{Quiet Reflections}

This morning, just shortly after midnight, my dear grandpa, my father's father, LaMar Vernon Crandall, passed away. Born June 28, 1925, he lived and thrived for eighty-three wonderful years. I am humbled by this great man's testimony of the gospel, his love for his family and grandchildren, and his gentleness.

I have many fond memories of my Grampa Crandall, and they are wonderful memories. He and Grama would come to EVERY birthday celebration we ever had. He would saddle up a horse just for us to ride, even if Dad was busy irrigating or taking care of other tasks. Grampa would take us for rides on his four wheeler in the milk crate strapped to the front, and for rides up at Keetley on the motor bike to change the water. Grampa was always active on the ranches and farm for as long as I knew him. He was a respectible person in the community and a wonderful leader in our Church, serving in numerous presidencies, on counsels, boards and holding many other leadership positions. Grampa was a man of honor, a man of his word, and a servant of the Lord. There is so much more, but it's late, and my head is swimming, literally.

This past Thanksgiving, our family had the sweet privledge of 'having' grampa for dinner. I know we wore him right out, expecially my boys, but we will cherish those few moments we had with him most recently.

This is the only picture I have of Grandpa from Thanksgiving...with my sister Katelyn. He's not frowning at me...just caught him after he took a bite to eat!

My most fond memory of Grandpa includes him taking Keith and I to the 'gold mine' at Keetley because dad was changing the water and mom was nursing Reed at the time. Granma insisted he take us to find some fool's gold so we'd quit flicking 'fish', really moss, from the ditch at each other!

I remember when Grandma passed away, on October 12th of 2003, he was so sad. He looked so lonely and it made me weep, to see his sadness and how much he missed her.

This picture was taken the day we blessed Taylor. He was so thoughtful to come clear to Idaho Falls from Springville. It was very special to have him there. I feel awful that I don't have pictures of him with Tanner...at least one he's not scrambling to get away...

What a blessing it is to have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and know of the truthfulness of God's Eternal Plan of Happiness. I am positive there was a multitude of people on the other side waiting to greet him! Our Heavenly Father truly is mindful of us and our needs, and I know he has a plan for us to return to live with him. There is no doubt in my mind that He is All Knowing.

Grandpa, I will miss you. Although we lived hundreds of miles apart, I always looked forward to seeing you at mom and dad's or in your home when we came to visit.

My heart is full of gratitude, my thoughts are somber, and my words keep pouring out. I suppose I should get to sleep as it's going to be a long weekend.