TWO OF OUR FAVORITES

Michael's grandpa, Stan Arnell, was born April 19, 1919 and passed away Dec. 20, 2003. He will always be special to us for many reasons. He has been a huge role model for Mike in his life and one of those men that nobody could dislike. After I met Stan and Ethel in Blackfoot, ID the first time, I knew that I wanted to be a part of their family. I saw the way Stan took care of his wife and the love they shared and I wanted the same love and life for me and Mike. We stayed with them often and loved having Grandpa's famous Cream of Wheat. While we were living in Logan, UT in 2003 we decided on the 19th of Dec. to take a trip up to Blackfoot for the night to visit Grandma and Grandpa Arnell before Christmas. The weather was not that great and Jackson wasn't feeling very well, and although we almost decided against going, Mike felt strongly that we should still go. We spent a fun night with them, exchanged gifts and watched old home movies on the projector screen. Early that morning Grandpa had a heart attack and quickly passed away. We were both there with Ethel when he passed, and Mike even performed CPR on him, but nothing could save him. It was his time. We feel it an honor that we were able to be with him as he left this life and we look forward to seeing him in the next life. Happy Birthday Grandpa!


Another reason why I wanted to marry my husband was because of his one-of-a-kind mother, Joyce Park. She and her Dad, Stan, share close birthdays in April and they both are people that no one could be mad at for long. Joyce brightens up anyone's day with her outgoing, happy personality. She has learned how to enjoy life and not stress about the little things that really don't matter. She freely gives compliments to everyone, and after being with her for a few minutes you start believing that you really are a better person than when you first came in the room. Many people don't like their mother-in-laws, but I can honestly say I love mine. One thing I will always love about Joyce is the fact that she is not the greatest cook. It has been so refreshing to not have to live up to gourmet meal expectations from my husband because he is just as happy with Banquet Chicken. When you are with Grandma Joyce you are laughing and having a good time. She knows how to connect with children and cares about each one. I'm so grateful she is my children's grandmother and that I get to be one of her "adopted" daughters as well. Happy ?th Birthday! (I will never tell how young she is!):)

Comments

  1. RozanneApril 20, 2010 at 2:37 PM

    Great idea to share memories of grandparents on birthdays. That is so cool that you were able to be there and spend the last night with Mike's grandpa before passing. Mike giving CPR must have been bitterswet.

    ReplyDelete

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