A Fond Memory or FarFar

Ok this week is a little more tricky because I am writing about someone that may actually read this. That brings me a little more stress than writing about someone who has passed away. Hopefully this all comes out in an acceptable way!FarFar is my Dad's Dad. His name is Nils Bertil Johansson. He was born in Sweden, but has lived in Michigan for a long time. I like to tell people that he has the greatest accent because it is Swedish mixed with a hint of the mid-west, or maybe vice versa!
FarFar ran a catering company for his career. That is probably why most of the memories I have of him involve food.
Two of the memories that come flooding back first are very special! The first involves the days right after my Dad died. I remember Granny Jo and FarFar (maybe someone else, but that is hazy) coming over to our house on Dartmouth during FHE to tell us that my Dad had passed away. I thought it was a joke at first, but not a funny one. I didn't understand what was going on. As it started to sink in, FarFar gave at least my mom and I think myself a blessing to get us through those first tough moments. I am so grateful he was able to do that!
I also remember that the Sunday after my Dad's funeral FarFar was assigned to be the High Council speaker in our ward. What a TOUGH assignment! I am so glad he was willing to fulfill that assignment. It shows a lot about his character and dedication to the Gospel. I remember that he didn't say much (which is pretty typical for him...he is always on the go and only speaks when needed), but he brought the love of the Stake President and then asked the youth to sing "Families Can Be Together Forever" (which they had just sung at my Dad's funeral-he was the Young Men's President when he died). I remember thinking that FarFar probably gave the shortest High Councilmen talk in history, but it will be the most memorable one for me!
The other memory I have that is so special to me comes from the days after Tyler and I got engaged. It was a time of pure excitement, but there was a little rain cloud looming. We had the temple part of our marriage planned, but we were very unsure about a reception/open house. I didn't want to spend too much money or go into debt for a non-necessity, but I didn't want to miss the chance to celebrate our special day. Tyler and I were talking about what to do, when my phone rang. It was my Grandparents and they said they wanted to put on a reception for us! What?!?!? I could not believe it! In the moment when we needed help, my Grandparents stepped in. With that offer I knew I wanted FarFar to cater my reception! It took a miracle to find a place to hold the reception, but thanks to a service missionary I worked with at the MTC, we found the MOST BEAUTIFUL yard to do so! It was an amazing, perfect evening! The food was delicious! Every time our anniversary rolls around I wish we could recreate that night and stuff our faces with the grilled veggies and strawberry extravaganza. There was other great food, but that is my favorite!
I can't believe I didn't think of this memory right away...FarFar is also the person that baptized me into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am so glad he accepted that invitation even though my Dad was worthy to do so. I have a tendency to want to get everyone involved, so I asked FarFar to baptize me and my Dad to confirm me. I think that having FarFar participate in that ordinance with me was a great bonding moment.
A few other incomplete memories with FarFar involve me and my cousin dressing up in native Swedish attire and helping out at different events he catered.
I also remember going to Meadowbrook Music Festival in the summer and watching FarFar in his element. I remember watching as he talked to customers. I can't figure out how to put this into words, but I use to marvel at how he talked to these customers and helped them enjoy their culinary experience at an outdoor concert.
My last thought comes from my college years before my family moved to Provo. Anytime Granny Jo and FarFar were in town, they were so wonderful to me. They always found time to take me out to dinner and really show interest in my life. I feel like FarFar has helped fill a small void left from losing my Dad.

