The Last of a Generation

Today causes reflection due to the attendance

of Grandma Zookie's (my affectionate nickname) funeral.

No more Grandparents.

When I was born, many of my Great Grandparents were alive and I enjoyed having my

Grandparents (both sets) around for most of my life, just loosing the last 2

(Grandpa Skousen) 14 months ago and now THE LAST Grandma Pendleton.

The legacy they left is hard to put into words,

but I can write down a few of my thoughts.

I want the memories down on paper for reflecting back on later

and want my kids/grandkids to be able to read all the wonderful things that

Grandparents do in our lives.

Christmastime has to hold the number ONE spot in fond memories.

From letters in later years with a check for all the kids and Susan & I from Grandpa Skousen,

to the Christmas Eve parties and sitting on Santa's knee at Grandparent's Pendleton.

Christmas is SPECIAL for all the known reasons (especially the Savior), but Grandparents just make it better.

I thank my Heavenly Father for answering prayers in letting Grandma

leave this earthly test and rejoin the love of her life.

I'm also thankful for the impressions I've had

to go and see my Grandmother often (once a week for the better part

of the past couple of months). She loved going for a raspberry shake.

She allowed me (actually requested) to sing to her, which I

took the opportunity of doing on her 97 birthday when she attended

our Sacrament Mtg. (Susan & I were speaking). How ironic that the subject we choose

that day was GRATITUDE.

One memory of Grandma and Grandpa Pendleton goes back many, many years

(I'm actually a little embarrassed to admit this memory, but what a lesson)

I lived with them in Huntington, UT Monday-Friday (while I worked @ the Emery power plant) during the second half of my senior year.

Shortly after starting work. Grandpa & Grandma had a talk with me and said

they wanted to charge me rent for the time I stayed with them during the week.

I'm sure that a healthy male my age was eating a fair share of the groceries,

but paying for rent - c'mon.

I couldn't believe that they wanted money from their grandson.

I remember it being $50/month.

Well, the rest of the story goes like this. When Susan and I got married (2 1/2 years and a mission later), the wedding present Grandpa & Grandma gave to us, was $600 cash. All the RENT money they had made me pay during the time I lived with them.

I still cry thinking of how immature/short sighted I was and how the wisdom of

Grandparents taught me so much.

Grandma, I will miss you. I will miss your sweet smile, but I know

you are happy and having the BEST CHRISTMAS ever.

I LOVE YOU

Bryan