The Achievement
There are many things that I desire to achieve in life. There are times when the most important of these is magnified, the passing of a family member being one of them. My family recently said goodbye to one who has been at the head for many years, our patriarch, my grandfather. My grandfather who, side by side with my grandmother, has led our large family in righteousness through word and deed, through sacrifice and in blessings. A man whose tall stature and strength was above many.
The father to eight children, 49 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren (so far); this is part of the legacy that he represents, which extends beyond these descendants, to other relatives, and indeed to many who would wish to be part of such. From my perspective grandpa was a compassionate person, yet stern and unshaking when it came to obedience and respect. I remember him telling me to take my hat off when I entered his home when I was young. Also, when I was very young, I remember smashing my finger in the door of our house, and the pressure and pain as the hematoma expanded. Grandpa came over and with an x-acto knife and gently drilled a hole in my fingernail relieving the pressure which, with his reassurance, didn’t hurt at all. As a child in elementary school, I remember the excitement of grandparent’s day, and the pride I felt at having a giant as a grandpa to show off to my classmates. I remember visiting grandma and grandpa when they were camping in their large canvas tent, with hammocks strung up in the trees and cans of root beer chilling in the stream. Grandpa would take my brother and sister and me fishing at the reservoir. One New Year’s Eve, Grandpa watched us as our parents went out. He waited up with us until midnight and we went into the back yard to light sparklers, counting down by his wrist watch. There is another experience that I was too young to remember, one that could have had life affecting consequences. As a toddler, I took a terrible fall down some stairs and was stopped by breaking through a glass window. An accident that caused no small amount of trauma to my head. After I was discovered, I am told that grandpa gave me a blessing, and by the authority of the priesthood he held, blessed me that there would be “no lasting effects” of the accident. I did recover, and my parents probably bear a greater scar of trauma than me.
Grandpa did many things while in the army in Korea, somehow, he ended up becoming the guy who cut hair. Grandpa gave my brother and me many haircuts - the traditional summer buzz. It appeared that grandpa had the immediate respect of anyone I saw him interact with, whether because of a reputation gained through hard work, his stature, good looks or all of the above. I never did hear him boast, curse or belittle others. I remember grandpa being the type of person who would do what it took to provide for his family. He worked many different jobs over the years, even starting a company that still exists today. It is his work in the service of the Lord that most impresses me, this he desired more than wealth. For us, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, missionary service at a young age is something we are commonly known for, but the decision to serve is not a given. It takes humility, perseverance and sacrifice. At the age of 19 grandpa served in Denmark for two and a half years, and would return to serve with grandma several more times later in life. Grandpa loves God’s children, the need for missionaries is great, and he would rise to the challenge time and time again. As the years of life began to pile on their challenges, inflicting pain, suffering, cancer, limiting the physical abilities of such an able person, he chose life, he continued to serve. When his ability to walk was taken, he continued to serve. Indeed, he served us all to the very end of mortality, even if just by his presence. To be is his presence felt like an honor.
At times when observing his suffering, I pondered on the necessity of mortal suffering, seeking a purpose in it. In this life, there are many who suffer, to have empathy we must also suffer, and through empathy we become able to raise others up and even bring them to Christ. Lifting others up is not a task that ends at death, it continues, and will continue until he who has perfect empathy declares it to be done. Grandpa, through his suffering, has gained the ability to have great empathy for many. He now stands tall once again, his intimidating stature, compassionate power, and example will continue to extend to many both living and dead through his spiritual ministry.
If there is a desire that I have in life, that stands above the rest, it would be to leave such an indelible legacy. To complete mortality having led my own children into a life of self-sufficiency and prosperity in faith. Grandpa has achieved this, and in this achievement, he may rest with great satisfaction. Grandpa has shown us the way, faith, humility, sacrifice, service and unwavering integrity.
