To my Grandpa on what would be his 95th birthday

If Grandpa were alive today, he would be 95 years old. He died 10 years ago this summer.

Every June 4th I think about him. I have very fond memories of Grandpa. Whenever we visited Hawaii, Grandpa would take us to all the parades, beaches, museums and free events. I remember my grandpa and my dad climbing guava trees off the side of the road and bringing home buckets for my grandma to juice and bake with.

Grandpa would give us each two quarters to take to the candy store. Now that I'm all grown I realize it wasn't a candy store but really a little corner market.

Grandpa always mowed the lawn. I never saw it out of control except inside Uncle Dean's car.

Grandpa let us pick all the plumerias off the tree in his yard to make leis.

Grandpa let us watch him clip his toenails. That was fascinating to us as small children.

Grandpa always read the paper from cover to cover. I thought that was so boring.

To my memory, Grandpa was a quiet man. He always went to church. He was a hard worker. I don't remember him complaining.

Grandpa drove Grandma everywhere. He always wore his sunglasses when driving-- even if it was nighttime.

Grandpa always held Grandma's hand too.

One of my last memories of Grandpa was when I was visiting my sister Erin attending BYU Hawaii. We went to the ice cream parlour. I think Erin, and some cousins, Grandma and Grandpa, and Mom and Dad and my little sister Rachel were there. We were all seated around a table with our ice creams and realized Grandpa wasn't with us. He was over at the bar stools eating his ice cream so Grandma wouldn't see him and scold him about too much sugar. Everytime I have ice cream from BYU I remember that and chuckle.

I miss you Grandpa. I look forward to seeing you again.