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.