Thanks Mom...

This is a reblogged post from my mother's blog. It was so beautiful, I had to share it. I love you mom. I love you Grandpa Howard. May we all remember to take a moment every day and "pay it forward." He made me proud to say I was Mormon. Because of him, I can not deny that part of my life, and never will.

Howard

Those who knew Howard loved him. If you didn't like my dad, there was something wrong with you. He was as kind as they come and was an example of Christ's love. Always. I don't remember a bad thing about him. That is a blessing.

I was at BYU and dad was helping me move in and there was a lady out of gas. Howard gave her a $10 bill and said don't worry about paying me back. Just pass it on if you get the chance. We were driving down Mission Blvd and there was a guy with a baby and he had a sign that said, "will work for formula." Howard and I drove to Lucky's bought a case of similac, went and picked the guy up, and the baby (no car seat) and took them to their apartment. As a bishop, I know of countless times that families would approach the church for assistance through his calling and Howard would often just help himself. He loved to help. He was hopeful that people would learn from their mistakes and make better decisions moving forward. He never walked passed a Salvation Army kettle with out dropping in all his change....I know that Cody still does this, drops in change ~ and he is broke. It is Cody's way of remembering Howard and honoring his memory. What a lesson of love. Howard has a birthday on March 2. He would have been 82. He left us 4 years ago and I miss him everyday. I miss that he isn't here to see Lucy and Hudson. He would adore them. I miss him cause he would be so proud of Amanda, working on her graduate degree. He would be proud of Garth and the father and husband he is to Amanda. I miss that he isn't there to give Cody guidance. Howard was Cody's father. I know Cody has a void that is large....He would be proud that Cody is working everyday. He would be happy that Jillian was enjoying BYU and Provo and has a return missionary boyfriend who plays for the Cougars! Howard would have loved Wisconsin. Big deer and good fish. Fishing off our doc on the lake and taking naps in a cozy chair by the window with the sun shining in. "Be nice. It matters and doesn't cost a thing." "You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar." "swearing is ugly on a lady. Don't say that." "Krissy, Don't slam the door." I love you Howard.