Saturday, March 14, 2009

Grandpa


Grandpa passed away last night. As I think on all the memories that fill my mind of Grandpa, I feel gratitude. A note to my sweet cousins; do you remember the magical gatherings as a family at the Kahala and Manoa houses? The days swimming in the Kahala pool while grandpa weeded his garden? The summer days on Maui driving around in the big Budget van? I feel so blessed to have these memories, which without him would not exist. I am mostly grateful, however, for the light he invited into our lives by teaching us the importance of the gospel, the many times he shared his testimony and the chance he gave all of us each year to share our own testimonies with each other. The phrase "Remember who you are" is forever etched in our minds.

My favorite memory of Grandpa was the visit we made to Hawai'i just before Grandma passed away. My girls sat in his office chattering away, asking question after question without letting him respond. Listening in was a heartwarming experience as he imparted wisdom to their young minds. As we visited with Grandma in the black leather chair, we spent a beautiful afternoon listening to stories of how they met and their younger years of marriage. His loyalty and respect for her is and was unquestionable. We will miss you Grandpa-remember who you are.

11 comments:

Mom said...

Jill, I love your blogs. Thanks for the memories. Aren't they just like bright little treasures we'll have forever? We are so blessed. Thanks for posting the picture. That was a special day and very special people. "Life is good."

Erin said...

We have so many memories--it is amazing all that we were able to experience together. Grandpa and Grandma gave us so much. So glad I had them in my life--just like I am glad I have you. Love you.

Kara said...

Love you, Jill.

ty and megs said...

we are so lucky to have endless memories of family gatherings at the kahala house. we are so bless to have grandpa and grandma in our lives!

love you jill!

Laurel said...

loving reading all the posts by you and your cousins. GREAT man. GREAT legacy. Keep it up.
xoxo

Adam and Bri said...

The memories are endless when it comes to our childhood gatherings. How lucky were we?

Love you, Jill.

DeLana said...

Sorry to hear about your grandpa.

Kristine said...

What great memories! You gave a nice tribute! I am sorry for your loss :(

Jonathan said...

Very Sweet.

Chocolates for Breakfast said...

I have loved (and cried)through yours all of the cousins' blogs about Grandpa...countless memories from the silly to the sublime! I hope my children/grandchildren will feel even one tenth of what all of you (me included!) feel for Grandpa!...I have a feeling that my memories will weight heavily on the silly!? Love ya!

JM said...

I'm so sorry. but, Such great memories. I'm so glad you got to see him just a few months ago.