpa was a part of a program celebrating Joseph Smith's bday I believe. Josh and I were able to attend. The whole program was wonderful. But as I heard my Grandfather's voice singing "Praise to the Man"........it stood out above all others and I had tingles of the spirit so strong!

*I will always remember my Grandma and Grandpa and how beautiful and happy they looked dancing at my wedding. They were love birds! My grandpa died on the 58th anniversary of their first date. Grandpa did something special for Grandma every year to celebrate that special day until this one when he passed away. I'm betting he had something up his sleeve....if only we knew what...... I couldn't find a picture of them dancing, but I found this one of my Grandpa and my Aunt Teri at the daddy daughter dance at my wedding reception. This is the rosy faced smile I was talking about!

*Last year I had a huge burden as I tried to deal with other peoples requests and a huge deadline. I felt alone and overwhelmed. When Grandpa came by and saw what I was dealing with, he was upset and stood up for me and was truly my hero. He said the most kind things to me and I couldn't doubt the love he had for me, I will always cherish those feelings.

*Christmas Eve will never be the same without my Grandpa. I will miss his voice. There was a carol that had a certain cadence to it....I believe the song was "Good King Wenceslas". He would sing/ belt it out and captivate the room. As I became a silly teenager it became an inside joke amongst the cousins to either get him to sing it, or try not to have him sing it. Once he would I was filled with both giggles and awe. So sad I won't have that pleasure again.

I already miss my Grandpa. I am thankful that he was a part of my life the last 28 years, and that Kaige was even able to meet him. I'm sad my future kid's wont. I want this to be a growing experience and not take the rest of the time I have with my grandparents for granted. I truly have been blessed and I hope I better understand how limited my time is with them. I hope to be a better grand-daughter and learn from their wonderful examples and life experiences. This picture shows both sets of my grandparents at my wedding reception. Happy Grandparent's Day!!! I feel kind of bad that other people can't be as lucky as I am and have the same grandparents I do.