If lately the world feels like a different place to you it's because it is. As of a few weeks ago the world is down 1 less person that stood for truth and righteousness. My Grandpa Hal recently passed away after fighting a 9 month battle with cancer. I was blessed to truly have the best Grandpa in the world. He has always been like my second dad. He blessed me when I was a baby and gave me away in the temple the day Dustin and I were sealed.
I have been reflecting a lot on his life and the impact he has had on me. Aside from my Grandma, I have never met another person that has been such a pillar of strength and to be honest I wish more people existed that were like him. I admired how he was always constant with who he was. He accepted everyone regardless of sin but people always knew where he stood and they respected him for that. In today's world I feel like this is a lost art---I feel like people are who they want to be when it is convenient. Where have all the old fashioned values gone? Where people are polite and kindness is lusted after? He was a man that stood up for what was right and had this amazing cowboy fight in him that allowed him to accomplish great things and bless the lives of many. There was never a dull moment in his life. He was the HARDEST worker that I know. Everyday of his life he worked. Whether it was spreading the Gospel, grading roads, teaching someone or working his land.
He is a great inspiration to me. Even as he and my Grandma got older they built their house together--how cool is that? They served a mission together at the Heber Girl's Camp and helped to build cabins and put in the water system. My Grandpa was a perfectionist. When he was assigned a job he did it right and you could always count on him. He had friends EVERYWHERE he went. He had more energy than most and could out play Brody which makes him part superhero. He served our country in the Korean war and understood what true freedom really is. He was the best at playing cards and loved being with his family. I will miss that.
But I am so grateful to have had him in my life. I am so glad that a little of his Cowboy fight made it into me. I am glad that he taught me the value of hard work and the ability to do hard things. Many days at work when I am frustrated with people or trying to accomplish something I often hear the inner voice of my Grandpa saying "Either get behind me and help or get the hell out of my way!" I am grateful that he taught me that it is okay to be imperfect. There is a season for everything and all you can do is be the best version of you. This has helped me a lot as I have tried to find my new identity of being a mom and carrying other titles. I try to be the best version of me. I know for women this is hard because we always feel guilt. But my Grandpa's right if taking a few classes, starting a business, having a hobby makes you feel better about yourself than you should do it. Live your life to inspire people and in doing so I truly believe you can create opportunities to bring people unto Christ.
As for me I want to do just this. As many of you know Dustin and I started a business called Franchise Identity. Before my Grandpa died I told him that I would make it successful-I intend to do just that. I know that he will help us every step of the way---I know that he lives. I believe that everyone has the potential to be something great and I want to dedicate my life to helping people realize this. I want to better the franchising industry and help people to change their lives. Watch out world because there is a new business coming to town and failure is something that we don't easily swallow.
Grandpa-you will be deepply missed. Love ya.
