It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to...

...You would cry too if it happened to you!"

I always remember my Grandfather on my birthday and, yes, sometimes I even cry. Here's why: It was 8 years ago on a Sunday morning. We were living in BYU student housing at that time. The phone woke me up at about 6:00 in the morning. It was my mother wishing me a happy birthday. She knows that I am not a morning person so I thought that she certainly could have found a better time to call. But, I could also tell in her voice that something was wrong. She then told me that she didn't mean to ruin my day but that she wanted me to know that they had just gotten home from the hospital. Grandpa had died earlier that morning of heart failure.

This is my journal entry for that day.

Sept. 19, 1999
Today is my 25th birthday and Grandpa W passed away this morning around 4a.m. I'm going to miss him!

The next day I received a package in the mail. As I read who it was from, I remember almost collapsing to the ground in disbelief. It was from my Grandpa and Grandma. They had gone into town that previous Saturday to mail it to me. It was one of the last things he did before he died. Inside the box was a new temple packet folder with the temple I was married in and my name embroidered on it. My Grandparents had spent two years as a temple worker in the Atlanta Georgia Temple and several more years working two days a week in the Logan Utah Temple. I knew how much Grandpa loved the temple and I knew that he wanted me to love it also.

That following spring, my husband did an internship in CA. One Sunday, our Relief Society lesson was about death. I remember feeling so emotional. I kept crying. My head was full of thoughts of my Grandpa. I missed him so much. Then a woman next to me made a comment. She said that several years before her Grandmother has passed away on her birthday. (Wow! I couldn't believe that that had happened to someone else and I was sitting next to her during this particular lesson. What are the odds?) She had been upset because now instead of celebrating her birth she would mourn her Grandmothers death. Then she was told by her mother that her Grandmother had actually given her a gift. They would now share a birthday. Her birth into earth life and her Grandmother's birth into the next life. Forever, as long as she lived, she would remember that day as a special date that the two of them would share for eternity. I am so thankful for this woman who, by sharing something special to her, answered my prayer for peace and comfort.

So, each time I attend the temple and on my birthday, today, I get to think about my Grandfather and all the memories that I have of him and I am thankful for both of these special gifts that he gave to me. Eight years ago he changed my life forever more and I am glad that he did!

So, today is Happy Birthday to me and to my Grandpa!

Grandpa, I love you!

I love my Grandpa's smile!

November 1998 @ Grandpa and Grandma's 50th Anniversary Party

Here is a poem that my friend sent to me shortly after my Grandpa passed away. It always makes me feel better when I read it and since today he is on my mind I will share it with you. I don't know who wrote it so I cannot give them credit though. Enjoy!

A Letter From Heaven

To my dearest family,

Some things I'd like to say, but first of all to let you know that I arrived OK.

I'm writing this from Heaven, where I dwell with God above.
Where there's no more tears or sadness, there is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy, just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you, every morning, noon, and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me, and he said, "I welcome you".

"It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.

"I need you here so badly, as part of my Big Plan.
There's so much that we need to do, to help our mortal man."

Then God gave me a list of things, he wished for my to do,
And foremost on that list of mine, is to watch and care for you.

And I will be beside you, every day and week and year,
And when you're sad I'm standing there, to wipe away the tear.

And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to fright,
God and I are closest to you, in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life of Earth, and all those loving years,
Because you're only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you, of all God has planned,
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er,
I am closer to you now, than I ever was before.

And to my many friends, trust God knows what is best.
I'm still not far away from you, I'm just beyond the crest.

There are rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb,
But together we can do it, taking one step at a time.

It was always my philosophy, and I'd like it for you too,
That as you give unto the world, so the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody, who's in sorrow or in pain,
Then you can say to God and night, my day was not in vain.

And now I am contented, that my life it was worth while,
Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you need somebody who is down and feeling low,
Just lend him a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you are walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind,
I am walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when you feel a gentle breeze, or the wind upon your face,
That's me giving you a great big hug, or just a small embrace.

And when it's time for you to go, from that body to be free,
Remember you're not going, you're coming here to me.

And I will always love you, from the land way up above,
We'll be in touch again soon. P.S. God sends his love.