Thursday March 13, 2014 my very favorite person in the whole wide world left this life to rejoin my beautiful grandmother. He has now been gone for one month and I think of him every single day.
I wish there was an eloquent way for me to describe my grandpa and the relationship we have. He loves me unconditionally and has always wanted me to be completely happy. I have never doubted Grandpa's love.
Grandpa had a song and/or saying for absolutely everything. While I was waiting for a missionary I often heard him reciting "To The Girls We Left Behind." All through high school I was told, "You can't soar with the eagles all day if you hoot with the owls all night." Grandpa taught be all the swears I know and he was the ultimate example of stubbornness... "I would rather have my butt rubbed with a brick!" "It's as cold as a mother-in-law's kiss!" "One of my teachers told me that I was so stubborn if I fell in the river she would look for me upstream."
Besides silly sayings and grumpiness (thus earning him the nickname among the grandkids of "Grumps") he also taught me important life lessons. Grandpa taught be about generosity, and he often showed me this quietly and not wanting recognition. Grandpa taught me the importance of hard work. He never shied away from a challenge or something that might be difficult. He provided for his family by building homes. He had a great reputation of a master builder and someone who was reliable and trustworthy. Grandpa loved his garden and it was a source of pride for him. No matter the temperature he was faithful in tending to his garden and found great joy in sharing the fruits of his labors.
Grandpa often appeared gruff and grumpy, however he had the kindest heart. He and Grandma bickered like no one I've ever seen, but he loves her so much. He was completely devoted to their marriage and to her. The last few years of Grandma's life you would almost always find Grandpa sitting by her side holding her hand. He would drive to the care center to visit her at least twice a day and nothing would stand in his way. His heart was completely broken when she passed 2 years ago. Along with Grandma, Grandpa was also completely devoted to his children and grandchildren. Traditions were so important to him. We would decorate sugar cookies for Valentines' Day. We would dye Easter eggs for Easter and then on Easter Sunday we would have an Easter egg hunt. He would stand on the back porch and bellow at us, "Don't you dare go in those bushes!" "Don't step one foot in my garden!" We were all convinced every year there were eggs in the bushes and garden and he was furious when we would get even near them. Eventually it turned into the grandkids tormenting the poor man standing at the edge of the garden with one foot hanging over the dirt staring right at him waiting for him to start yelling. We visited the graves of those who had passed on before us each Memorial Day and Grandpa spent time tenderly cleaning each headstone. Thanksgiving was always a huge production and you had better show up hungry! I got to spend a couple years making pies with Grandpa and learning his tricks. Christmas was the ultimate tradition and I know that will continue with my parents. Grandpa made peanut brittle, English toffee, pink popcorn, bread, pies, sourdough pancakes, and clam chowder every year. I was blessed enough to spend two Christmas seasons baking with Grandpa and he will live on as I continue to create his delicious Christmas traditions.
Grandpa was so special to me. We had a very unique relationship. My cousins and siblings probably feel the same way about Grandpa, which is part of what makes him so very special. We each truly believe that Grandpa loved us the most. So, my perspective may be a little biased, but that's what we're going to go with tonight. I was Grandpa's favorite. I have always loved being around him. One of my most special memories of Grandpa came at the very lowest point of my life. Most of you know my history and about my Tyler. The night of Tyler's accident Grandma Shirley made Aunt Robyn drive her to my house so she could be with me. Despite my utter heartbreak I remember asking Grandma, "Where's Grandpa?" Grandma's response made me love Grandpa even more, "He didn't want to see you so sad and he didn't know what to say." Two nights later I needed to see Grandpa. I just needed him. I asked my parents if they would take me to see him and they quickly agreed to. I found Grandpa in his living room on the couch. He stood and gave me a Grandpa George hug, sat me on the couch and just held my hand. That's all I needed. He kept a tight grip on my hand the entire evening. Neither one of us left the couch our whole visit. From that moment on Grandpa always held my hand when he saw me. He wanted to protect me. He wanted me to be happy. He hated when I was sad. A few years later Grandpa decided it was time for me to date and did everything in his power to set me up with a young man he had heard about. Unlucky for him his stubbornness had rubbed off on me and I created my requirement list. That was the only time I bested him. :) When Travis and I got engaged I begged Grandpa stay around long enough to be in the temple when we were sealed. He was there in the front row. It made me so happy to have him so near and to see his face next to mine as we looked in the mirrors in the Sealing Room. A moment I will never ever forget!
I just have so very many memories of Grandpa, too many to put here. Mostly I want each of you to know that this world has lost one of it's greatest men. I know when I see him again he will be standing hand-in-hand with Grandma waiting anxiously to give me a hug and a kiss (because I am his favorite). I love him. I miss him. I realize how blessed I am to have spent a few of the last hours of his life with him and to tell him I love him.
"You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine.
You make me happy
When skies are gray.
You'll never know dear,
How much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away."
