Remembering Roy Carlson: March 2010

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

In Honor of Our Beloved Grandpa

We Miss You Grandpa!

A surprise snowfall made a lovely scene at Grandpa's burial.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Here are a few of my more recent photos. The top are from my trip to Gilbert in January 2009. The last one is when Grandpa and Grandma brought me to the MTC. My specific memories of Grandpa are more from my adulthood, as I did not grow up near Utah. Even still, I remember going fishing with him when we lived in California, and I always think of him whenever I hear Elder L. Tom Perry speak. I remember when we celebrated his 80th birthday, and he gave each of us the name CARLSON as an acronym, for what he wanted this family to be about. I remember watching sports with him on tv and of course drinking tang. During my last visit, it was great to see him in such pleasant surroundings. I was always proud of his Swedish heritage, and I frequently tell people that he played the tenor sax in a swing band.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

A Twinkle in His Eye

As I looked through old photographs tonight (including some of those posted by my cousins) I noticed that the profound love grandpa had for his grandchildren (and great-grandchildren) showed on his face in every picture. The twinkle in his eye, the love for each of us, and his delight in what made us happy was evident in every picture.

My Grandpa

My Grandfather, Roy Carlson, passed away last Thursday. And while I am sad for the loss of my Grandpa, I know that he is in a beautiful place, surrounded by people he loves.

There are many things that will always remind me of Grandpa. Infact, the morning he passed on (before I knew), I thought of him while I scrubbed the floor on my hands and knees. He would clean the floor like that every week. Another is playing "This is the way the cowboy rides" game (when you bounce a child on your knee). Or singing silly songs in the car. Or big swings at the park. Or tang. (yes, college roommates...I inheritted that trait.)

The last time I saw my Grandpa. We had gone down to AZ for Richard's brother's wedding and were able to stay with Grandma and Grandpa for a night. He treated us to a yummy steak dinner and lots of visiting. I remember feeling so loved in Grandpa's presence. And this last time, was no acception.

My Grandpa always smiled.

Richard and I lived by my Grandparents for 3 years, while we attended BYU. We have many, many memories of them and spending time at their house. For a few months, we lived accross the street from them and would see them daily. Richard also worked as their Condo Association sprinkler/yard man. We spent many afternoons eating lunch and visiting. We learned so much from their life together during those lunches. I will always think of those times as very special in my life.

A family favorite restaurant...Scone Cutter.

My sweet grandparents. I don't think I have many memories of one without the other. The example they have set for their many children (grandchildren included) is beyond measure.

I am glad to know that I will see my Grandpa again. And that when I do, he will be healthy and strong. My heart aches for my Grandmother. But I know that she is a woman of incredible strength and faith. I am blessed to call these two my Grandparents.

Grandpa Carlson

My Grandpa passed away today. What a sad day. He lived a full life and I know he is in a better place...reuniting with his Dad who passed away when he was really young, but it still hard.

When I was at BYU my grandparents, who lived in Orem at the time, had all us cousins over for dinner EVERY Monday night....4-5 years worth of "Monday night dinners". When I was a freshman, there were only 4 of us - maybe only 3. By the time I graduated we were up to 10. Every week they opened their home to us, fed us great meals, and let us get to know our cousins - but also get to know them.

I lived in Utah for the first 9 years of my life. I have very fond memories of my Grandpa Carlson from those years. He has this awesome jeep - that we thought was so cool. He'd load us all up in it and take us to the park. He would take us fishing. He walked us over to the church parking lot so we could ride bikes. He let us trick-or-treat at his house EVERY SINGLE TIME we visited. They had a pocket door in their kitchen, he would go into the kitchen, close the door, and let us knock and say trick-or-treat. Grandpa Carlson LOVED chocolate. I think he is the only man I know that really LOVED LOVED LOVED chocolate. The more chocolate the better. Which meant his cupboards were always stocked with Snickers, Peanut M&M's, Paydays (okay, not chocolate, but still yummy), Kit Kats, and cookies. The freezer had frozen Hostess Cupcakes (the only way to eat a Hostess Cupcake is when it is frozen....trust me. try it.) and fudgesicles. If you asked him what kind of ice cream he wanted he looked at you like you were crazy and said "chocolate".

My Grandpa was one of the hardest working men I know. Up until the last few years, as age took its toll, I never saw him sit still - unless it was night time and he was visiting in the living room with everyone. He spent many hours taking care of the grounds in their condo complex. He spent many hours serving in the church. He was the ultimate example of a Christ-like person. When I was thinking of him this morning, remembering how special he is, it made me think of one of my favorite Primary songs "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" - in the song it talks about how we would act if the Savior stood beside us - I know that my Grandpa wouldn't have had to change a thing. I never heard him say an unkind word. I never saw him do anything the least bit dishonest or hurtful. He lived his life to the fullest and to the best of his ability.

I love you Grandpa. Thanks for being there for my family and me. I am excited to attend your funeral and celebrate the wonderful life you led. I love you Grandma - please know we are praying for you. Keep smiling!

Here are a few pictures I had on my computer....

Not the best picture - but it's all I had. Seeing as this was my graduation from BYU, and that my grandparents had a huge impact on my college days, I had to include it.

This picture is from my love-you-like-a-sister cousin's wedding. I was 7 months prego with Samantha :) This smile on my grandpa's face, along with his I've-been-working-in-the-yard tan, is how I picture him in my mind.

This picture of Grandpa, Allison, and Jackson was taken the last summer they lived in Orem. We enjoyed many a popsicle that vacation (notice Grandpas is a fudgesicle - no fruity flavors for him!)