Good-bye Grandma Jean

As I've been gathering my thoughts together for my grandmother's memorial service tomorrow, I wanted to share a few of my favorite memories of my dear "Grandma Jean" . . .

Backyard picnics, words of encouragement, laughter, "Robinson's Sporting Goods," testimony, support, generosity, travel, dancing, BYU, Judge Booth home, hard work, Christmas mornings, KFC, music, stories, tenderness, friendship, guidance, love . . .

Grandma loved my mom and my brother and sister, she adored my kids, and thought the world of Chris.  She constantly encouraged me to be my best, always telling me how fabulous I was (even if, on many occasions I felt less than stellar) . . . and in her later years, her eyes would fill with tears, reflecting her tender spirit, while she told me how what a  wonderful mother I had become and what beautiful, smart, and amazing children I was raising.  We were literally perfect in her eyes and I know my kids enjoyed hearing how handsome and pretty they are.  She thought so highly of all of us - bursting with pride when she mentioned her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to anyone within earshot.

It was my grandmother's generosity that always took care of my latest fashion needs in Jr. High and High School every Christmas.  It was a trust fund set up by my grandparents that paid for my college tuition and allowed me to travel abroad to Europe to study for a semester.  And it was my grandma who wanted to take me to the British Isles for my high school graduation - just the two of us, sharing in the experience.  She was always aware of me, she never failed to drop a note in the mail or call to see how I was doing, which many times I doubt I showed my appreciation, but she understood youth and was so patient while I matured.  I don't know if I adequately expressed my gratitude to her while she was still with us, but somehow I would hope she knew how much everything she did meant to me, and how much her example has made me who I am today.

Every summer, starting when we were about 12, we would go down to American Fork and spend a week with grandma and help work in the store.  I loved it, loved working behind the counter and feeling grown-up while I wrote out hunting or fishing licenses or helped customers find what they needed.  This pic was taken when I was about 15 or 16.

My trip to the British Isles with grandma - we had such a good time . . . my first time out of the country!

Thanks for the memories, I am a better person because I had you in my life.

Click here for the obituary.