Wednesday, August 19, 2009

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.

10 comments:

Lindsay said...

I'm so sorry Kiersti. He sounds like such a sweet man. I loved hearing all your memories of him. That's so neat that his birthday was just a bit ago & that you were all able to be together. What a blessing! I hope you're doing okay. Love ya! linds

Ashley Bennion said...

Oh Kiersti - I am so sorry to hear about your grandpa - You are all in our thoughts and prayers!

KKandKoKo said...

I'm so sorry to hear that about your grandpa. Wishing you and your family the best during this hard time.

Tracie White said...

Kiersti, I have been brave and haven't cried until now, when I read that last little bit. Who of us hasn't asked Grandpa to open his doors, and that we'd love him for ever and ever?

Megan C. said...

We'll miss him!

molly strong said...

thanks for the memories Kiersti, we are all very blessed to be part of this family

Amy and Kris said...

Oh man, I'm so sorry! Reading your post reminded me of my Grandpa who died when I was 16 from a massive heart attack too. Brings back lots of memories. I love ya!!!

Natalie Strong said...

Maybe I will have you speak at his funeral instead of me.

Staci said...

Oh Kiersti, I'm so sorry to hear this news! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

jessica said...

love you, kierst. sorry i am late responding to this. i'm just barely getting back into the grove of blogging, but i'm glad i got to hug you in person on saturday. losing a grandparent is so hard. there isn't much people say that makes you feel better. so i'll just say it again, i love YOU!

hope you are starting to feel better. xoxoxox