(Earlier posts listed below, starting with 1.)

24.Roxanna L. Boyer wrote:
Family gatherings in the spring and summer were set in the landscape of her ever blooming yard with all kinds of flowering shrubs, bulbs, annuals, perennials and trees. With Roy as her best worker, Lorraine cultivated the acre grooming every shrub while dubbing the yard "the canyon look". She weeded mounds of myrtle, planted hundreds of bulbs, cut flags and pruned roses, staging a magical garden around her home. Visitors were mesmerized by the colors, heights of varying blooms, positive and negative space drawn in the grass or through the branches of the trees.

How many different varieties of irises, roses, daffodils, tulips, crocus and lilies were there? It was like she had to celebrate all of them to express her passion for horticulture. Then she would hose down the patio, make cupcakes, hamburger patties, two salads, have chips, dip, buns and hot dogs for her growing clan of children, spouses, grandchildren and greats. And we would gather, playing pin-pong, watching the children, laughing, talking, growing into a close-knit family.

COMMENTS:

(A) Alexis Howard Johansen: I love your descriptions of Grandma's beautiful home - love it! Thank you.


25. Allison Howard Butterfield wrote:
I remember playing with cousins in the tree house and making “soup” that consisted of the branches and orange-berries that came from the trees above, and the sand from the sandbox below. Inevitably, we’d pick too many berries and leave the tree looking a bit odd and bare in places. Plus, we'd made a mess all over the grass from all the transported sand. I can remember some adults and older kids getting after us, but never Grandma, she'd just smile and say something like "that looks like a tasty soup".

There were always plenty of toys to play with at Grandma's, but my favorites were the little porcelain animals on the tier holder. I know it made Grandma uneasy every time I got them down to play with them, but all she’d say is, “Be careful with those,” or “Pick 2 or 3 of your favorites for now.”

I remember cleaning Grandma’s house many of my Saturday mornings with Alexis after Grandpa had passed away. I always had the job of cleaning the bathrooms. Grandma would frequently come in and look around and say something like, “I’m always surprised how beautiful you make this room”. I remember cleaning that beautiful soap dish wi...th the orange flowers, dusting around the mirror with 20 lights, wiping the speckled counters clean and spraying out that strange shower curtain. I never did enjoy cleaning around the toilet…there were always spiders hanging around there waiting to run or jump at me.

As I got older and took on more cleaning jobs, I can recall vacuuming that wonderfully soft green carpet that squished between my toes. Upon entering her room to dust the furniture, I always pulled the string of that sweet round music box hanging by the door (how I miss pulling and listening to it now - I can almost he...ar it). While listening to the gentle tinkle of the music box chimes, I’d stand on her bed to dust the fan, and then I would move to dust pictures of her children that surrounded her bed.

I remember Grandma never loved the way I swept the floor, she thought her way was cleaner and better, but she’d say, “I guess you’re the one cleaning so I’ll shut my mouth and let you do your job.” Moping the floor, at first, was my least favorite job, but as time went on I learned to love each square and even looked f...orward to cleaning specific ones because I thought they were the most beautiful. Grandma was always so grateful for the things we’d do for her. She’d always say that we didn’t need to or that she was sure there was something else better we could be doing, but after reassuring her that the “work” was going to be done she’d say, “Well then, get to work and stop talking." However, the talking was the best part of “helping” at Grandma’s. She loved to listen to what was going on and she loved to share her stories.

I love my sweet, sarcastic, lovely, funny, humble, and ever open-armed Grandma. I imagine giving her a big hug and telling her I love her and that I will miss her. She’s such a wonderful example of what love is: Unconditional.


26. Cindie Boyer wrote:
I always knew my grandma was special, and wanted my closest friends to meet her. Everything about Grandma and her house was magical. There was magic in her yard and I often imagined fairies making their homes in the brilliant flowers surrounding her home. As a little girl, if ever a flower moved near me I was sure it was a fairy. Grandma's was a place you could dream, and Grandma was always there to encourage that dream. At grandmas I always ran off with my cousins to play different games of make-belief, using the magic of grandmas for our fuel. I was many things at grandmas: a princess, a knight, a detective, and more often than not some damsel in distress that couldn’t wait for Chris or Kevin to save me. While the boring grown-ups talked my dreams began to unfold into reality.

I wish now I had listened to those “boring” grown-ups stories a little bit more, especially Grandma’s. I was given the wonderful opportunity to care for and spend time with Grandma in her final stages of life. I literally cannot express how much I love this elect woman! Even in her depreciated state she taught me so much ...and I regret the time I missed to learn more about and from her. From the time I was blessed to spend with her I learned that she has the most of what everyone can use a little more of: compassion. I feel so blessed to have the knowledge that I have, that I know she is with her Roy at last and will be with him for eternity.


