Grandpa Astle passed away in his sleep the morning of August 26, 2007, just 4 days prior to his 85th birthday. The picture above was taken in July of 2006 just months before Grandma Astle passed on. I liked this picture best of the ones we took because I thought it was funny that Zach was trying to figure out who was holding him, Emilee was doing her own thing, Grandpa was checking out everyone else, and Grandma was the only one smiling for the camera.
I've noticed with my other cousins blogs that they are including things they remember about our Grandparents (by the way, Tamara I was caught by the "guitar" often). I didn't know if I would be able to do this because my hormones are all over the place right now. The things I remember that were not included in their sites are as follows:
* I remember going to church with Grandma & Grandpa the year before we moved to Utah and we always had grilled cheese sandwiches after church.
* I remember going to Grandma & Grandpa's on Sunday nights when we lived in California to sit around, chat, and eat a bowl of ice cream.
* I remember Grandma Astle bearing her testimony when we would go to church with her to make sure we knew what she believed.
* I remember watching 'Twas the Night Before Christmas in black in white on Christmas Eve on a film projector and then watching it backwards as Santa flew in reverse off the housetop.
* When we went to Bear Lake as a family some of the family had to go back to Salt Lake for different reasons one day. Jen had to go to school to take a test and asked me to drive with her so she would not have to make the drive alone. Janice and Grandpa took a separate car to take care of other business. Well Jen was zipping back up to Bear Lake (and Jen is not a slow driver) when all of a sudden this big ol' Cadillac flew by us like we were standing still. You guessed it...It was Grandpa.
* Playing mahjongg, heart, boggle, or any other board game we could find.
I'm still trying to decide if it's safe to travel since the baby will be here just 7 weeks after the funeral. Jen said they have good Doctors up in Utah. I told her I would be there for sure if she had to speak at the funeral and it sounds like that is what the family has decided. So it looks like we will need to make the trek from Phoenix up to Salt Lake. It will be good to see most of the family again, even though it is under these circumstances.
4 comments:
Travel safe Debbie, see you soon, wishing it was under better circumstances....
It was good to read your blog too Debi. Jen's right, there are good doctor's in Utah. I had Ian there. And I must say, it was a good experience. Small rooms, but great doctors. :)
I will miss you guys!
I was just reading Melissa, Coleen, Tammie and your blogs about your memories of Grandpa Astle. It reminded me of the many times we would go to their house in California and watch Lawrence Welk, eating grilled cheese sandwiches (Grandma always made the best grilled cheese sandwiches) and ice cream. I remember Grandpa saying there's always room for ice cream. It just fills in the crevices.
I also remember how he use to come up and say "Hi old top (He would bop you on the head) glad to see you back (He would bop you on the back) haven't seen you for ears and ears (He would wiggle your ears) but I still nose ya (He would wiggle your nose).
I recall many times as well being the guitar, but I forgot it was always You Are My Sunshine that he sang. Maybe that's why I always sing that song to my kids.
I also remember after we moved to Utah when we would come and visit. Grandma and Grandpa had the TV box in their bedroom so whenever we could you and I would sneak in and watch MTV.
I know Grandma and Grandpa are having a wonderful reunion right now along with those who have passed on before him including Great Grandpa Astle and Candy Grandma.
I look forward to seeing you this weekend. Luv ya Shell.
Thanks Debbie for your post. I love hearing what everyone remembers because it helps me to remember them too. I still remember that every sunday night that we did visit them, Grandpa was always proud to say they never watched TV on Sunday, until Murder She Wrote moved to Sunday nights, and then I never heard him say anything about it again (cause you know he was watching it on Sunday) and then he woudl always brag how he didn't see a movie in theatres until God Army came out. I can't remember if he said it was worth ruining his record to see it? Anyway, We will see everyone this weekend. Take care!
Melissa
Post a Comment