Grandpa Hawkins

We decided to pay a little visit to my grandfather Hawkins today. He is getting so weak. It makes me so sad to realize he most likely won't be with us much longer. He is such an incredible man who has taught me so much. He always has sweet things to say to my kids. He is especially sweet with Vela who is named after his late wife. I know it wears him out to visit too long, especially with little rowdy kiddies, but I really want to make sure my kids remember him. In the past week and a half Hema has had both an uncle and an aunt pass away. I guess it has been a reminder that we may not have my grandfather much longer. I was thinking about my grandmother Hawkins funeral. She passed away 6 years ago. We had a failed adoption just a few days before she died. I remember feeling so devastated. I wanted my children to know what an amazing woman my grandmother Vela was. She was the type of woman who mothered every child, served everyone, saw everything as black and white and taught her children in all she did. She truly was incredible. I remember as a girl sitting on the floor at her feet hearing scripture stories and then she would sweetly explain how the teachings applied to my life. She really knew the scriptures well. I often ask myself what she would do in certain situations. I really hope to be like her. She raised 8 awesome children. I know my grandfather misses her so much. What a blessing it is to know the eternal nature of marriage and family. To know that when we lose grandpa, he will be with her again. We will miss him - like we miss her -but imagine the beautiful reunion they will have.
But for now he is here - with us! And for that I am grateful!

By the way - I got my first Christmas card in the mail today. It was from an old mission companion of mine. We haven't even gotten our pictures taken for our cards yet. We are doing that on Friday. (Remember the free photo shoot we won?) Do you think it's a little early to be sending out Christmas cards?