I remember going back to Utah the summer of 2009 and thinking, for the first time in my life, that Grandpa looked old (at the age of 86). Seemingly all of the sudden, their mortality was real. 
Grandpa and Grandma made it to every -- and I mean EVERY -- special event in my (and their 20 other grandchildren) life. Recitals, games, performances, talks in church, graduation, baby blessings, birthdays...they were there. I remember boating at Jackson Lake (with Grandpa trying to teach me to waterski...I never loved it, Grandpa, but it will always make me think of you!), sleepovers at their house, boating at Deer Creek, time at the cabin in Midway, Utah, Christmas Eve at their house, and, most tender and poignant, performing our temple marriage ceremony .They treated all their kids-in-law and grandkids-in-law the same as their own. They were all family. What a gift for all of us, one that I see my parents carrying on and that I want to one day.
Grandpa and Grandma lived in D.C. the first 6 years of their marriage. They had such fond memories of their life here and were so excited for us to live here. I can hear him in my mind, as he would say every time we talked on the phone or saw each other since our move to D.C. in 2007, saying, "Well, you're a converted Washingtonian!"
Grandpa and Grandma lived in D.C. the first 6 years of their marriage. They had such fond memories of their life here and were so excited for us to live here. I can hear him in my mind, as he would say every time we talked on the phone or saw each other since our move to D.C. in 2007, saying, "Well, you're a converted Washingtonian!"
Theirs is a true love story. Perhaps this is why I've grown so weary of "romance" and "love" as it is so often depicted in TV, movies, and books. What I see there is shallow and transparent. The examples in my life -- including Grandpa and Grandma -- are the real deal. A relationship centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ and selfless love for one another. My sister Julia came across this poem that describes Grandpa and Grandma: i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)i am never without it(anywhere i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done by only me is your doing,my darling) i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true) and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)ee cummings
As Grandpa lay in the hospital in Utah after suffering a stroke, and I talked with my dad, I cried. I cried for my loss. When Dad called to say Grandpa had died, I cried for my dad's loss. Once I got to Utah, and first saw and hugged Grandma at the viewing, I cried for Grandma's loss. I think all the tears since then have been for her. 
I don't remember ever seeing them apart, and it hurts my heart to see Grandma alone. I know, and Grandma knows, it is only for a season. My testimony of our Heavenly Father's plan for us to experience mortality and return home to Him has been strengthened these last few months. I will see Grandpa again, and Grandma will be reunited with her sweetheart. Still, her heart aches for him now, and my heart aches for her. 
Grandpa, we'll take care of your sweetheart until you can bring her home. I love you both so very much.