Goodbye.

I got a phone call from my sister last night at 10:00 telling me that my Grandpa Strong had passed away. He was 88 years old. I am 28 and this is the first grandparent that I am losing. Later my dad called and told me he had a heart attack around 8:30 and they were never able to revive him. He wasn't sick, this was extremely sudden.

I have so many memories of my Grandpa Strong

Weenie roasts after the egg hunt the day before Easter

BBQ's for every summer holiday

Always wearing dress pants and a button down shirt

Wheat germ for breakfast

Buttering his bread before putting anything on it

Telling the best stories

Pruning the apple trees

Taking me down into the scary root cellar

Giving me my Patriarchal Blessing

Pink Wintergreen Necco candies & circus peanuts

Sitting in "his" chair

Playing the piano & organ

Telling me all about the differnet kinds of apples in the orchard

Letting me help in the garden

Sealing me, Bryan, and Lauren together

I am so proud to be related to him, to have even known him. He was a spiritual giant, and never missed an opportunity to let others know how he felt about the Gospel. He had tremendous faith, and it showed in everything he did. He dedicated so much of his time to the Lord, working in the temple and the MTC. He loved my grandma so much, and told us constantly. He was the greatest example of everything I want to be.

At his birthday celebration on Aug. 8, I will always remember saying goodbye to him. He gave me a hug and said "I love you, my dear". He always called us that. I'm so glad I have that last memory of him, and that I was able to be a part of that celebration of his & my grandma's lives. I'm so happy that he got to see all of his kids together for the first time in 16 years.

I've cried so much, but it is so comforting to know that he lived his life as good as one can, and he is free from the stresses of this world. I know that he is in a better place.

Open your doors please Grandpa dearest and I'll love you forever and ever.