Guess What?

I am currently just a little over 14 weeks & our little one is due September 28th. We are so thrilled and grateful for the support & love of our family and friends.

Grandpa Hermansen

Jared’s grandfather, Grant Hermansen, passed away last Saturday. He was 96 years old.. What a life! :) My memories of him are different from the rest of the family, who knew him to be an active, hard-working, funny, faithful, detailed man. The whole time I’ve known grandpa Hermansen, he’s been living in a care facility suffering from Alzheimers. Even so, I’ve been able to see the traits the family so cherishes in their grandpa. Jared and I often joked about the time that we walked in to visit him and he asked, in the sweet way he always did, “Who are you?” Jared would explain who he was and then, not recognizing me at all, Grandpa asked, “Who the hell are you?!” We couldn’t help but laugh. :)

I could tell from the beginning what a sweet man he was and I often thought to myself how much I am looking forward to someday having the opportunity to really get to know him. Last year, for his 95^th birthday party, the entire family gathered together to sing “Happy Birthday”. Grant was singing along and when the part came to sing, “Happy Birthday Dear Grandpa” he was shocked. He pointed to himself and started to cry, overwhelmed with the love that was surrounding him. It was a beautiful moment.

I am so grateful for the experiences I’ve been able to have this past weekend. To attend Grant’s funeral and to be able to hear all of the stories about what a wonderful man and example he really was. I am grateful for the legacy he has left.

We took grandpa’s journals home with us and I’ve had the pleasure of reading about his life. He faithfully wrote every day, until his sweet wife died in 2005. He wrote details like.. what he had for breakfast, what time he woke up, and what book he was reading. He always seemed to be reading something that would help him progress spiritually. Reading through all of his journals, I’ve had my testimony strengthened concerning keeping personal records. He did it faithfully, probably because he knew someday; someone would want to learn more about him. So, here's to my new goal.

Dear Grant, enjoy yourself. I know you are.

Obituary

Grant Hermansen returned home to our Heavenly Father on March 23, 2013. He was born in a log cabin on a snowy day to James Marinus and Minnie Hermansen in Widtsoe, Utah. After losing his father at an early age, he moved to Salt Lake City where he met his wife Ora Clara Justensen. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 10, 1939 and enjoyed 66 years of marriage. With great love for his country, he served in the Navy 143rd Battalion Seabee's during World War II in Okinawa. Grant and Ora raised their family of 8 children in Bountiful, Utah. Grant built homes in the Bountiful area for over 30 years and served as District Commander in the American Legion. He served in many bishoprics as well as numerous other callings. Grant was the last surviving member of his family of 12 children. He leaves behind a great legacy of love and devotion. Preceded in death by his wife Ora and daughter Maryanne. He is survived by children Judy (Elliott) Smith, Susan (Eldon) Thomas, Karen (Bill) MacLennan, Steve (Lisa) Hermansen, David (Audrey) Hermansen, John (Lisa) Hermansen, Kris (Jeff) Tobler, Anthony (Angie) Martinez, 27 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.