Thanksgiving Reflections

This Thanksgiving season has been a special one in so many ways for me and my family. Over the last several years we have watched as my Grandpa, Richard Edson Harris has struggled with illness and pain. It almost hasn't seemed fair at times that he should have to endure so much. My sweet grandfather passed away on December 1st. During the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving he was bed bound and very ill, battling a third type of cancer. It was so very hard to watch the effects of this terrible illness. 

I haven't written on this blog for the last few weeks, mostly because I just didn't have the heart to talk about something as (frivolous) as yummy food when my heart was aching for my Grandpa. Of course I haven't stopped cooking for my family, or creating recipes for Winder Farms, but I just couldn't bring myself to write about them just yet. 

I want to take a moment to tell you some of my feeling and reflections about what really matters to me in this life, and my impressions during this time of family trial. 

First off, with physical pain and sickness, I believe you grow so much as a person, and it helps you find out who you really are. I can say with certainty that my Grandfather endured his many physical struggles with such patience and humility, it awes me. I have no idea what it is like to feel that awful, but I have seen his strength and long-suffering. Even through these hard times he has managed to have a wonderful smile, and positive attitude. He has focused his attention as much as possible on his loved ones. I believe that he has become a stronger man through enduring and conquering these trials. 

I have witnessed a bringing together of an already tight-nit family. I don't know if I have ever heard of another family that is as involved and loving one with another. I am truly blessed to have each and every one of my extended family as a part of my life. During the last few weeks I have observed an immeasurable amount of love between parent and child, brother and sister, and extended family. It has instilled in me a huge love for my Heavenly Father for allowing me to be a part of this family unit. It is one of the greatest blessings I could have ever been granted.

I would say that the best way to measure the success of a person is how they care for their family and loved ones. My Grandpa Harris just might the the most successful person I have ever laid eyes on. He has created an eternal bond and love between a huge family unit. I could feel such a warmth and support from each and every one of them at his Funeral Services.

I am so grateful I have had so many years with my Grandpa. He has been a wonderfully effective teacher and example in my life. He never wavered in his faith in Jesus Christ and his eternal plan of happiness. He has held many family firesides where we all taught each other and had the opportunity to hear and share our testimonies of this gospel with each other. It has been a great way to become closer with my cousins and siblings. It was a reminder of our eternal goals, and brought us back again to the course we want to journey down. I am so grateful for the time and effort both of my Grandparents put into those cherished meetings. 

I was able to spend quite a bit of time with Grandpa before he passed the last few weeks. I got the opportunity to thank him in person for all that he has done for me. I shared with him a few personal experiences in which his example has changed my life. I will never forget what he said to me. After I expressed my love for him he said, "Thank you. These are not just words, but a feeling. I can feel your love for me." That is all I could ask for really. I wanted him to really feel what a strong influence for good he has been to me. I wanted him to really know how much I love him. My husband was there with me as well. He loves my Grandpa like his own. My Grandpa's last words to Mike were, "Shoot straight." That was truly perfect. Grandpa was a killer on the golf course. He and my husband both share that love. I know that he meant (shoot straight) in more that one way. I believe he meant it to mean, "stay on the straight and narrow path towards eternal happiness" too. How perfect. 

I love you Grandpa. I know you are happy and free of pain now. That is such a blessing. I will see you again. The statement he wanted in his funeral service was this, "He Lived, He Died, And In Between He Tried."

Grandpa, you tried so hard. You won the battle, and I believe you passed this earthly test with flying colors. 

Richard Edson Harris

1929-2013

If you would like to read the obituary of this great man click Here.