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.
I had forgotten al about what my mom & dad did for us. I hadn't forgotten all of it, but it sure is nice to be reminded.
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful to hear that about Grandpa and Grandma. Since Grandma died so early in my youth I don't remember her much and at the point Dad and you were pretty established. What a blessing it must of been to receive those dresses, especially when they were needed the most. We are so lucky.
ReplyDeleteI always loved when Grandma & Grandpa would come to visit. In Ames they always took us out to eat at Happy Joe's and Grandpa would get a big huge goblet of beer (it probably wasn't that big but I was pretty little). Grandma would always sew us girls a dress or two and she even brought her own fabric. I remember several things they brought us including an old black and white tv after ours had died. That was the best present to a little kid! I remember telling Grandma I wanted a watch and that year for Christmas she got me one. I still have it. I remember going up to Minnesota (I think) to visit and Grandma had a coffee pot with a little glass bubble at the top where coffee bubbled into. Coffee always reminds me of my grandparents. And I was amazed at the beautiful dresses she sewed for Marti's wedding. If only I had half Grandma's energy! They were great examples of how family just helps each other out.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing these stories that I don't know about. It's amazing the sacrifices Grandma & Grandpa made, but dad also...working 3 jobs while going to graduate school. These stories amaze me and make me happy to be from such a loving family who care so much for each other!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this post to Daddy. I'm sure it will spur memories and conversations. Thank you Joann.
ReplyDeleteI remember Grandma sewing for us in Ames - she was at the bottom of the stairs in the basement and sewing away!! I love that memory! I also remember going to Happy Joe's!!! LOVED it!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the smell of coffee - it reminds my of my grandparents too!!!
I remember one time that Grandpa and Grandma came and babysat us when Mom and Dad went somewhere - I ended up in bed with Grandpa and Grandma in the middle of the night because I was scared! I could just feel how much they loved me!!
I remember that tv too!!
What a great post. I remember Grandma coming with her trunk of fabric. It was so fun when she came because she always had funny, quirky advice too. I remember one time when Donna asked me to get her the scissors. Grandma looked at me and told her to tell Donna to get them for herself. Funny. Then there is always the "do a good dead everyday!". I loved when they came. Happy Joes will always have a special spot in my heart!
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