CAR RIDES WITH GRANDPA
A couple of weeks ago, my mom and I had the wonderful opportunity to travel up to Utah to visit some of my extended family. One morning, after grueling run up the Utah hills with my mom (running in New Mexico does NOT prepare you for running in Utah. It just doesn’t.), my grandpa walked into the kitchen and asked me to accompany him to the grocery store. Having returned from aforementioned, difficult run, I replied, “Grandpa, I haven’t showered yet”. My grandpa quickly responded, “I don’t care!” (That’s true love, ya’ll). Before I knew it, my grandpa and I were riding in the stinky car (courtesy of yours truly), gearing up to hit all of the sales. As we rode in the car, and perused the fruit at the supermarket, my grandpa told me stories and lessons he had learned throughout his life. A few days later, as my mom and I traveled home (it is always a tough pill to swallow as you say goodbye to the beautiful red rocks of southern Utah), I realized how grateful I am for the many life lessons and memories my grandpa has gifted me with over the years. The memories continued to flood my mind as I returned to the daily grind of school, and I knew I had to get them down on paper. I also couldn’t let this moment pass by without stating my gratitude. So, without further ado: Thank You Grandpa:
For teaching me it is worth the drive to hit all of the good sales.
For teaching me the correct way to open an avocado.
For casually dropping the names of all of the celebrities you have met over the years. (Some autographs would have been appreciated).
For teaching me how to be ruthless at Hearts (Although I am positive you always go soft on me).
For letting me steal your chair.
For taking me out for ice cream dates, and counting my pennies as enough of a contribution.
For teaching me about my ancestors.
For telling me I pull faces like your mom.
For gifting me the opportunity to experience the power of prayer from a young age.
For being an incredible example of how hard work pays off.
For teaching me how to manage my money (we all know my mom wasn’t going to do that 😊)
For always being willing to share you story, and showing us all that it is never to late to turn things around.
For taking us to the Family History Center, where I finally figured out where all of the contributions to this pale skin came from.
For doing a session with us at the Temple.
For helping me to feel proud of my mission.
For showing me the gentleman I deserve, by being a gentlemen yourself.
For always kissing Grandma three times before you leave.
For always telling me I look beautiful.
For being one of the most supportive people ever about my blog.
For saying the world’s most incredible, heartfelt prayers (Even if one does have to make sure she is sitting down when you start them 😊)
For always telling me I don’t eat enough (we all know that’s a lie)
For giving me tough love when I need it.
For inviting me to go to the supermarket with you, just so we can spend some time together.
For showing me what is on sale in the supermarket (even if I am almost positive I will never buy almonds in bulk).
For being an incredible example of the Gospel, through your actions and your testimony.
For turning off the airbags in the front seat of your truck, so I could ride up front with you.
For teaching me that orange juice is disgusting, but any meal can be bettered by extra onions.
For gifting me my favorite blanket ever.
For making me pick you face out of a crowd in old pictures. I am killer at “I Spy” now (:
For making me your girl.
I can never repay you for all of the gifts you have given me. You have made me a little bit tougher, helped to make my testimony stronger, and taught me to be proud of who I am. I’ll love you forever, even if you do make fun of the water I drink.
Love, Your Girl
P.S. Thanks for gifting me with the best mom. Ever.