Happy Birthday, Grampa!

Rulon Kimball Hodges

Ten Things I Really Like About You, Grampa:

1.        You had an amazing daughter who grew up to be an even more amazing mother. My mother. (Thanks for that.)

2.        You are a shining example of generosity.

3.        You keep a rockin’ orange grove.

4.        You have impeccable taste in ice cream.

5.        You always offer to get someone a drink.

6.        You’re a morning person. Me too.

7.        You have a refreshing sense of humor. Especially when you joke about yourself. Like the leak in your face.

8.       You’re a really good looking guy. I think you looked like Mel Gibson when you were younger. (Only slightly more handsome.)

Yep. There's a serious resemblance.

9.        You wear great shirts.

10.     You’re “Smooth. Right on.”

One Thing I Don’t Really Like About You, Grampa:

1.        You live 10 hours away and I can’t see you nearly enough.

A Few of My Favorite Memories of You:

1.        You made me a safe out of an old post office box and gave it to me for my 8^th birthday.

2.        You and Nanny took me with you up to the cabin at Lake Arrowhead once. I felt so special because I was the only grandchild who got to go. I fished for the first time on that trip.

3.        Remember when you used to let me pluck your ear hairs with tweezers? Bahahaha!

4.        For my 15^th birthday, you and Nanny flew me to California to spend a few days with you. I think that was the first time I had ever flown in an airplane. You let me drive the golf cart with you. That was fun.

5.        My family and I were living in Salt Lake City. It was right around my 16^th birthday. I was in my room in the basement when I heard someone call my name. I had no idea who it was. I looked up the stairs and saw you and it took me several moment to process that it was really you. I was completely surprised by your visit. (Plus a little embarrassed because I was only wearing a tee shirt and underwear at the time.) You drove your green truck 681 miles to bring me a beautiful bedroom set. A bed, new mattress, box spring, new sheet set, dresser, desk, and chair, and I think even a lamp. You helped me finish my bedroom. I remember you saw a place on the wall where I had tried to hang a picture. I’d nailed hole after hole trying to find the right place. I think you thought it was ridiculous. You showed me how to do it the right way.

6.        We got a laugh once when we realized that we both used the same toothpaste (Aquafresh) and deodorant (Mitchum’s.) Great minds think alike.

When it comes to grandfathers, they just don’t make them any better than you. Grampa. I love you!

Your granddaughter,

Amy

Happy Birthday, Joseph!

Dear Joseph,

Today you are a year old. Wow. And to my dismay, I still haven’t met you. But I love you all the same. And you look darn cute in your photos. I hope I at least get to meet you before you’re two. Maybe we’ll be able to since we might have a wedding or two in our family soon. I'll cross my fingers. Until then, be good to your mom and dad and keep your brother and sister in line.

Love,

Aunt Amy

Happy Birthday, William!

Today, you are four years old. Wow. You’ve grown up so fast. I remember when you were born. It was during our family reunion. Everyone was at Grampa George and Gramma Karen’s house; Poppop, Grampa Rulon, Nanny, all your aunts and uncles and cousins. We were all so excited when you were finally born. But especially your mom and dad. They had waited so long for you to come.

I remember coming to the hospital to see you. You had so much hair. I held your tiny swaddled body in my arms and nuzzled your neck. You smelled sweet, like vanilla. (Turns out, hospital pacifiers smell like vanilla.)

Then I watched you grow up. I loved it when you were about six months old, you would make the cutest bashful face. You would grin and cock your head to one side. It made me laugh so hard. You got a tricycle for your first birthday and your little feet couldn’t reach the pedals.

You loved trains (still do) and had an amazing train locating radar. You learned sign language with your mom, and you were really good at it. You’re so smart. I was amazed when I came over to visit you once and your dad had taught you how to use the computer. You picked it up so quickly (you take after your dad, that for sure) and could so it all by yourself. You are a great big brother. You’re so full of love and wonder. Happiness just emits from you like sunshine on a summer’s day.

I’m so glad I know you, little man. And I love you.

Love,

Aunt Amy