11.09.2011

families can be together forever ...

It has been a crazy week for our families.  Both Nate's and my grandfather have been sick for quite a while and this week it seemed like the world crashed down around us when they both passed away.  I can't even begin to describe the examples both Grandpa Creer and Grandpa George have been in our lives and heaven sure got two of the most Christlike, loving, choice spirits this week.   Oddly, they were both Grandpa Joe to us, Joseph C. George and Joseph E. Creer and we will miss you both so much.  How grateful I am to know that through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, we can be together as a family forever!






Joseph E. Creer
August 30, 1921 - November 8, 2011

For My Dear Grandpa Creer:
I don't even know how to begin to describe the way you have changed my life.  In my earliest memories, you are right there, front and center.  I will never forget when you gave me The Little Mermaid for my fourth birthday and I squealed with delight and almost knocked you over from excitement.  I loved when you and Grandma would pick me up from Kindergarten every day and we would go to KFC for miniature chicken sandwiches.  I remember cousin sleepovers when we would play night games in your backyard and then snuggle all together in the sunroom under your watchful eye.  I loved your famous hamburger soup whenever the Walker's would come down and your eagerness to listen to every story that I dreamed up.  You created amazing memories for each of your grandchildren with your annual Christmas Eve and Easter parties and trips to the Marathon in St. George.  You serenaded each member of your family on their birthdays with your famous harmonica skills and filled our lives with so much joy.  I personally treasured our drives up to Idaho where I learned to love the classics like Patsy Cline, Perry Como, and Engelbert Humperdinck.

There was never a birthday, program, or report card that went unnoticed.  Never once do I recall a harsh word ever escaping your mouth.  You were a gentleman in every way possible and loved Grandma Floss with every fiber of your being.  You were also an amazing father to my Mom and showed her through your example how to be an amazing parent to me.  In your 90 years, you never let a day go by without giving it your all.  You taught me the beauty of hard work, of loving your neighbor, and giving of yourself to those in need.  You loved your Savior and your testimony of the restored gospel showed with your every action.

I have developed into the woman I am today because of you.  Your quiet confidence is with me whenever I am having a hard time and your unwavering devotion to your family and friends has made me realize that family is what is most important in this life.  You served your country, your church, and your family with your full heart.  Your generosity and love for your fellow man is awe inspiring and I pledge to continue on with your giving spirit.

I don't know a better man than my Grandpa Joe.  He lived a life to be proud of - full of service, generosity, love and laughs.  I love you Grandpa and I can't wait for our joyous reunion on the other side!

Joseph Carl George
April 18, 1927 - November 5, 2011

To Grandpa George:
Grandpa, honestly I feel like I have been away for the past 10 years.  I know over the past years, your health has declined due to Parkinson's Disease.  So while I unfortunately haven't lived close enough to attend family reunions and Sunday dinners, the memories that I do retain are those of a happy, healthy grandfather.

As I was visiting your home during the last days of your life, my mind reflected back on Sunday family dinners, games, and popcorn.  My grandpa made one mean bowl of popcorn, and I loved going to grandma and grandpa's house for a Sunday evening of popcorn.  When the entire family would get together, the night would definitely consist of a game of picture cherades (similar to pictionary).  Grandpa was always the judge that would think up creative phrases and puzzles that we would try to describe with drawings.  I definitely enjoyed those Sunday nights with family.

If there was anything that demonstrated grandpa's work ethic, it was his Garden!  What a garden my grandpa had for a number of years.  Specifically it was his raspberries and apples that were such a treasure.  His garden supplied the food storage for many of his family members over the years.

The last tribute to my grandpa must mention his devotion to the gospel.  Grandpa was the example of quiet dignity, and he was an example of service in all aspects.  He was always in tune with the Spirit and truly an inspired man.  While he was not raised in an active church-going family, he made decisions that obviously not only affected himself, but his children and grandchildren as well.

We are all so grateful for the decisions you made to become active and involved in the church.  Your legacy lives on in all of us.  Love you grandpa!

6 comments:

Jessie said...

what a wonderful post kate. it has been a crazy week hasn't it?? sorry to hear about your grandpa too! your family is in our prayers.

Holly & Kasey said...

Say it isn't so....I'm so sorry to hear about your grandpas! I just couldn't believe it when my mom called. I hope that you are doing as well as can be expected and hope you know that you and your sweet family will be in our prayers!! I have such fond memories of your Grandpa Creer!!

Lacey. Kellen. Beck. said...

Kate, I'm so sorry to hear this. Such a beautiful tribute. Thinking of you and praying for you and the family! Love you.

Ben and Kristen Call said...

Hi Kate. This is Kristen Hudson from Spanish Fork. Your father-in-law told me this week that your grandfather and your husbands grandfather passed away. So sorry to hear about your loss. Thank goodness for the gospel!

Amy said...

I wish I could give you a big hug right now! What a hard week for you and Nate and your families, but how wonderful the gospel is for hope and peace to see them again.

Emily said...

Oh Kate, my heart is breaking for you. What wonderful men you now have looking over you from across the veil! I wish I could be there for you. Picture a big loaf of warm pumpkin bread with big bow and my deepest sympathies attached. Love and prayers for you tonight!