Grandma and Grandpa Underwood

I don't remember meeting them, but I do remember the impression I got when I met Shayne's Grandma Elthora Underwood and Grandpa Ernal Underwood sometime in the year of 1999.  I admired them; in my eyes, they had "it all."  They had built their dream home, served a temple mission to New Zealand, four kids, a couple RV campers, big garden in the back yard, and one of the strongest love's for one another I had ever seen.  I knew from that moment on that I hoped to one day be a lot like them.

The other thing that stood out from day one is that Grandpa Ernal Underwood was a Pearl Harbor and WWII Veteran.  I felt proud just meeting him.  I heard many stories about this infamous tragic day from the mouth of someone who had actually been there.  Pearl Harbor had new meaning for me from then on.    

A few years later, Shayne and I were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 8, 2003.  Grandpa performed our marriage and sealing.  It was done with very few words, but the spirit was strong and before I could muster any tears, Shayne and I were eternally married.  It meant so much to have him marry us and he will always hold a place in our heart for this. 

Not long after our wedding, we found out that Grandma Underwood was fighting cancer.  This news was devastating for the entire family and Shayne wanted to be with them during their time of need.  Shortly after, we moved into their basement apartment to see if we could help. 

I remember offering to help them with meals as part of our rent.  I made lunch style menu's and posted them on their fridge. I kept them new and exciting, but I felt like I wasn't cooking anything that Grandpa seemed to like.  I knew I was cooking decent meals, even if I wasn't a great chef, so I finally asked someone why.  This is when I found out that Grandpa was a "meat and potatoes" kind of a guy.  Now knowing how to make him more happy, I adjusted the meals and tried things I hoped he would like.

Grandpa was so good to Grandma.  Many times, I caught Grandpa picking Grandma flowers from their garden.  I loved watching them give small smooches to each other.  They sat side by side in  their rocking chairs watching TV and talking about their memories or their day.

I will never forget picking the perfect Mother's Day gift for Grandma; it was a green garden frog, holding an umbrella in one hand, and checking for rain with the other.  I remember thinking that she seemed like the type that would put it out in her flower garden, but she loved it so much she kept in in the house with her.  She even glued a bird onto it's hand.  It brought us such joy to see that she really loved the gift we had chosen for her.  The frog was still in the house for many years later.  

Grandma taught me a little about cooking.  Grandma was a great cook, so whenever I had a question, I knew who to ask for help.  I wish I could have learned more from her.  She was not only a good cook but a great quilter, skilled at embroidery, crochet, and almost everything crafty.  She made us a quilt for our wedding.  Shayne won't even let us use it because it is so special to him.

Shayne had a special bond with his grandma.  He tells our daughter how his grandma used to read him "The Fox and the Hound," almost every night before bed.  Shayne likes to lay in bed and have me spread a quilt on top of him sometimes at night, he says "he loves the weight."  It reminds him of Grandma putting blankets on top of him.  She was a nurturing lady.  She made everyone feel loved and valued. 

Poor Grandma was getting worse as spring 2004 approached.  I remember visiting her in the hospital regularly and Grandma always having the best attitude about it all.  She was especially cute when she wore her "moon suit," which was really just a machine she had to wear at different times of the day and breathe into.  I don't recall her complaining about the cancer or the challenges she faced.  Everyone had such hopes she would return to health, but sadly on a beautiful July 23, 2004, (which also happened to be Brandon and Michelle's wedding day) Grandma Underwood passed away.

Grandpa Underwood was never quite the same after Grandma left.  He had lost some of the twinkle in his eye.  Many of us wondered how long he would survive without his dear wife. We stayed with him a couple months after Grandma's passing.  The house was often quiet and lonely.  Grandpa kept to himself, but I tried to help him when I could - even if he didn't know it.  When I knew he was gone, I would sneak upstairs once a week and help him clean the bathrooms, dust, vacuum, and mop.  Many times, I made an extra sandwich and put it in his fridge for his lunches.   My heart went out to him.  It didn't take long for us to realize that Grandpa needed some time for himself and it was with this realization that Shayne and I moved to a duplex in Salem. I was told later on that moving was exactly what Grandpa needed at the time and he was glad that we gave him time and space to grieve.

Now it seemed I saw Grandpa most at my mother in law, Jeanette's house in Springville.  He was always popping in on them and joining us for dinner, and everyone loved having him around.  Holidays seemed rougher for Grandpa, especially in the first years without Grandma.  After a while, it got too hard for Grandpa to get around and that's when my mother and father in law (Mark) moved in to be Grandpa's caregivers.

One memory of Grandpa I will treasure is helping him set up his Christmas tree the past few years.  It became a fun tradition to go over to his home in Salem the Sunday after Thanksgiving and put up his tree.  I remember one of the first years we did it Grandpa exclaiming, "the neighbors will be so surprised!"   He seemed so proud and happy to have the tree displayed proudly in his front window.  Last year, I remember walking in on him admiring the tree and seeing a small tear coming from his eye.  I will miss this tradition.

I didn't see Grandpa too much in the end.  We had busy schedules, and Grandpa although loved the visits, but I could tell the kids were making him anxious so bringing them over was often difficult.  Whenever we did see him though, as I went to hug him good bye, he always held me tight by the arm or hand, and told me eye to eye how much he appreciated our visit and loved us.  I never doubted it.  Grandpa always said how he truly felt. 

Grandpa died on July 21, 2012.  It is never easy to say goodbye to someone you love, but I took great comfort knowing he and wife lovely wife are together again, side by side and hand in hand just as it always used to be. I imagine Grandpa has his twinkle back and Grandma giving him smooches.   They are missed by many, but have left a wonderful legacy for our family through their example.  We love you Grandma and Grandpa!  Till we meet again <3>