A Life Well Lived

Grandpa Cliff

1925 - 2009

Years ago, when I was teaching 7th grade in an underprivileged junior high, I taught a unit on autobiographies. I brought my grandpa's life story, "The Time of My Life" and read excerpts to my students. These students, who sometimes where hard to motivate and definitely were, for the most part, not avid readers, were captivated by my grandpa's stories. "Where can we buy this book? Can we check it out from the library? Can we borrow your copy?", their questions ran.

 

Grandpa Cliff truly lived his life well. He lived a life of adventure. He was a hero. Someone who exemplified courage, strength, vision, determination and integrity. When Grandpa was in second grade, he met my Grandma Carol. He told her that he would marry her and, sure enough, after years of chasing her, the day after they graduated from high school he sold his baseball card collection, rabbits and bicycle and hitch-hiked to the Salt Lake Temple to marry the love of his life. Just days later he was sent to WWII. During the Battle of the Bulge he received the Purple Heart after being hit by shrapnel. He returned by train to Provo, with a limp and a cane, ready to begin his life with his new bride. Despite humble beginnings and family whose expectations were a life working on the railroad, my grandpa had big dreams. He received a bachelors, masters and then a PHD, which led him to a career in Microbiology. My Grandpa worked for the Defense Department with highly classified material. At one point during the Cold War he discovered he was working with Russian spies. At the age of 80 he was summoned to the pentagon for a debriefing on information that he was never "declassified" on, providing vital details that he was still able to recall. After "retiring", he was asked to lead tours all over the world, taught at Dixie College, researched and wrote for the LDS Church Museum and the Sons of Utah Pioneers and, most recently, instigated, planned and accomplished placing historical plaques and markers throughout the St. George area, including planning a historical park on the Virgin River. 

Just as my grandpa's love of life was driven by enthusiasm, so was his love of family. 

My early memories of my grandpa are playing in the perfect red tree house that he built for his grandchildren in a huge cherry tree. I remember sitting around the fire at the cabin listening to his poems and stories or, during the winter, him loading all the grandchildren in the snowmobile sled and taking us for ride after ride. I remember when I was only 6, watching my grandpa carve, day after day, a baby cradle for his grandchildren to sleep in. Thirty years later, the cradle is still passed from grandchild to grandchild, but now we are placing our own babies inside. My children have all slept in the cradle and have their names engraved down the sides. I remember my grandpa taking us on desert trips in Utah's West desert, a place where no one goes, but a true wonderland, full of geode beds, wild horses, Pony Express relics, hot springs and desolate farmers, who serve the best farm cooked breakfasts to their old friend, Cliff, as well as his guests. I remember family reunions all around the country, full of sight seeing, family games and dinners. Grandpa would host a family Christmas party each year. He made sure that each child had an opportunity to perform and handed out the gifts that my grandma carefully chose for each family member throughout the year. 

Most recently, I was especially touched that my grandma and grandpa would plan a trip out to visit us. They scheduled an Elder Hostel Tour in Boston and stayed both weekends at our home. The first weekend we took a day trip to Maine. I will always remember eating Lobster near the Nubble Light House and then stopping for Rum Raisin ice cream at a little stand down the road. 

But my favorite memory of the day was stopping at Ogunquit Beach. The sun came out from the clouds and cast a beautiful light on the deserted sand. It lasted long enough for us to take pictures with my grandparents, with a little bit of time left over to play. The kids started to organize a race along the waves. Despite his cane and impending hip replacement, Grandpa wouldn't be left out of the fun. He came in last but was the best sport in the group as he hobbled across the finish line. We were all so happy together. 

That weekend my kids discovered that the only state that my grandpa hadn't been to was Rhode Island. We immediately made a plan to get him there! My children will never forget cheering when we crossed the Massachusetts / Rhode Island state line. Nor will they forget a day at the mansions and walking along the cliff walk with their great-grandparents. Despite being completely worn out from a week of sight seeing, including a brutal fall, Grandpa would not pass up seeing the kids' Saturday morning sports. He cheered at each kick in the right direction and semi-aggressive steal.

I remember, before my grandparents came to visit, feeling concerned about how they might cope in a busy house with five small children. My grandpa couldn't have been more enthusiastic and complimentary about our family. He played the "grape game" over and over, that he and the girls made up. He kept commenting on how smart my children are, how well behaved they are and what a good mother I was being, all the right things to say to a tired mother of five. I truly felt so loved by my grandpa, as did my children. 

