Father’s Day Without Him

Tears still come as I think about this wonderful man I called Dad!   I haven’t shared before the beautiful tributes my children gave during his services.  So on this Father’s Day Without Him…I’ll give you these amazing accolades that were so well spoken that day.

JASON

Rock hound, Fisherman, Golfer, Inventor, Artist, Caretaker, Teacher, Engineer, Gardener, Entrepreneur, Friend, Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather.

There is an endless list of words that I can use to describe my Grandpa, for me he was my mentor. My protector. My hero.

He was a man of many, many talents yet he was as humble and gentle as a little child.  Though he was born into poverty, to immigrant parents, through brilliance of mind and an unrelenting work ethic, he achieved riches never imaginable yet he was quick to give it all away to anyone in need.

That caring nature made him an amazing teacher.  He was always looking for an opportunity to teach.  Whether it was driving up the canyon to fish at some quiet bend in the river or getting up at 4:30 in the morning so we could be the only ones on the golf course there was sure a lesson to be taught.  It wasn’t until I was older that I truly appreciated our outings together – all of them carefully orchestrated to teach me some important life lesson.

I saw him carry on this tradition with my son.  When we would show up at the house, his face would light up as he showed Brevin all the birds that came to eat in the yard.  He would take him out back, teaching him how to tell when the apples or grapes or plums were just right to eat.

One of the things that I admired most about my grandpa was that he was never one to look for an excuse for why something couldn’t be done, rather he was always looking for reasons why something could be done.  He never complained, he just went quietly about his business, taking care of others, creating a legacy.

I thought that it was rather poignant that as I flew back into Utah last week, we came in over Hobble Creek.  As I looked down at the golf course, it set in what a truly great classroom that was.  Sure he was teaching me about the game of golf but what he was really teaching me was about the game of life.  How to prepare.  How to study.  How to make the right move at the right time.  How to take calculated risks.  But most importantly, how to enjoy a prosperous life, no matter the circumstances.

On this earth, we all die.  The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.

The lessons that he taught and the wisdom he imparted in me has created a legacy that will live on forever, not just in my and my family but in everyone that was touched by his protective nature and endless generosity.

I can hear him saying “Ok Jason, it’s time to get back to work.” So let’s get back to work, making this world a better place, like he did.

 

ALISON

My grandfather was a very loving and unique man, but he was more than just a grandfather to me.  He was my hero, my guiding light, my saving grace and most of all my inspiration.  Through all his wisdom that he taught me, he has helped me become the woman I am today.  I truly learned what an Angel my grandfather was while spending the last moment of his life with him. The doctor came in and told me that the time was getting closer and if he had to guess it would be tonight or tomorrow.  I told the doctor I just don’t want him in anymore pain, in return the doctor stated he has held on longer than I expected,to me it seems like he is waiting for something.  I thought to myself, what could my grandfather be waiting for?  He has seen everyone that he loves.  He has seen my grandmother, his daughter who he loved beyond words, his son-in-law, his granddaughter-in-law, his great grandchildren, his nieces, nephews, brothers and sister and other family and friends, and he spent time with my brother, his grandson before my brother left on his business trip.  Then it hit me, my brother was still on an airplane on his way back home.  See every time we went somewhere or even on our way back home from our grandparent’s house, our grandfather would always tell us to call when we made it home.  In my heart I knew he was waiting for my brother to make it back home safe.  My brother texted and said he landed and he was on his way to the hospital.  At that moment I turned and told my grandfather that Jason made it home safe, 30 minutes later he took his last breath, all he wanted was to know his beloved grandson was safe.

The love my grandfather had for his family was truly the most special gift of love that anyone could ever have.  Grandpa I will miss you and I never thought that forever would come to an end.  It’s like how do I say goodbye to the last day I saw you alive when everything I have to hold on about you lives there.  I wish this was all a dream.  But I can hear you whisper in my ear telling me Ali it’s not your job to understand God’s plan, but it is your job to trust in it, even if it hurts to do so.

Just thinking about your words keeps me strong.  Although you are gone we will always be together, and your spirit will live on in each one of us forever.  When we look to the sky, we will look for the brightest star, as that will be you Grandpa looking down on us from afar.  I feel like I am the luckiest and most privileged granddaughter to have him as my grandfather.  Our memories I will treasure and keep close to my heart.  If tears could build a stairway, and heartaches could make a lane, I would walk a path to heaven, and bring you back again.  But I know you are at peace and out of pain grandpa and that is what I want.

So grandpa I pray you’ll be our eyes, and watch us where we go.  And help us to be wise in times when we don’t know.  Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way, lead us to the place, guide us with your grace to a place where we’ll be safe.  I promised you I would stay by your side till the end and now my promise to you is to take care of grandma and that is what I will do, so don’t worry grandpa we will take care of the love of your life until you meet again.  Rest in peace now grandpa.