When Life is Hard, Keep Going

Grandpa taught me that when life is hard (and sometimes it will be) you just have to keep going.  When you live to be 102, (or 32 for that matter) you are going to face some hard times in life.  My grandpa was 20 years old when the United States plunged into The Great Depression.  He lived through it.  He has been a farmer, a rancher, a truck driver, and the owner of a small dairy freeze drive-in.  During his lifetime, he has lost his job, lost his farm, and lost children and grandchildren to death.  His dear wife of 50 years died about 22 years ago.  He has watched his children and grandchildren suffer from sickness, injury, disease, sadness, and heartache.  He has suffered from injury and illness himself.

Through all of this, I have never heard or seen Grandpa complain.  Don't get me wrong, I have watched him grieve.  I have watched him pray.  I have seen him correct.  I have heard him comfort.  But always, ALWAYS, I have watched him move forward with faith and love. 

What My Grandpa Taught Me

So, it's been a crazy busy summer for me, as I'm sure it has been for many of you.  One of the recent activities was a week long camping trip in southern Utah, which included a family reunion and birthday celebration for my Grandpa Huntsman.  He's going to be 102 in September.  Yep.  You read that right.  102.  I grew up living next door to my Grandpa and Grandma, and although Grandma passed away when I was young, they both taught me many things.

So, in tribute to my grandpa, and in the spirit of finding hopeful things that make me smile, for the next couple weeks, I'm going to post about things my grandpa has taught me.  Please feel free to leave comments about what your grandparents have taught you.  I'd love to hear them!

Grandpa taught me that it's okay to cry.  I remember Grandma Huntsman singing "The Moon Shines Tonight on Pretty Redwing" with tears rolling down her cheeks.  I remember Grandpa listening to me and my daughter sing that song at a Christmas Eve party a few years ago (nearly 20 years after Grandma's passing).  He also had tears rolling down his cheeks.  Grandma had cried for Redwing.  Grandpa cried for Grandma, and he was not embarrassed or ashamed.  I will never forget that.