An Influence Like No Other

Grandmas and Grandpas are everything nice.

Like presents and candy and raspberry ice.

And chocolate fudge sundaes, with cherries on top.

And popcorn and peanuts and grape soda pop.

In winter or summer, in rain or in sun,

Grandmas and Grandpas are wonderful fun!!!

- By Unknown Author

These last few months have been good months for visitors for us. We saw all of our Grandparents and even Great Grandpa in the last two months. That is unusual since we live so far apart from everyone. It was so nice and it has left me thinking a lot these last few weeks about the importance and influence of these wonderful people.

Isn't it wonderful that today's increased life expectancy allows us to have these wonderful people in our lives longer! And though they would all probably argue with me these "great and grand" people in our lives enjoy better health too. These two blessings are so important in today's times. Here we are nearing the second coming with all of it's signs of fear, doom and trouble and our loving Heavenly Father has given us a gift. He has allowed our parents and grandparents to tarry here a little longer. To give of their strength, to continue to teach by example and to love us just a little longer.

Of all of the blessings I am thankful for in my life one of the most cherished are the relationships my children have with their Grandparents and Great Grandpa!

When I can not teach - they're lessons are accepted.

When it doesn't matter what I say - what they say matters most.

When my hugs and love become "uncool" - there's will still be cool enough.

When I lack an experience to share to teach - they have a million to share for back-up.

When I'm flustered and impatient and overreact - their patience and wisdom give balance.

What a blessing these dear people are. How blessed I am that my children have such prime models! I couldn't ask for more perfect Grandmothers. They are such a wonderful compliment to each other. And together they have such strength and exude love for my children from every pore. (this dumb post is making me cry) And as far as Grandfathers go I don't think there are two better men in this world. I love them both so much. And then Great Grandpa...well I thought I loved him a lot. My children worship him. We love his stories and the quiet strength he has about him. My favorite picture of him is this one,where he is holding Kate. Because that is what he does best. Hold stuff. He holds up our family and is the link that keeps it together. He holds up his missionaries. He holds and supports Dave and I in our efforts to raise a good strong family. And he can quietly, lovingly and without a world hold my children until they have had their fill.

Heaven forbid the time when they pass away. I hope they will remember planting flowers and painting with Grandma Wilcox. Being read to and being held by Grandma DeWitt. Golfing and fishing with Grandpa Wilcox. Tickling and wrestling with Grandpa Dewitt. Making cookies and airplanes with Great Grandpa. And I hope they remember all of the lessons, advice, stories and examples. I hope they find things within themselves that link them to these great people. And that their strength, love and influence will go on and on throughout the generations.

After Great Grandpa's last visit Chase is all full of ideas of going off to BYU and living in his condo. (most kids have other reasons to go there...for Chase the only thing that matters is that is where his great grandpa lives) Just the other day he said, "Mom, won't Great Grandpa be great when I have kids?" And that is exactly our hope. That these special people will never leave us.