dear grandpa,

you told us only a couple of days ago about the niuan tradition of giving letters or notes to those passing from this life into the next hoping to send messages to loved ones there. if that is possible, then i'll send this one to you.

we are going to miss you, but we're also so happy for you to be returning home. you were a sharp-minded, young soul trapped in a failing body, but not anymore. i don't think we could have asked for a better way to say goodbye. your family, almost in its entirety, gathered around your hospital bed eagerly hanging on your every word. we listened captivatingly as you told us of your memories, your accomplishments, your love for your family, and your testimony and love for the savior. and when the strength to talk was gone, it turned to music [as influenced by none other than 'benny goodman shumway' himself] until we were no longer permitted to stay.

we [and the generations to follow] will always be influenced by your example and reminded of you whenever there is a very sharp pencil, a chocolate stash, a golden retriever, commercial bakery equipment, a clarinet, the junior bird man, home movies, and the list could go on and on. and we'll remember your words of wisdom to be honest and have integrity, to remember the atonement and apply it to our lives, and that "all we can do is the best we can".

until we meet again, and we will, just as you said.

all our love,
me and the boys

a moment of silence