faithful hands

My grandparents will have been married for 60 years on the 25th of May.  They have left such a beautiful legacy for us.  During their Anniversary party, we had a program, and I glanced back to see little Meg making her way to Grandma.  I leaned over the chairs and snapped this picture.  Grandpa was holding her little hand in his-supporting her as she moved along.  I love this photo of grandpa's hard worked hands holding his great-grand-baby's, of grandma reaching out for her.    This picture is so symbolic for me and at some point in the future when they are no longer here, I hope that I can remember this picture and know that the hands that have been there to catch me my whole life are still reaching out for me.

I have hit the jack-pot in the family department and I am forever grateful.  My grandpa has slowed down a lot the last couple of years and every chance he gets, he tells us that when it comes down to it, family and the gospel are all that really matter.  "I'm the richest man in the world" he said, tearing up as he looked at his enormous family gathered around.  I'm so grateful that they've both taught me how to become truly rich.

Those four hands have done so much good together; and they show the beauty of a life well-lived.  I've never understood people's obsession with staying wrinkle free and age-less, because when I see someone who has the marks of a life truly lived, my heart swells with the beauty they carry.  Those hands have wiped thousands of tears, pulled countless weeds alongside children and grandchildren, have thrown frisbees, footballs, and baseballs with the cousins, have held many babies and soothed scraped knees.  Those hands have been on mission after mission, they have served and lifted everyone around them.  Those hands have cheered on the side-lines of every sport, dance, and musical performance you can think of.  They have played the piano in the temple and performed many ordinances as they served year after year. The wrinkles in their eyes have come with laughter fits, and crying endless tears; they have earned their beauty and I'm forever grateful to remember them just like this.  Because their hands prove that, as sister Marjorie Peay Hinckley said, "they were truly here and truly lived". And I hope that one day, my hands can be as beautiful as theirs.

grandparents

 My grandparents came up to visit us and bring a meal last week.  Oh, how I love these amazing grandparents of mine!  I've written about grandma before, so I'll just let it stand that I love her with all my heart.  She taught be that family comes first and that family is most important. 

 I love this picture of my grandpa's hand; I will forever remember those sun-spots and they will forever remind me of his love.  He is so gentle and kind, truly a man without guile.  He is an example in every aspect of gospel living and loving the Lord.  I'm not sure what i did to have the blessing of being born into my family, but my heart about explodes each time I think about it. 

The focus is a bit off here, and I wish I had been a little more to the right over grandpa's shoulder, but I still love this picture.  Jorie is a lucky, lucky girl.

day 83: grandparents

Last night we celebrated my grandparents' birthdays.  They are the most wonderful people.  My grandma is a ray of light; she excels at making people feel loved and cared for.  Every time she sees me, she holds my hands, looks into my eyes and tells me that I am beautiful and that she loves me.  She is also quick witted and cries when she laughs hard (which is often).  I think I love that most of all.  She has her fair share of challenges, but her quick laughter and smiles are what I will always remember about her.  And in matters of faith?  Forget it.  We all joke that if you get grandma to pray for you, it'll happen no problem.  She truly loves Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father and she has faith in their timing and will. 

Grandpa has the sharpest mind I know.  He is a scholar and spends all his time reading and learning about new things.  He's turning 85 and knows way more about technology than I do.   He loves to travel and takes my grandma on cruises so that they can see the world in comfort.  He is a family history buff...I need to interview him some time.  He is the BEST story teller and I could sit all day and listen to him tell me about life on the farm. 

 Grandpa has taught me the importance of the temple.  When I was 8 years old, the Bountiful temple was dedicated and Grandpa took me on a date to the open house.  I felt so special.  I remember how I felt walking around that beautiful, sacred building, holding my grandpa's hand.  He has served in the temple for years and years. He has taught me that giving our lives to the Lord is what makes us truly happy.

Most of all, these 2 show me what a real love story looks like.  They have been married for years, but they still get stars in their eyes when they look at each other.  They are the epitome of each partner giving 100% and not keeping score.  You should see them taking care of each other, each insisting that they are in better condition than the other person.  They each are solely focused on making the other person's life easier and happier.