Prior to going into the hospital for heart surgery, I called my grandpa to tell him how much I loved him. I mentioned that we would be coming to St. George for winter break and I would stop by to see him after his operation. He made me promise, regardless of the circumstances, that I would bring my children to see him. I remember walking into the hospital room and seeing my grandpa hooked up to machines and tubes, clearly in pain. Once again, his enthusiasm for his family was obvious. The nurse mentioned that, although he had had many visitors over the past several days, it was this day that he told the nurses he must he showered and shaved because his grand children were coming to see him. Each of my children brought a card they had made for him. Grandpa was so excited about each message, drawing or poem they created for him. He even read them to three other sets of visitors who stopped by while we were there. 

Today has been a day of tears in our family. On our way home from our Spring break trip, we received the call that Grandpa wasn't going to make it through the day. Fortunately I was able to talk to him over the phone one last time. Then the call came that he no longer wanted his oxygen and then finally the call came that he had passed away. 

Throughout his life, Grandpa filled each day with adventure, curiosity and purpose as well as love. Although today has been a day of sadness at our loss, I explained to my children that the best way to honor and love our grandpa is to live the best life we can. I am grateful that we have Grandpa Cliff's excellent example of how to live life well.                  

Breaking for Spring

Day Three

Monday morning we again headed to the city. Our first stop was the Ford Theater and Peterson House where Lincoln was shot and then died the next morning. We especially enjoyed the Ranger's dramatic story telling of the event.
In the Peterson house we saw the clock that still is set at 7:22, the time that Lincoln died, and the bed on which Lincoln was laid diagonal, due to his height, for the nine hours before he died. Once again, it gave us the opportunity to discuss nationalism, the Civil War and sacrifices.

We stopped into the Hard Rock Cafe next door, which was our kids introduction to this Rock and Roll mecca. I am sure that as we get deeper into the teenage years, we will be searching for this chain in every big city we visit.

After vanilla bean shakes for everyone, we headed to Alexandria, Va. We all decided that at least one of our children should live in this town so that we can visit often. We fell in love with the Georgian and Federalist architecture, the cobble stone streets with gas lamps and the quaint town center. Our first stop was the Torpedo Factory Art Center. This WWI artillery factory has been transformed into one artist studio after another.

The girls could wander from artist to artist, observing statues being chiseled, glass for modern art pieces being cut and our favorite artist of the day, Sheep Jones, paint on her huge canvases. The girls were especially interested in her technique of painting real dresses onto her portraits.

Our last event of the day was dinner at the Gadsby Tavern, the most prestigious tavern in Alexandria during the early years of our country's history. Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe dined here frequently. In fact, Washington had two birthday parties at this tavern during his presidency and Jefferson's inaugural celebration occurred here. Our dinner included Sally Lunn bread, roasted duck (Washington's favorite), and bread pudding and a chocolate balloon for dessert.

With satisfied children and full stomachs, we began our journey south for the next phase of our vacation in Williamsburg.

Washington Favorites:

Ezra: watching one airplane after another all day long come in low into the city for a Reagan Airport landing

Sophia: definitely the duck couple on the paddle boats

Annelise:the Torpedo Art Factory where she could dream of her next art project to create at home.

Jonathan: the paddle boats

Emilie: Gadsby Tavern and the Portrait Museum where she could poke her head into different art galleries as we made out way through the museum

Camille: enjoying an elegant dinner at the Gadsby tavern with my older children

Steve: the Franklin D. Rosevelt Monument, where we could watch the kids run and play as well as reflect on the contributions made by FDR

Breaking for Spring

Day Two

On Sunday morning, the kids begged to eat the continental breakfast in the hotel. Since I promised Steve that I could plan, and execute, this vacation on a budget, I was thrilled to be raising children who fight for free food! We crowded around the lobby tables sipping our OJ and spreading our croissants with packets of marmalade.
We rushed to a Maryland sacrament meeting to hear a speaker tell a story of a Tongan family who lived in one of our former neighborhoods, Sugar House. What a small world!

We then headed into D.C. for another day of exploring. This day began with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. We enjoyed yet another spring walk through cherry trees blossoming in pinks and whites and brilliant green grasses that we had traded, so many months back, for snow and ice.

We had an opportunity to discuss with the kids our freedoms and those who have made the American dream a reality. We were particularity impressed with the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame at the Kennedy grave site.

We then made our way to the Tidal Basin for another picnic overlooking the monuments. The highlight of the day was a paddle boat ride on the water.

Just as we headed over to the Jefferson Monument for a different perspective, a pair of ducks jumped right onto Steve's boat, which carried Annelise, Sophia and Ezra. We realized, that nothing in Washington D.C. would be as exciting as this moment for our little ones! They shrieked with joy as the duck couple enjoyed their ride for the remainder of Steve's paddling.

