GRANDFATHER IVIN AND GRANDMOTHER PEARL GEE

By David Gee

August 2000

          “How would you like to go up in a swing, up in a swing so high?”  Just like my memory of the view from the seat of the rope swing that carried young grandchildren high out over their large front yard in Lander, Wyoming, my grandparents were always larger than life.  They were and are quite simply . . . GRAND. 

           Through photos from those earliest years of my life and the stories told about them, I conjure an anachronistic “memory” of a visit to the Seattle World’s Fair to ride on the “Bubble-ator,” in which my grandparents seem even younger than I am now.  They beam at me and my sisters—I do remember those smiles.  We felt very loved very early.  I think it must have been no small undertaking for them to visit us in the many places we lived, all of which were quite a long way from Lander.  In many of the photos I am wearing some smart suit that I’m told Grandmother had sewn.  Not to mention the yearly Christmastime parade of pajamas.  Like the pajamas, I know that these types of memories are common to all of my siblings and cousins. 

           Visits to their house were the high point of my childhood summers.  Not only was there the swing, but I remember fresh fish and garden bounty, and home-made bread that still makes my mouth “memory” water.  I remember picking, for ready consumption as we played in the vast yard, raspberries, gooseberries and apples.  I think it was ok for us to eat them . . .  There were parades and picnics on the patio.  There were books, wonderful, memorable children’s books to read and return to over and over and over.  And to us from the less arid parts of the world, there was the intrigue of the irrigation ditch, a great place for boats and balls and inner-tubes.  And there were COUSINS.

          As wonderful and fun-filled as those memories are, the greater gift our grandparents shared with us from very early on was their genuine love for and interest in each of us.  We were all special to them.  They knew about and praised my accomplishments.  They expected and encouraged us to set our sights high.  This measure of support never waned, even as I got older.  They celebrated my birthdays, my boy scout awards, sports and scholastics.  They attended my mission farewell, college and law school graduations.  They exercised great patience as they waited for me to get married. 

          I remember the lessons I learned about industry and ingenuity working alongside Grandfather.  I have never met anyone who worked harder than Grandpa—although my Dad gives him a bit of competition in this area.  We have had some special times working together on the Paris House. 

          And Megan and I both marvel at the homemaking talents that Grandmother has shared throughout her life.  We treasure her quilts and blankets.

          Crowning all of these attributes and accomplishments is their fundamental faith and righteousness, standards for their children and their children’s children and beyond.  It was special to receive my patriarchal blessing from Grandfather.  And I know that is true for each of my brothers and sisters.  I got very lucky one summer (while my Grandparents were waiting for me to find my eternal companion) to accompany my Father and Grandfather on a visit to Israel.  It was an unforgettable learning experience for me.

          The big swing still soars in my memory, along with my feelings of love and gratitude for these two wonderful people.