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Yesterday, Mike's Grandpa Spencer passed from this world to the next. It was December 8th, just three weeks ago, that we learned he was terminal with cancer. The doctors had said he'd have anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months to live. We bought our tickets to fly home, hoping to see him before he died, but it was not the Lord's will. We had been praying that he would stay alive until we could get to Utah, but Sunday night, in our Family Prayer, Mike prayed only that the Lord's will would be done. Mike had been able to talk with Grandpa on the phone a little while ago, telling him all that he wanted to say. We are grateful that we will be able to be there with the family for the viewing and funeral services. It is very difficult, during times like these, to live so far away!
The one thing Mike regretted was not asking Grandpa to make him a Mandolin. Grandpa had said he would only make one for us if we promised to learn how to play it. We told him to wait until we moved back to Utah (who knows when that will be!) To our surprise, we found out today that one of the last Mandolins Grandpa made was meant for us! We will cherish it!
The one thing Mike regretted was not asking Grandpa to make him a Mandolin. Grandpa had said he would only make one for us if we promised to learn how to play it. We told him to wait until we moved back to Utah (who knows when that will be!) To our surprise, we found out today that one of the last Mandolins Grandpa made was meant for us! We will cherish it!
I, personally, am so very grateful for this good and wonderful man! From the moment I met him, he was warm and loving - treating me as one of his own grandchildren. He was always anxious to give me a hug, see how I was doing, offer a bit of advice, and assure me of his love. I will miss him greatly.
When I think of the legacy of faith that he has left for this entire "Spencer Clan," as I refer to us all, I am in awe! Coming from a family that has been "disassembled and reassembled" in so many different ways over the years, I so deeply cherish being a part of a family that lives the gospel SO completely, even through each succeeding generation, that the concept of an eternal, consistent family becomes a tangible thing. It is because of the examples of faith, determination, and personal growth that have been set by Grandpa and Grandma Spencer that this is possible! I remember being overwhelmed by the reality of it all when Mike and I were engaged and we all went to Manti for the reunion Little Zane planned. And then again, each time there would be an occasion to gather together in one of the temples of the Lord, especially if Grandpa was officiating for an endowment session, I would be reminded of the amazing reality of this eternal family he and Grandma have created together. It is wonderful!
When I think of the legacy of faith that he has left for this entire "Spencer Clan," as I refer to us all, I am in awe! Coming from a family that has been "disassembled and reassembled" in so many different ways over the years, I so deeply cherish being a part of a family that lives the gospel SO completely, even through each succeeding generation, that the concept of an eternal, consistent family becomes a tangible thing. It is because of the examples of faith, determination, and personal growth that have been set by Grandpa and Grandma Spencer that this is possible! I remember being overwhelmed by the reality of it all when Mike and I were engaged and we all went to Manti for the reunion Little Zane planned. And then again, each time there would be an occasion to gather together in one of the temples of the Lord, especially if Grandpa was officiating for an endowment session, I would be reminded of the amazing reality of this eternal family he and Grandma have created together. It is wonderful!
