Unexpected

Oh my goodness. This photo does my heart good. Two boys waiting to eat dinner.

My mom called me the Saturday before last with an idea. By Tuesday morning, Thomas and I were on a plane headed for Idaho Falls. It's very difficult to say no to Billie, especially when she is offering a vacation at home with family. I was able to surprise Hay and Britt at their homes. They were both very confused. Loved it.

We threw a baby sprinkle(actual term used freely online for a small shower) for my sister Hayley who is expecting baby #4 next week! It was just the sisters (minus Chele) and my mom plus a masseuse, Renee, that my mom hired to give each of us a 15 minute massage while we ate, chatted, opened gifts, and yes, played games. It was perfect.

Last week ended up being a pretty special experience, actually. Just before boarding my flight in Denver, I talked to my mom. She informed me that Grandpa Rex, my dad's dad, had been admitted to the ICU that morning. He's struggled with his health for a long time, especially this last year, so this didn't totally surprise me. However, my mom explained that things weren't looking good this time around.

The following day, with my parents and most of my siblings, we sat in Grandpa's hospital room. He was on life support and it was only a matter of time. I felt immense gratitude as I looked around the room at my family and then down at Thomas. I thought about what a unique life this man had lived, but most importantly, he had made it possible for all of us to be here.

I feel so grateful for the opportunity to have been with my family during all this. It was definitely a tender, unexpected mercy. Grandpa passed away later that afternoon.

I found a letter that I wrote to Grandpa Rex a couple years ago. I think it sums up our relationship pretty well.

Grandpa Rex,

A couple weeks ago, I was able to take Chris on his first trip to Island Park. We walked around the cabin and up by the dam. It has been a few years since I’ve been up there and as I looked around, I was flooded with memories of special times with my family, especially my grandpa. I thought about all the things that I admire about you.

Family vacations at the cabin always brought eventful adventures. My favorite thing to do was horse back riding. You tried to teach me how to ride and care for the horses…I spent a lot of time brushing them while you got the saddles ready and shortened my stirrups. Most of all, I relished the long trail rides that just the two of us would take. You were so nice to take me along. I was painfully shy, but you didn’t seem to mind riding quietly through the forest. You pointed out different trees and flowers and we’d eventually stop for lunch.

You also taught me about hard work, mostly by example. I remember a conversation with you one evening at a family dinner when you told me about the army, being a pilot, a welder, a salesman, and a dentist. You coined the phrase, “Do it right the first time, or you’ll have to do it right the second time.” I’ve thought about that often over the years as I’ve taken on different tasks.

I’ve always felt that you took pride in me as your granddaughter. At the 2006 Nelson Family Golf Tournament, you were assigned to my fleet. I happened to hit a few good shots in that round, amazingly! You walked the route with me and were certain that with some good training, I could go into a professional golfing career! You also gave me the chance to take care of Rambo (one of Grandpa's horses) for a while when I was about 12 years old…probably thinking that I might become a talented equestrian. Neither of those goals worked out for me. But I grew more sure of myself and was willing to try new things, knowing that you had that confidence in me.

Chris and I are moving to Denver this weekend. He is starting his first real career. Like you, this may not be his last, but we are excited for the adventure. Thanks for being my grandpa! I love you!

Love,

Nikki