Grandma G

Having found a love letter from Grandpa to Grandma I thought I would share.  The best thing a husband can do for his children is to love their mother.  I seek to be worthy of that love and devotion that comes when a good man loves his wife.  Grandpa died shortly after writing this letter to his beloved.  I don't believe they had any reason to suspect that he would soon die.   I was five years old when Grandpa died.  Grandma continued on to finish raising her family and living for nearly 40 years as she awaited that reunion which she also looked forward to.  Grandma died in 2007 just a week after spending time in my home.  I treasure the many memories I have of her and the few precious ones of my grandpa.

My Dear Beloved Marjorie,

                One day, each of us will be called home.  If you outlive me, do not grieve excessively.  Have faith be happy, cheerful, and confident.  We both know the gospel is true and that life beyond the grave is an obvious reality.  Each day of my life I thank God for the deep abiding love we have for each other.  This love has been our most precious possession, life’s most soul-satisfying, most rewarding experience – made far richer and more meaningful through the testimonies we have shared with each other of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

                Together we have met life’s challenges and reared our children to love the Lord and keep his commandments.  (Four) have been through the temple.  (Two) have their footsteps firmly planted along the same path.

                On that beautiful February morn, those many years ago, dressed in the beautiful white robes of the Holy Priesthood, and with hearts bursting with love and gratitude and joy, we clasped hands across the sacred altar and were sealed for time and all eternity – forever.

                That love – those indescribably sacred vows – have been and are the cornerstone of our happiness together.  Together we have lived and toiled and sacrificed and dedicated our lives to the fulfillment of the eternal blessing promised us at that altar.  The Lord has proven many times that HE loves us and has approved our way of life and the name in which we have raised our children.

                My beloved Marjorie, do not weep for long. Stay close to the Lord, keep busy, be grateful for your blessings, and above all for the love we bear for each other – made infinitely more precious, more noble and more enduring by the precious truths of the gospel and the love we both bear for our Savior, without whose great sacrifice for us, all this joy would not have been possible.

                And so until that great and glorious day of reunion when I shall again clasp you to my bosom, together with the six precious spirits whom we are privileged to call our sons and daughters, as well as those dear ones who have joined our family in recent years or may join it in the future, God be with you till we meet again.

                Chin up, keep smiling, and remember – Our love is eternal.

Affectionately your husband,