As 2009 draws to a close, and we reflect on our lives and our families, I have an extra reason to do so. Tonight at about 6:15 p.m. my Grandpa Mower passed from this life to the next. After nearly 2 years of living after a major stroke, Grandpa finally found relief in death.
My mind tells me I should be sad, but my heart is rejoicing tonight as I think of the ultimate New Year's Eve party happening on the other side of the veil (we believe in the afterlife and that families and relationships continue beyond this life into the next). You see, my Grandma passed away nearly 46 years ago, and Grandpa has often talked of how much he missed her. Tonight they were reunited. In addition to their reunion, I'm sure there were many others to greet Grandpa: his twin who died at 11 days old; his parents; all of this brothers; his in-laws; and many, many others.
As we went to Utah this last week for Christmas, we were able to go visit Grandpa and introduce Cooper to him. Grandpa wasn't doing well that day and didn't know who we were, and cried while he sat with us before he fell asleep. It was heart wrenching and we all prayed that he would pass away soon to free him from the body that had become a prison to him. I knew in my heart that would be the last time I would see my Grandpa living. I was so happy to be able to get pictures of Cooper with his Great Grandpa.
Things I remember about my Grandpa:
- His AMAZING blue eyes. His eyes were more blue that any others I have ever seen--so blue they were piercing.
- When I was young it seemed he often had salami in his pocket along with a pocket knife and often cut off chunks of it and gave it to me.
- When I was young Grandpa was still killing cows for the butcher for a living. I'll never forget watching him crank the wench on a trailer, pulling a big dead cow up onto it to take to the butcher. I remember how big and strong he seemed and was amazed that he did this every day.
- I remember one spring when Grandpa's pig had babies. We went to his house and he took us out to the barn to see the piglets. I must have been about 6. I thought the piglets were so cute. It was the first time I remember being in Grandpa's barn and having him show us around it.
- Grandpa always grew a HUGE garden. He always had lots of tomatoes and cucumbers to share. He knew how to grow the most beautiful, juicy, red tomatoes. They were so tasty and in the summer he always sent us home with some.
- Grandpa knew how to cook very well. He did a lot of the cooking in his home. Often when we went for a visit he would make a nice dinner of ham, potatoes, the best rolls I've ever had, and more food than we could ever eat.
- Grandpa was always a huge advocate for reading. He didn't become literate until later in life and was always looking out for us grandkids to be sure we knew how to read.
- Grandpa was a very hard worker. He worked several jobs at a time, and worked up until he couldn't work any longer after his stroke.
- Grandpa was an example of service. He served two 18-month missions for our church with my step-Grandma, one in Perth, Austrailia, and another in Delaware. They also served as temple workers in the Bountiful, UT temple for several years. Grandpa was diligent in his service to the Lord.
- Grandpa always had advice to give when we would visit. He most often liked to tell me to be sure to buy two tubes of toothpaste and it would save my marriage from one less fight because if Nathan and I squeeze the toothpaste differently, two tubes would resolve it. We don't have a problem sharing one tube of toothpaste, but it was Grandpa's way of telling us how to compromise and find solutions and humor in living.
I could go on and on with memories of my Grandpa. He was always so happy and I know how much he loved me and the rest of his family. What a special way to remember the turning of a decade.
Cooper meets his Great-Grandpa Mower (Dec. 23, 2009).
Grandpa meets his two newest great grandsons, Calvin and Cooper, both born in 2009.
4 generations
My last picture of Grandpa. I love you Grandpa and will miss you!!!
