My Grandpa

My Dad's Dad passed away one year ago today (I had a 6 week old baby, and my life was not my own, which is why I didn't blog about it then). His health wasn't the best and then he had a stroke and passed away a few days later. I was able to call and talk to him before he died. He wasn't able to respond at all, but it was nice to be able to tell him how much I love him, what a great legacy he had started, and how much I admire him.
My Grandpa was a pharmacist in Idaho. He didn't like what he did, so he decided to go back to dental school (sound familiar?). He moved his family to Chicago, where he went to dental school, and then attended his orthodontic residency. The best part of this story? My Dad graduated HIGH SCHOOL one day before my Grandpa graduated his ortho residency. My Grandpa was a very dedicated man, and my Grandma is/was a saint. When Dave and I were making the decision if he should go to dental school, we must have said a thousand times, "If Grandma and Grandpa can do it, I guess we can too." And we only had baby Audrey at the time. Not four grown kids. Like I said, saintly. My Grandpa and Grandma are great examples of following your dreams, and making the sacrifices necessary in order to do so.
My Grandparents moved to Provo while I was in college. I have so many memories of going to their home for dinners, to hang out, or to just get out of my tiny dorm room. They were always so warm and inviting. Whenever I would leave, my Grandpa would give me a little raspberry kiss on my cheek. It was so fun having them close by, and getting to spend those years together.

My Grandpa and baby Audrey.

December 2010.  I was 7 months pregnant with Austin.  I went to Utah for a friend's wedding and was able to see my Grandparents. 

Three generations of good men.