by Carma Sorensen

 

THE SWING

                                            How do you like to go up in a swing,

                                                Up in the air so blue?

                                            Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing

                                                Ever a child can do!

                                        Up in the air and over the wall,

                                            Till I can see so wide,

                                        Rivers and trees and cattle and all

                                            Over the countryside--

                                        Till I look down on the garden green,

                                            Down on the roof so brown--

                                        Up in the air I go flying again,

                                            Up in the air and down!

                                                                        Robert Louis Stevenson

These verses provide a picture that links childhood days to the music and rhythm of the world around us. Grandfather Gee read poetry to us from the time we were old enough to sit on his lap and listen. His rich voice captured the words that still march in our memories.

"How do you like to go up in a swing, up in the air so blue...." One of my earliest memories of going to Grandmother and Grandfather Gee's house was riding in the big tree swing in front of their house. There were actually two swings I remember playing on at their house. The other one was a tire swing in the back yard by the garden. I also liked playing with the trunk of dress ups that Grandmother had stored for us to use when we came. We dressed like pioneers, cowboys, storybook characters, and anything our imaginations could create. Grandmother also like sewing matching pajamas and nightgowns for all the grandchildren. One year there was a jungle of zebras, and another year I remember that we were surrounded by leopards. When Rosemary got married, we dressed in matching dresses (like princesses) so that we could stand in her wedding line.

"Up in the air and over the wall, Till I can see so wide...." Grandmother and Grandfather helped me to see the countryside, as they taught me to love my home and my country. I also learned to have a greater love for Heavenly Father and Jesus, as they taught me the gospel and explained fundamental principles that have helped me everyday of my life. When they came to my baptism in New Hampshire, I felt happy. I rejoiced as I received the Holy Ghost, and I began to understand more about being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A few years after my baptism, I remember that Grandmother accompanied us to Washington D.C. She walked with us on the tours and helped us understand the history of the sights we were witnessing. She kept up with us, even as we constantly raced ahead.

"Till I look down on the garden green--Down on the roof so brown." To me, it seemed like Grandmother and Grandfather Gee had the biggest garden in the world! I became exposed to many delightful plants of the earth here, including worthy vegetables. I will never forget the time I gulped down the parsnips with the help of creamy milk. The garden was a place that we learned to work together. I don't remember being there for planting time, but I remember the harvest. We picked plump, scrumptious berries. We husked corn, snapped beans, and shelled peas. Grandmother made the best meals from these "fruits of our labors" and we enjoyed family dinners both out on the patio, as well as on her huge table that spread through the entire living room. Grandfather took us down in the "cellar" to get special food storage items. After dark, we loved playing near that spot, as we created hide and seek games that included the "ghost" down in cellar.

"Up in the air I go flying again, Up in the air and down." Grandmother and Grandfather came to visit us in New Hampshire, as I finished the eighth grade. I went back with them to Wyoming on the airplane. This was my first airplane ride and I was very excited. We stopped in Minneapolis, Minnesota and stayed with some friends of Grandmother and Grandfather, the Whitings. While there, we went to a Shakespeare play on a showboat down the Mississippi River. This opened doors for me in my appreciation for the fine arts. Grandfather has shared this love with all his children and grandchildren. Grandmother has also instilled in her children and grandchildren a love for learning. When I was in the third grade, I decided that I wanted to be a teacher, like my grandmother. By the time I was 14, I had helped several of the neighbor children to learn to read. I am very sure that I developed some of my teaching skills by watching my patient, tender Grandmother who loved children, and helped them learn to read, even after she retired from teaching school. The year I turned 14, I was able to walk to Grandmother and Grandfather's house because we lived across the block from them for a year. They were always interested in my school work, and in my activities outside of school. I felt peaceful in their home, when I would go to practice the piano, or when it was my turn to read to Great Grandmother Stucki, who lived with them at that time Always when our family has moved, Grandmother and Grandfather have helped us to face the new challenges with courage. Grandfather's famous quote about the weather, "It's a beautiful day in Fremont county", has helped my thoughts soar upward in times of discouragement, or amid gloomy days.. Optimism, determination, and steadfastness are qualities that I think of when I think of Grandfather.

"Up in the air I go flying again, Up in the air and down." As I have faced the challenges and accomplishments, (the ups and downs of life), I have been blessed with grandparents who have loved me and helped me to grow faith. I especially felt this at age 16, when I was in the hospital, as they helped me get well. I remember feeling this again and again, as I grew older and had opportunities to stay with them in the Paris house. I appreciate the times they came to my graduation from Ricks College and BYU, but one of my most cherished memories I have, is of the time they came to the Logan temple with me when I was married to Patrick Sorensen almost nineteen years ago. Together, Patrick and I strive for a "celestial marriage" one like Grandmother and Grandfather's, of more than 65 years. From them, we have learned to press forward. Stories of their childhood, as well as the many memories we share together of them, have captured our hearts. We marvel at their faith, as they continue to overcome trials and rejoice in their blessings. I remember Grandfather reading poetry to me. I remember seeing the weather balloons going up in the clear blue air. Grandfather's bass voice echoed the sounds of childhood, linking the generations....