In Loving Memory of Jack W. Alexander: July 3, 1922-September 16, 2011

My paternal grandfather, Jack Alexander, passed away yesterday at the age of 89. He had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for several years, after also suffering some heart problems. As I was going through the photos I have of him, I noted that he almost always had such a pleasant, happy look on his face. The one above is especially random, but I love it, because that is exactly how I remember him--work gloves on and a smile on his face! I know no one is perfect, but I only have happy memories of my granddad. He always seemed to wear a smile. Pa was always excited to show you what he was growing in his garden or what projects he was working on. He kept his yard immaculate and the house, trees, grass, fence, and cars always looked like something out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. 

He took great pride in his work, and it showed. 

Even though he had terrible allergies that plagued his health and comfort, he chose to put on his work gloves and be outdoors doing the things he loved--fishing, golfing, and working in his yard. I honestly don't remember hearing him complain, even though most people with allergies like his would choose to remain inside. We always loved when he would irrigate the lawn. It was like a water park in the yard! It was a lot of work and took great attention, but he and Grammy always made sure it got done and their emerald green lawn was a testament of the work they put in. 

Pa always had an ear-to-ear grin and hug and kiss for each of his grandchildren. He always made each of us feel special, and we loved to spend afternoons swinging on the big wooden swing in the backyard, under the cool shade of his prized apple trees. Every autumn, every family felt like they had won the lottery as we took home boxes of the golden yellow apples that came from Pa and Grammy's trees. I cannot imagine the hours of labor that went into those trees over the years, watering, spraying, pruning, and picking the delectable fruit. The best apple pies I have ever made have been by the fruit of those trees!

When it came time to leave after a wonderful visit to his home, Pa would always smile and wave and say, "Enjoy!" He endured a great deal of suffering in the last few years as his mind and body were ravaged by the terrible disease. Still, I feel he did his best to maintain a positive attitude and endure to the end. I wish my children would have been able to know him better. In the end, it always seems that the visits were too few and far between. But the times I spent with my sweet grandpa will always be a cherished memory, and it is comforting to have faith that as his mortal body is laid to rest, his spirit and legacy of hard work and love will live on. I believe his spirit is free from the many trials his body suffered, and he is in an infinitely better place.

Grammy and Pa in the nursing home within the last couple years

Mike, Pa, and my dad

 My dad, his brother, Jackie, and Grandpa at Missy's wedding reception in October, 2005

 Pa and Grammy 

My dad with his parents

 

 Pa and Grammy at her 80th birthday celebration in 2005

In his rocking chair

 With Zachary in May of 2009

 Zach with his great grandparents in January 2009

Missy working her massage magic

Grandma Malan, me, Grammy, Missy, Susan, Pa's only daughter, 

my mom, and my Aunt Valerie, wife of his son Jackie. 

I had to include this photo because I do not have any pictures of my dad's 

whole family together. What a pity. 

 The handsome Alexander men

Wilhelmsen Family Reunion

We flew from Dallas to SLC, then made the veeerrrrrrry long 8ish-hour drive north to the booming metropolis of Blanchard to our Wilhelmsen Family Reunion in mid-August. Zoey cried more on that long car ride than she has over her entire 6 month existence, poor darling! But it was worth it to see how excited Zach was to see his cousins. Within minutes, he was holding hands and jumping for joy!

with Papa

with Nana

"Daddy's Girl"

Most definitely! Looks just like her Daddy-at least from this side!;)

I am already longing for those beautiful pine-covered peaks!

Zoey got some serious girl time with her doting cousins. 

And this year, it was hot enough in Northern Idaho that we ate popsicles and didn't need all the warm clothes I brought!

All the single ladies

We got to play a little golf at Stoneridge

Corey got to play a lot of golf--more than he's played since last year's Wilhelmsen Golf Tournament that the brothers and Dad play. He actually did well enough to take home the coveted green jacket and trophy club!

Last year's champ wasn't too eager to hand them over--especially since an injury prevented him from  defending his title!   Maybe next year he'll steal it back!

We ladies treated ourselves to a pedicure in "town" for all our hard work taking care of the homefront while the men were golfing away. Yep- Zoey also came. I would've let her get a pedi too, if she wasn't so fond of sucking her toes--I'm afraid the polish may not be healthy for her diet!

On second thought, maybe we should've let the men get some help for their white-from-the-ankle-down feet!

All the young-uns!

Corey was kind enough to delegate the reunion games to Cherlyn, So Cherlyn and Rachelle definitely win for organizing the best reunion games ever! We played "Minute to Win It" contests that were super hard and hilarious! I'm sure there are more clever titles, but  there was War with splashing water, gumball spinning, knocking over water bottles with a nylon on your head, and others.

The always-photogenic Nana and Papa

Can you see who was the first to knock over the bottles with the panty-hose-head?!

Where did she learn to eat Oreos like a pro? :)

OK, I cheated and soaked Corey even though he won and I lost. But the look of surprise on his face was sooo worth it!

The most special part for me was our fireside the very last night we were together. While Corey and I were in the temple the previous week, I felt a prompting that we should have each family share a faith-promoting experience with the rest of the family. I especially wanted the children to know some of the amazing things that have happened in our family as an answer to prayers. It was an awesome experience to hear each family (why am I mostly remembering the wives relating the stories?!) share a spiritual experience and testify of our Father in Heaven answering prayers. Knowing that we are part of a great legacy of faith is priceless. 

This was my view for over 16 hours of the trip, only Zoey was usually crying. Unfortunately, the kids didn't sleep much-in the car or in their beds!! It was really tough to travel with two little ones for the first time. On the plane ride home, I swore it would be a long, long time until we did this again! It was fabulous to visit with our loved ones, but it has taken days to recover from all the fun! We are all exhausted and coming down with colds now. :( It's hard to live so far away from family- we miss them all so much. It'd be great to be able to afford a non-stop flight next time!! We'll see... :)