my family

On October 30, 1996 my Grandpa passed away due to Leukemia. I never really knew my Grandpa. He lived in a tiny town called Byron, Wyoming with my Grandma while I lived with my family in Southern Utah. When you think about it, it's really not that far away. A days drive. A drive we made at least every year to go see my grandparents. My Grandpa was in a nursing home since before I can remember. He had health problems and couldn't take care of himself. The only memories I have of him involve someone else feeding him and him being in a hospital bed. I was nine years old when he died. I remember his funeral like it was yesterday! Before he died he wrote and published a book, "I Fought Leukemia And Won!". I have a copy and will cherish it forever. 

A few weeks ago I was able to fly up to Billings, MT for a family reunion. I was able to see my Grandma, who I haven't seen in about 10 years. She didn't know who I was because she has Alzheimer's. It was heartbreaking to say the least, but I understood.

While I was there I was able to go to Cowley, Wyoming to visit my Grandpa's grave. I learned so much about my family history and saw the place my Grandpa grew up. It was so cool! I love learning about my families history!

 My sweet Grandma

 I'm her youngest grandchild

 The old high school in Cowley, WY. My Grandpa helped build it when he was a kid!

 Hi Grandpa :)

Mom, Dad, the favorite grandchild and Grandpa :)

I was never very close to my Grandpa and I hate it. My kids will have a relationship with their grandparents. Even though we live far away from all three sets of grandparents, we've made it important that Kyson knows them! I had the best time on this trip and learned so much about my family. I love that I'm able to pass on the stories I learned about my grandparents on to my children someday!