Happy Birthday Josh

Jan. 22, 2018

Dear Josh,

Happy birthday Josh! Can you believe you are eighteen now? The time has gone so quickly. As I look back over these years, I relish the opportunity I’ve had to be there and watch you grow up. It sure has been a joy to be your grandma.

I was there when you were born. Even though the nurses told me to stay in bed because I’d just had a C-section when your aunt Alisa was born, I was determined to be there and see you born. It was one of the most amazing moments in my life . . . seeing by baby give birth to her baby. I realized how quickly life passes and how vital it is to savor every single moment. Your mother and I came home from the hospital on the same day to my house so we could heal together. April held you and I held Alisa in my king-size bed while we cared for both of you. Not very many mothers and daughters have that kind of bonding time.

I’ve been so blessed to live close to you through these years and watch you grow up. I always noticed what an intelligent and thoughtful boy you were. You always had lots of questions and were quietly observant. You and Alisa were good buddies for a few years and then your brother Matthew joined the family. The three of you had lots of adventures in our two acre back yard.

Then Caleb came to your family. You worried a lot that he only had one eye but soon discovered that he was just winking at us. In our family winking means, “I love you. You are wonderful. You can do it.” I noticed how kind and gentle you were with Caleb. You were always there for him and always made sure that he felt your love. I especially loved hearing you and Matty sing, “I am a Child of God” whenever his oxygen levels were low.

During those early years, we had lots of picnics and trips to the park in the spring and summer. Sometimes Grandpa would pull you around on sleighs with the 4-wheeler or up at the cabin in the winter. We always came over and visited each Sunday. You were always at my house for our Christmas Eve traditions. Every time there is a birthday or a holiday you and your family will come to my house or the cabin and make everything more fun because you are there.

I remember the day your elementary school called me and asked if I could come over. You had an accident and they couldn’t reach your parents. I sped over to your school and found you lying down in the nurse’s office. You were so brave.

I remember the year when you were in fifth grade and moved from Orem to Spanish Fork. I was so thrilled to have you live closer to me. I loved watching you and Alisa look out for each other while you were in the same class. It was been fun to see you go to junior high and then to high school together and be in many of the same classes and dance groups. Then there have been long walks and talks at the cabin and lots of fun vacation trips we’ve had together and rousing BYU games.

I get a kick out of watching you do your science experiments in your bedroom laboratory,  in your garage or on your web-site with materials you gleaned from dumpster diving or at garage sales.

I admire the way you are a self-motivated learner. You’ve worked hard in school and the awards and honors you’ve received are well deserved. You were the first student in your high school to score a perfect 36 on the ACT on your first try. That is amazing. The other ways you have excelled have been more quiet but equally important. I’ve watched how you lead by your example with your friends and the other boys in your ward, school and neighborhood.   

God has given you wonderful caring parents and loving home to grow up in. You have been nurtured and taught guiding principles that if followed with give you your greatest opportunity for ultimate peace and joy in this life.

The other determined life you have lived is about to end as you graduate from high school. This is both an exciting and scary time because as you step into adulthood you make your own choices. I have every confidence in you that you will choose wisely.

Joshua I love you with all my heart. One of the greatest blessings in my life is having you in it. You are a joy to my soul. I will always be here cheering you on and excited to see what comes next for you. I’m your greatest fan.

All my love,

Grandma