Emilie, Jonathan and I ended our ride early so we could make it to the National Holocaust Museum. The kids had learned quite a bit about this horrifying period of history, but visiting the museum helped them understand the effect of hatred, propaganda, and evil leadership. Thanks to the shields placed in front of some of the displays that were too graphic for children, I was able to discuss this dark time in history without traumatizing them.

We stopped at the Washington Monument before we met Steve for the remainder of the afternoon.

As soon as we were all loaded in the car, we headed over to the Portrait Museum. We especially loved exploring the Presidents of the United States gallery and finding Joseph Smith and Brigham Young's portraits.

After a Mexican dinner, we returned to the hotel for a night of swimming. (I pointed out to Steve that at eight months pregnant, I am exempt from public pools. Once again, Steve is always a great sport!)

Breaking for Spring

Day One

One of my very favorite things about living on the East coast is the ability to jump into our car and, just a few hours later, be at some of the most amazing spots in the country. So on Friday, with a whole week blocked off on everyone's calendars, we headed south. Our first stop was New York City. Matt and Ruth, the best host and hostess around, let all seven and a half of us stay yet another night with them. As always, Jonathan's favorite pillow in the world was set out for him and Clayton, a stuffed bunny, was waiting for the girls to sleep with. The bathroom was stocked full with luxurious soaps and lotions and and we awoke to waffles with strawberries, cream and buttermilk syrup. They definitely set the example of how to best comfort travel weary, child bearing guests!
Our next phase of Spring break took us to Washington, D.C. We came here two years ago for our break and just had to come back for more! I don't know if it is the red, white and blue nationalism, the impressive monuments and historical buildings, or the ability to walk up to the ticket counter and be given FREE tickets to some of the best museums in the world, but we love this city!
We arrived Saturday afternoon and picnicked on the lawn in front of the Washington Monument, under an umbrella of cherry blossoms, with a tulip garden not far off and kites being flown in the spring breeze.

We then walked around the tidal basin visiting all the monuments. Thomas Jefferson was Emilie's favorite. The most recently built FDR monument was Steve's favorite.

Stops at the Korean War Memorial and Vietnam Memorial were most impressionable.

We all enjoyed the Lincoln Memorial in the sunset.

And the WWII monument proved our true colors: We just had to look for both the Massachuttes granite slab as well as the Utah slab. As soon as we climbed in our car, we all fell asleep, leaving Steve, the eternal good sport, to navigate his way to our hotel.

Eternal Winter

In my book, when the temperature dips into the 20's, winter has not officially ended. However, now that it is April, some clear signs of a change in seasons have occurred. The tulips are poking above ground, albeit only slightly. Jonathan got a crew cut in hopes of warmer weather and a good baseball season.

 And most importantly, the street cleaners are out in full force scooping up and brushing off the sand that piles up on the roads all winter long during each icy snowstorm. (Did I mention that I can't stand the sand?) My hopes are high that we have turned a corner in this region of the country, and summer will indeed come. (It is very clear that you live in an unbearably cold climate when you notice that on the first day that it finally reaches above 32 degrees for a high, children emerge from their homes in short sleeves, baseball games are being played on front lawns, and the townsfolk seem a little happier.)

We rejoice in the glimmer of warmer weather ahead. However, we will miss several aspects of the winter wonderland that has been solidly frozen beneath New England's frigid sky.

Last winter Steve took the kids outside to build something. In 2008 it was a life sized igloo. 

This year it was a replica of our family, in the form of snowmen. Sophia came in for warm mittens and announced, "We made a snowman for everyone in our family. There are like 61 out there!"

Afterwards the fun turned into a snowball fight. 

Another day Steve took the girls sledding. Our favorite hill is almost into Boston. It is marked with the sign, "Use Hill at Own Risk", which always makes me a little uneasy. 

But this day, Steve took the kids nearby. They returned with the analysis that the benefit of this hill is that it is easier to climb up, but lacks the true thrill of a real sledding hill! 

Steve also took the kids ice skating several times, in an effort for both winter fun and to pass off a sporting badge for the Wolf in our family.

This winter left for ample time playing games with the family, with three school snow days and an additional three church snow days. We dusted off Guesstures, a charade like game that Steve and I received as a wedding gift and hadn't played since we were childless and with a carefree group of friends. It soon became a family favorite!

Steve spent these snow days shoveling snow and working from our home "office". 

These days also provided ample time for making cookies. . . 

Dressing up . . . 

Doing crafts . . .

Reading . . .

 

And getting ahead on homework.

Although the sight of glistening snow on white steepled chaples, ice skaters on local ponds and   children zipping down icey sledding hills will be missed, we are ready to give up weeks with the high in the low teens, snowpacked roads that never melt and bundling children in full winter gear to walk to the busstop, just two houses away.