27. Sara Boyer Thompson wrote:
I think the first thing I think in my mind, is that I am Grandmas Favorite Grandkid ever. I know you all feel the same way. She loved me for who I am. Her face would light up when I came over which just made me feel so important. I love spending hours at her house playing Rook and laughing. She always laughed at my Jokes, even when they were not funny. Every time I would bring friends over they would love her instantly. She made everyone smile. I love being Sarcastic with her and I did always laugh when she would curse. She brought a lot of laughter into my life. And that is what I will miss.


28. Cory Boyer wrote:
In regards to Grandma, it is hard to put in words what she meant to me. From the early years of sleeping over at her house, climbing "the hills" behind her house with brothers and cousins, her delicious Ham at holidays with that awesome mustard sauce (the only mustard I would eat at that age), and golf lessons at Alpine County club. To later years of stopping by her house to see her with my family (and the way she would make me feel like I was her favorite), and having her in my scramble foursome the last time I went to Bear Lake (she still was mad we only lost by one stroke), Grandma always held a special place in my heart!

It was her laugh, her honest humor, her stories of the past, the smell of her house, the pictures on the wall, her competitiveness, her love for her family, and her simple testimony I will always treasure. I think one way to evaluate the life of a person is to look at their posterity. When I look at Grandma's, I... see a very successful, blessed, and rich life!


29. Ron Boyer wrote:
It sounds like everyone thinks they were Grandma's favorite, but I have to confess it was me. I remember coming in late at night, actually early morning, from Texas and we could smell the sweet aroma of fresh baked bread. I expressed my disappointment at not being able to have a fresh piece right out of the oven. She promised that before we go home she would bake me a loaf that I could eat all by myself.

True to her word just before we were ready to go home Grandma baked me a loaf of bread and we sat down at the table with a stick of butter and began to slice the bread. Of course everyone else was jealous and I ended up sharing my bread with them, and I wouldn't have it any other way. But that is who Grandma was, she always made you feel special and had enough love to go around for all of us.

30. Kent Boyer wrote:
About 50 to 51 years ago. I was between 18 & 19 years old at the time. Mother asked me to take the trash out to the trash barrel and burn the trash in the barrel. After putting the trash in the barrel I poured gasoline on top of the trash. Then I stood 25 to 30 feet away from the trash and threw lighted matches at the trash barrel. Eventually one of the matches ignited the gasoline. A column of flame shot into the air 25 to 30 feet high. Well above the light pole the trash barrel was next too. When the gasoline exploded it sounded like you were standing next to a large cannon that had just been fired. Mother came running out of the house and said “My Hell! What was that?” When I explained what I had done, she asked me “Are you alright?” I answered yes. She went back into the house. That is the way mother is with everybody.


31. Swen Robert Howard wrote:
What a wonderful family Grandpa & Grandma have created! I love this family!

When I tell people about grandma's passing & the fact that she nearly made it an entire century - they're amazed @ her longevity! But then to see their reactions when I tell them what a profound effect grandma & grandpa have had on us - their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren & great-great-grandchildren & how much we love & honor the legacy they've left behind - people move from amazed to a contemplative & somewhat awed response. "Wow! What a lady." they say.

Thank you all for your comments thus far. It has been such a blessing to read through your experiences w/ grandma. Grandma Boyer is truly an amazing woman. Like you all, I'm grateful to have been the recipient of her love & attention. I enjoy seeing little glimpses of Grandma & her talents, gifts & personality as they are personified in various degrees throughout this great family of ours.

I'm grateful to have been w/ grandma the Thursday before she passed on. She was as lucid as I've seen her in a long time. As she laid her head on Rebecca's shoulder & said how nice it was that we came to see her, I thought - how nice it is that we have a grandma like you. What a gift she has been to us. How grateful I am for her example of love & service. I'm so glad to know that she is in a better place & look forward to being able to see her again. What a tremendous blessing life is. Thanks Grandma for making it sweet! We'll miss you."

32. Sage Lorraine Boyer wrote:
For Grandma...
You know every important secret
The things that break my heart,
The stories I adore telling,
And the ways to let me know
I am loved.
Your presence heals my heart,
Cures my loneliness,
and restores my peace.
Others could never possess
Your wit, your candor,
Or your kindness.
Since Friends like you
Are hard to find,
Of all the Grandmas,
I am glad your mine.
-Sage Lorraine Boyer

~~~
If my heart was a pinata
It would give to you
Every grand treasure
It is my sincere pleasure
to share your annual measure.
-Celebrating your one-million lights of love

~~~
Your Hands and Growing hands.

Once your hands
held little babies,
Washed little faces,
Went many places.
And each day they
Guided and taught
Your children
And Grandchildren.
And now your great
Grandchildren
Are growing
Hands like yours.

~~~
Summery Sun

You're the Summery sun
that battles the Fall.
Your love is the tallest
step-stool of all.
Because of your kindness
And witiest wit.
I find laughter
No problem.
No, Not a bit.

