In thinking of my Grandpa, many memories come to mind. He always, always, played the game of touched you last. I remember playing it as a small child, and on to my adult life, and even laughed as he played it with my own children. I remember Froggie in the Middle, and trying my very hardest to pull Grandpa up. I also remember there always seemed to be a man in Grandpas ward who died becuase he didn't put peach jam on his cereal.
This past August, we spent the day up in Logan with Grandpa. I don't know if Grandpa really remembered who we were, but it was nice to see him and spend the day with him. We took him to the park and let the kids play, all the while he took a good long nap. Boomer and Baby J were so helpful in helping Grandpa use his walker everywhere we went. When we went up to the Logan Temple, the wind was awful, and for a brief moment I was seriously afraid that the wind would knock him down. But Grandpa sure was a trooper.
I promised the kids that we would stop at Aggies and get some ice cream, and Grandpa surprised us by wanting a cone, and he ate it faster than I think the kids ate their own. When it was time for us to go, I gave my Grandpa a kiss and hug, and told him I loved him. I made sure that each of my children had the same opportunity. Watching them give him hugs and kisses made me want so desperately to have the kids know my Grandpa the way I knew my Grandpa.
That sweet day in August is one that I will forever cherish. It is the last day I will see my Grandpa in this earthly life. He passed away Monday morning peacefully. He has lived a very full 95 years, and is FINALLY reunited with my Grandma.
Thank you for the memories Grandpa, for all of the boat races, and bike rides. The sleepovers, and games. For the walks, and poetry. Thank you for your love and most of all thank you for being my Grandpa. You will be deeply missed.
