Lloyd Thomas Stoker (1929-2008)

When you get married, you inherit a lot of things, like bad posters, cd collections, futons, and stuff like that. When I got married, among those other things, I got grandparents. I had my own grandparents, of course, but for a few reasons - some good, some worse - I never had a close relationship with any of them. I wish I did - one of the greatest regrets that I have is that I didn't know any of them well, and now they're all gone. Cory has grandparents that are involved and interested in the lives of their grandchildren. Grandparents who came to games and concerts, who took them on trips and camping, and who shared long conversations about life and other things. I sometimes wonder if he realizes how lucky he is. I was so honored to be immediately adopted by his grandparents.

Cory's grandfather, Lloyd Stoker passed away Sunday, June 22, 2008 at around 5:00 PM - one day shy of his 60th wedding anniversary. He's been sick for a long time, and very uncomfortable for almost as long. He's been asking Heavenly Father for death for a while now, so his passing has been a bit of a relief for everyone - but separation is never easy. Cory and I had talked of going to see him in Cedar City, where he lived when he died, but circumstances prevented us from going in time. I think Cory was feeling regret and remorse that we didn't go, but here's what I think: Let's not dwell on the things we forgot to do, chose not to do, or wished we had done. Let's remember the ball games, concerts, deer hunting trips, dinners, afternoons playing, and things like that. Cory has an exceptionally close-knit family, and I think that he is so blessed for it. I feel blessed, too, that I was able to share his grandfather (his paternal grandfather died while his father was on his mission) for six years. My own children have been blessed for having known their great grandparents, even if they won't remember it. I think that in our youth-oriented society, we often forget how important, how essential grandparents can be, as examples, confidants, supporters, and friends. Now we just have to live it up with our remaining grandparents, so we don't have to regret later.

So, thanks for being my grandfather, too, Grandpa. We love you, and we'll miss you very much.

Lear quote of the day: "I'm going to miss Gramps. I sure do love him."