Grandpa Watts

As I mentioned in my previous post, my grandpa, Richard Kent Watts, passed away on April 6th. I have been very fortunate to have all four of my grandparents until now and I know that I am blessed since not many 26 year olds have all four. My grandpa was a great man with many talents. I would like to share just a few experiences that I treasure.

Everyone who knows Grandpa Watts, knows that he loved ice cream. He would always take us grand kids out to Baskin Robbins every time we went for a visit. He would say things like, "I bet you would like that!" He would be so happy as he shared his love for ice cream with the rest of us. Two weeks before Grandpa passed away on the weekend of March 22nd, 2008, I was able to take a trip to St. George to see him and to say goodbye. Grandma and I had stopped by the grocery store to pick up some ice cream bars for Grandpa on our way to see him. When we got there, Grandpa was out of it. He was sleeping, but Grandma woke him up so I could talk with him. He didn't talk much, but when he saw the ice cream, he whispered to Grandma and I and said, "I bet you'd like some!" His eyes lit up and was excited to share his ice cream with me. That was such a testimony to me that our spirits never age or change, but it's just our bodies. What a great example of the Plan of Salvation!

During that same trip, I was able to read to Grandpa. He didn't watch T.V. during his time in the care facility, so he liked to have people read to him. I loved the small comments he made about the Latter-Day Saint stories.

As kids, we would always go and feed the ducks at the duck pond that was close to Grandma and Grandpa's house. We would get the break from the freezer and be on our way. There was always time to play on the playground!

Something else that I will always remember is that my Grandpa loved to take pictures. He used an old fashioned camera that he had to wind in order to advance the film. He didn't ever get a new one either!

During most of my life, Grandma and Grandpa Watts served faithfully in the Oakland Temple. I remember taking youth temple trips on Fridays and seeing my Grandparents in the Temple. As I reflect on his passing, those experiences come to my mind. My Grandpa was so excited to see his granddaughter in the temple serving the Lord. I know that the next time I see him, it will be in a place like the temple.

Before the Family Prayer, prior to the funeral, we were waiting for the last of the family members to arrive. The member of the bishopric that was there made a comment that I really liked. He said something like, I am sure that we will be waiting for all our family members to make it to the Celestial Kingdom. We will be saying things like, we are missing Jim and Garrett and J. We will not want anyone to miss out. That comment just really struck me. I want to be one of those people that is there. There was the spirit in the room and I could feel the love that was there. I know that is how it will be after this life.

I am so grateful for my Grandpa Watts. I am grateful that I knew him and lived close to him growing up. As a kid I got in trouble for little things by Grandpa, but as I learned so much observing him. My mom said that she felt that hugging my Grandpa is how she imagines hugging the Savior. I can't agree with her more. I know my Grandpa loves me and I know he will be waiting for me in the next life!

Here is a picture of Grandpa, Grandma, Christi and my mom at the bowling alley. Grandpa was always up for a good time playing card games, feeding the ducks, ice cream, miniature golfing and more!