~~~
More Than...
More than chocolate,
More than earrings,
More than movies,
More than flowers,
More than springtime,
More than walking,
More than dresses,
More than pie,
More than pizza,
More than Friday,
More than Christmas,
More than my birthday,
More than poetry,
More than ice cream,
More than board games,
More than hats,
More than perfume,
More than puppies,
More than rain..
I LOVE YOU.

~~~
Notes and Knots

Notes of Love
are inspired from
Heaven above and
they are the
knots that tie
families together.

~~~
Clumsy sentiment
Cannot alleviate
Sorrow felt when
Someone dies.
For now, we remember
with you, her vibrant soul
"til' we meet {with her} again."
-Sage Lorraine Boyer
{quoted text LDS hymbook}


33. Alexis Howard Johansen wrote:
My relationship with Grandma really began to deepen as a youth after Grandpa passed away. At first I felt a strong need to help take care of her now that she was alone. I remember for the whole first year after Grandpa had died, someone slept over at her house so she wouldn’t be left alone at night. I think at least half my nights for that year were spent at Grandma’s house. I have come to personally believe that by serving someone, we come to love them. I stayed with Grandma many nights, and spent many Saturdays cleaning her house, and by so doing I came to fiercely love her. But the best part of it all was probably finding out how much she loved me.

Living with Grandma during my college years literally changed my life for the better. Grandma and I had so much fun together – perfect roommates ;-). On one hand, I would help her around the house, and be a companion for her. On the other hand, I had a bedroom full of memories to sleep in, the most delicious food to eat, and the best conversations with Grandma. I am sure I got the better end of the deal!!! Time and time again, Grandma would ‘throw’ together a diner that tasted just divine. She would always say, “Oh, it’s nothing that special” or “It’s just vegetables!?!” I’d compliment her all the more, and you’d see this smile of appreciation that she kept to herself. Grandma was not about bragging in the least, so I would brag for her!

You know dinner was never enough. We always had to finish with some apple crunch, or rice pudding, or plain cake topped with either frosting or bananas and whipped cream, or chocolate pudding in her simple, yet elegant goblets, again topped with whipped cream. And if she hadn’t made anything . . . ice cream – the good kind. I’m pretty sure I got my sweet tooth from Grandma Boyer!

Several cousins and I had so much fun playing rook with Grandma during the evening hours. She is one fierce competitor. We’d keep her up late playing rook, and you know we brought out the best in her. One night in particular, Seth really got her going. She had been dealt one rotten hand after another, so she was all worked up anyway. Finally, Grandma was dealt THE hand that would win her a game – you could see that competitive look in her eye. The game was in play, and one move after another, young Seth was there to thwart her every move. After a few times Grandma turned to Seth, whacked him on the arm, and do you know what she called him? Yes Seth, she loved you, but she looked at him with a fierce expression and said, “ You little S#%$!”

Grandma was such a classy lady, and she loved nature. I often times found her looking out her windows at ‘her’ mountains, or watching the deer that grazed through her yard. She hated when they took her mountains away by building homes up there. But I’ve never seen her more mad than when the Utility Guys came and cut back (a.k.a. mutilated) her trees. She went out there a-hollarin’, ravin’ mad at how they had destroyed her trees. When she came back inside, she was crying over the sadness at what they had done to her trees.

Finally, as we all know, Grandma was not one to 'bear her testimony.' Which is probably why my most treasured memory of Grandma Boyer is the day she bore her testimony to me. I came home from my religion class at BYU after a discussion about Eve, the mother of all. I shared with Grandma that Eve had shown wisdom in partaking of the fruit; that she should be honored and revered not looked down upon. With spark of inspiration shining in her eyes, Grandma said, “Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I just new in my heart that Eve was a mighty woman. I just knew what those other people said was wrong!” She then continued to tell me how she used to teach a Sunday school class, and how VERY inadequate she felt. She told me that she didn’t think she was a very good teacher, but there was one lesson when she was teaching about Jesus and the crucifixion that had the biggest affect on her. Grandma choked up at his point and could hardly speak to me. With tears welling up in her beautiful blue eyes, she testified to me, “I just don’t understand how they could do that to Him. I may not understand everything in this Gospel, but I believe in Him. I know He is the Son of God.”

She then called herself a 'big boob...' This testimony continues to burn in my heart, and I am so so so grateful for my time with Grandma. And do you know what? SHE MADE IT! As each of us continue to go through our mortal existence, Grandma gives us inspiration and hope. Someday we’ll make it back home, too, hopfully leaving the same legacy of love that she has left with us. Here's to Grandma Boyer!