God Be With You Till We Meet Again

We just got back from St. George, UT.  My Grandpa Scott quietly passed away last week and returned home to his sweetheart who passed away 5 years ago.  Grandpa was my last living grandparent and we felt so fortunate to be able to go.  We missed all of the other grandparent funerals on both sides of our family, so this was a big deal to us.

My Grandpa was a great man.  He was smart, funny, patient, and wonderful.  He was an electrical engineer and his mind was always working.  Once Wally became a part of the family, there was a special bond between the two of them.  Grandpa finally had someone to talk science to and Wally had someone who understood his jargon.  We joke a lot about how I was replaced by Wally as the official grandchild. 

When we moved to the east, back to the west, and then to the midwest, Grandpa always told us that we needed stay west of Denver.  We made it, just in time.  We didn't get to spend a lot of time with Grandpa before he died.  The last time we saw him was about 4 1/2 years ago, when we moved from Pennsylvania to Washington.  My two youngest children never met him.

It was so great to listen to my aunt and uncle talk about his life and all the funny stories about him.  Senator Orrin Hatch (my great-uncle) was also able to attend and said some very nice things as well.  Grandpa wanted me to play the organ at his funeral, and all the great-grandchildren sang I Am a Child of God.  The services were great.

I am going to miss my Grandpa.  We always loved to visit him when we could.  I know that he is so happy right now, reunited with my Grandma.  I'm so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and know that we will see him again some day.

No good-bye's from us.

Only see you later's.

How Was Your Sunday?

It was my turn to play the organ this morning at church. Brandon likes to sit with me on the bench, which is usually fine as long as he doesn't push any buttons or any keys--the organ can be loud! He must have gotten a little bored during the second song because he turned towards the congregation and started leading the music with both hands in the air and a goofy grin on his face. I tried to stop him, but it's kind of hard to play the music, pay attention to the bass pedals with my feet, and pay attention to what Brandon was doing. I can multi-task, but I'm not that good. Wally, who was sitting in the back of the chapel, tried to use sign language to get him to fold his arms, but Brandon was to busy leading away. Finally, one of the speakers, a nice lady who thought everyone was laughing at her, turned around and told him to fold his arms. I guess being in front of big crowds of people doesn't bother him.


Not.


At.


All.

In Sweet Memory

President Gordon B. Hinckley, Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away last night at home. President Hinckley is a remarkable person and when I think about all he has accomplished in his life, it amazes me. My faith and testimony have been strengthened by his teachings. You can read about his life here and the great service that he gave to the church and the people throughout the world.

I look forward with faith for our next prophet, but until then, I am reminded of this special man and all he did with his life. Thank you, President Hinckley, for your unselfish service and example for all of us to follow.