A Fond Memory of Nanny

I have a ton of memories with Nanny since we lived with her during my high school years. I will share a few here and maybe some more later. Let me preface all of these by saying I was the only granddaughter until I was about 13. I was soiled, but please don't hold that against me!
I remember being Elementary School age and Nanny would take me on shopping sprees. We would go to a few stores and she would want to buy me everything I looked at twice. I remember being nervous to go home after one shopping trip because I new I would get in trouble for how much Nanny bought me. I promise I didn't ask for all of it!
This shopping bug was great when I was a Freshman at BYU. By that time Nanny lived full-time in AZ. Since she was close to Utah, I went down there for Thanksgiving. I must have made Nanny's day when I told her I was thinking about buying some girly clothes and maybe even a purse. I came back from Thanksgiving with a suitcase full of super cute girly clothes.
As a side note to that trip...I had a friend from middle school that moved to AZ (we also served in the same mission...weird!) While I was down there we hung out together. One of the times he picked me up he just honked from outside. Nanny was shocked. She lectured me on how a boy should pick up a girl at the door. I laughed and told her that he was more like a little brother and this was DEFINITELY not a date.
I remember that the Christmas after my dad died, my grandma and her good friend were a secret Santa that dropped off bags and bags of presents for our little family. It was so kind. It helped me feel special after a pretty tough year.
I remember going to the Lake (the summer trailer park) with Nanny. She would let me drive the golf cart. I was pulled over once by the trailer park security and they told me I was too young to drive, especially alone. I guess 10 is pretty young on a road with cars.
Nanny also gave me money to stock up on treats at the little convenience store in the trailer park. She would sit by the pool while I swam and swam. The tradition on those summer nights was to sit in the screened in porch with her neighbors and play "feed the kitty." Yes she taught me how to gamble. I love winning the pot of coins! Looking back I wonder if they sometimes let me win so that I could have candy money.
I also remember how excited Nanny was to have me wired shut when I was 16. That sounds mean I know. She was just so happy that when my jaw was stuck close, I had to enunciate my words more so she could finally understand me. I guess I mumbled way too much as a kid!
When we would eat dinner together in high school we drove Nanny crazy! Nanny thought that dinner was a great time to talk about our day and bond as a family. I totally agree, but Burns and I always had a thing about eating our food. We would eat way more than we would talk. It was pretty quiet unless we were asked open ended questions. Poor Nanny!
I think I inherited Nanny's love for sports. I love a good Saturday of football, basketball, baseball or even golf. Nanny could often be found watching sports on TV.
I went to Utah with Nanny and Poppy a few times. One of my scariest childhood memories comes from a car ride in downtown SLC. While we were driving her Buick died in an intersection. I can't remember what happened, but I remember freaking out a bit.
Along the lines of car rides, there was another time I was driving back from the Stake Center with Nanny. We were about 2 blocks from home when Nanny drove through a stop sign. I was shocked. I had to tease her because she had lived in our house for quiet a few decades, so that stop sign was not new to her.
I also looked up to Nanny for her family history knowledge. She did so much family history (maybe she got the bug from her mom). Maybe that is where I have gained the desire to do family history. For now this is my start, but I also desire to one day be a whiz at my extended family history. She did leave me feeling a bit intimidated because there is a missing link in our family that no one can seem to figure out. How can I figure it out when I am so novice. Maybe there will be a little help from the other side of the veil.
This last part is not my specific memory, but a memory I wish I had. My grandparents build a retirement house in St. George, UT. From what I hear it was amazing and built specifically for their needs and some wants. Apparently they made one bedroom specifically for me. It was decorated very girly. I never got to see it because Poppy died shortly after it was finished and Nanny sold it since she did not want to live there without Poppy. I learned about this just a few years ago and it helped me realize just how much my grandparents loved me. I love them too!

A Fond Memory of Poppy

Poppy was my Mom's dad. He actually died when I was six, but his death was one of those times that solidified my testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I remember the last moments of his life. Nanny and I picked him up from the hospital. We had some colored glass in the back of the Cadillac (he made wonderful stain glass lamps and other things). Nanny and Poppy's dog, Brownie was with us because we were going out to the Lake (their summer trailer home) for a week or so of fun and relaxation. We were all sitting across the front seat. I loved sitting between my Nanny and Poppy in that Cadillac. As we were driving Poppy suffered another heart attach and died. It was devastating, but was also a chance to learn that death is not the end. I know I will see Poppy again!
Poppy was a good man. He was a Stake Patriarch and on one occasion I remember being at his house when someone came for their blessing. I was too young to understand what was going on, but I do remember the added peace that day. I am grateful for Poppy's righteousness!
I also remember that Poppy was the camera man at Christmas! I remember that when we went to the trailer, the squirrels would eat out of his hand.
Poppy was a plastic surgeon. I remember when I was little I would go hang out at his office. I felt so cool being behind the desk. I would pretend to file papers and type. It was great to experience those days! Looking back it is even more impressive that a boy who grew up as a potato seed farmer in Kuna, Idaho became a respected plastic surgeon in Detroit, Michigan. He also left a legacy in that he trained many residents that became wonderful plastic surgeons also.
Those are just a few of the things I remember about this great man!

What Is This?

I decided that I want to start recording some of my memories. Maybe I am doing this because my dad died when I was 12 and I love hearing about what he was like as my memories are very limited. I am a super crazy journal keeper, but I think this will be a place where I can share more of my stories with an overall perspective. Since I write in my journal everyday (kind of) they are pretty mundane and probably miss some very important details.
No one has to read this, but if you do enjoy... If you have more details or information about a story, please feel free to comment.
I am trying to limit my computer time, so I can live in the moment with my little ones, so I am not sure how often I will post new stories and insights. I will just do my best!