Having Dad's grave in Utah has been a blessing for me. If he were buried in Cheyenne, I would not have been able to visit his grave every year on his birthday. For many years now this has been a tradition and priority to make the drive to the Beaver Dam cemetery. I always want to remember and honor him. I had a feeling to invite Colby to come with me and he said he would love to. When I went to pick up Colby, I asked Grey if wanted to come also. It's a bit of a drive so I wasn't sure if he would want to, but he did! I enjoyed visiting with Colby and Grey for the hour and half to drive to Collinston.
As soon as we got to the cemetery Colby and Grey helped me clean the headstone and trim the grass. We added fresh flowers and flags because Dad served in the Marines. I enjoyed having my grandson's with me so much. I shared with them how Dad honored his parents, work hard to provide for his family, and gave others the benefit of the doubt. I also told them that he was faithful and believed the Gospel is the way to lasting happiness.
Happy 99th Birthday Dad, missing you for 33 years...
Colby and Grey figured out to use the timer
on my phone so we could have a picture together.
It was such a beautiful day. It rained on the way
to the cemetery and was around 70 degrees.
I always end my visit by listening to Carrie Underwood sing "How Great Thou Art." I played that song on the piano at Dad's funeral. It was a very sacred experience to listen to the song with Colby and Grey. We all had tears and felt the Spirit. I bore my testimony of how important family is and that I believe we can be together forever with those we love. I told them that I want them to stay on the path, that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer, that I pray for them, and love them beyond measure. This was a day that meant so much to me and that I will never forget.
We stopped by the Brigham City Temple. It was dedicated the year Colby was born. Grandpa and I went to the open house and we got a picture in the same spot that Grandpa and I did all those years ago!
Many years ago we had dinner with Chris and Mark at Maddox Ranch House. It's not far from the Brigham City Temple so I took Colby and Grey there for a late lunch. Maddox's has been in business for 77 years and they are famous for the fried chicken. But the rolls with raspberry butter are so yummy! We enjoyed the good food and being together. We had a special treat when an older man sitting behind us shared in great deal his colonoscopy experience! He advised the people at his table to not go to their appointment with donut breath. What?! When we got outside the restaurant we had a good laugh.
This was a simple, meaningful, and perfect day filled with love, memories, and always so much gratitude.
