Visiting Grandpa

This last weekend we visited my grandpa. He lives about 700+ miles away so it's not a short journey. He is 91 now and in poor health so he doesn't travel any more. I don't know how much longer he will be on this earth. We lost my grandma about 17 months ago at the age of 92 and Grandpa's been missing her a lot.

We went so my daughter could get her patriarchal blessing. My grandpa has been a patriarch for about 35 years or more. He has gotten too old to give them any more on a regular basis but he can still do it for his direct descendants. He gave me my blessing way back in 1983. My daughter is my sixth child and his 17th great-grandchild to receive a blessing from him. I believe that the blessing comes from the Lord, so in theory it doesn't matter which patriarch gives it to her. But it's a special experience to have my grandpa do it.

Our visit with him was not long; we were only in his home for two hours. We had a lot of obligations at home so we couldn't stay longer. We got home at midnight as it was. After the blessing was given, my daughter and I played our violins for him since he really loves music. He can't hear very well at all so I don't know how much he could hear but he seemed to enjoy it.

It was a lot of driving for such a short visit but I'm really glad we were able to go. Grandpa is worth the effort.

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