The summer before going to BYU, dad attended the Army artillery officer basic course for 4 months. That was my first experience living outside of California. The school was at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma in the city of Lawton. There were heavy rains, thunderstorms, and humidity. All of which, I had never experienced! What an eye-opening 4 months.
Grandma and Grandpa traded cars with us for those 4 months. We had a VW bug and they an International Harvester Travelall, which is like a Suburban.We had it packed with a little bit of everything. They still had Patti, Jeri, and Marti at home, so that trade must have been inconvenient for them. we were so young, we didn't realize what a sacrifice that was. Thank You.
While in school at BYU, I had a job for about 6 weeks. I realized I needed to be at home with our two little girls. I just couldn't leave them with my downstairs neighbor for all those hours at work. The time away couldn't be made up by any amount of money. Dan and I both agreed and he had 3 jobs to make ends meet.
While in Provo, Utah, Grandma sent us "care packages." It was really an "I love You" package. One package in the fall contained clothes for Donna and Jeni. I was so excited when I saw what was in the box. Two church dresses for Donna, tights for church, pants and t-shirts for play, socks, underwear, and even winter coats. Donna's coat was red. Jeni's was blue check with matching pants (which was worn by several of our children). Jeni's coat was used for several kids. The only thing I needed to get was shoes. I remember the two dresses for Donna so well. One was a red shirt with a blue jumper with little red strips. The other dress was purple and buttoned down the front. She wore those dresses for two years. Everything was cute and warm for a snowy climate. Grandma Jean was a wonderful seamstress, and she could also sew quickly. I remember loving to dress the girls for church and for around the house. Jean also sent Christmas boxes. One box had a pinecone wreath, which I used for many years.
Donna in her "Grandma Jean" shirt and jumper.
We know we have a photo of the coat, but this has to do. Little Suzanne has a coat Grandma Jean made for her.
The car exchange and BOXES were examples of giving pure love and service. Grandma and Grandpa didn't expect anything in return. We were young at BYU (26 to 28 years old) and didn't realize how blessed we were. So here is a belated THANK YOU. They gave us a great example of family love and service.
