In Memory of Grandpa J

 

I felt I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment and post a few memories of my Grandpa Jespersen, who passed away January 3.

I know my grandpa touched many people’s lives, and I feel privileged to have so many good and happy memories with him.

My grandpa was an avid writer, he loved to correspond through letters and was my best pen-pal from grade school all the way through high school. I remember one Valentines Day in particular when I was about four or five that I asked to be his valentine, and as promised, he delivered. I appreciate the things he taught me through letters over the years of correspondence, in particular how he shared his testimony and love of the gospel in letters time and time again. I know the story of his conversion well, and even went with him to the visitors center at temple square and watched the video, “Man’s Search for Happiness” - the same video that had been so influential in his life, and conversion to the gospel, years earlier.

I loved going to Long Island to visit in the summer time. Grandpa instilled in me a love for swimming, he loved to swim! He taught me how to whistle, he took me & Joe all over New York, I particularly remember trips to Jones beach, and lots of backyard barbecues.

Grandpa made it to every important event in my life, and it didn’t go unnoticed. He was there for my baby blessing, my baptism, when I went through the temple, my wedding, and my college graduation. He was a big influence in my life, the decisions I made growing up, and I hope that I made him proud.

Love you grandpa.

A rare photo of me and both my grandpa’s on my blessing day, what a lucky gal I am.

It was an emotional day, but a beautiful funeral service, and the best way to honor the good life that my grandpa lived. I am grateful that families are forever, I can’t wait to see him again.