MY FONDEST MEMORIES OF DAD OR GRANDPA

DARLENE PITCHER



As I sit and think about Dad, the fondest memory of him is when I had my first cancer and how is changed our relationship. He was so compassionate to me and when he would come in from chores I would always hear him ask Mom how I was doing. Then I would hear him come to my door and most always pause before coming in. He would come and sit on the foot of the bed and talk to me and always wanted to know what I needed and what he could do for me. On days that I was real bad he would not always come in because he was having a hard time dealing with it. He hated to see me so sick and I know that is why he could not always come in. The most important thing I know is that he loved me and all his kids. He would do anything for any of us and I will always love him deeply for the love he had for me.
I remember always wanting him to grow a mustache but he never wanted to. One day when we were sitting on the porch I told him I would get better from the cancer if he would grow a mustache. He never said anything to me but just kinda laughed. After that day he never shaved his mustache again until he was called to be a temple worker years after I got better. He will never know how much strength that gave to me.
I also loved to go on his weekly rides up to Elba and Barlows. I loved riding with him and just visiting with him and Mom. We would always stop at the old Elba store for treats and he would always tease us and say he didn't bring his money, but then he would always pull in and let us get a treat. Not very often did he go with out Mom. He loved her so much and I loved how he treated her all the time. I think we can all remember how he had to have her with him and when she would go and it was time to come in for night he always helped her with the housework.
I loved the times he would help us with our 4-H steers and when I was little he would always hold my hand while we would walk around the yards. He would squeeze my hand and tease me about it being to far from my heart to kill me.
I also remember his favorite joke. As we would pass any cemetery he would always say it was the most famous one in the world. We would always say "Why" "Cause everybody is dieing to get there"
He very seldom missed any of our games and activities. I loved seeing him and Mom in the stands.
I also remember when I told him I was pregnant with Syd. We were living in Arizona and when I called and told him he started to cry. I know it was surprise, because of my treatments they told me that my chances would be slim to be able to have kids. He was always so good to my kids. They loved their grandpa but they will write about that.
The pictures that I am posting are some of my favorite of him. I have always had them and look at them often. I miss him so much some times. When I was sick this last time, I had on my shelf in the bedroom, a little gift that he gave to me when I was sick the first time. I would look at it often and it made me feel so good to know that he still loves me and that I can see him again. I felt his spirit with me a couple of times when I was having some hard days and I know he was sent here to comport me and help me. I loved his testimony of the gospel and the many values that he taught me and showed me through his example. I am proud to have had him as my Dad and am thankful that he was such a great example to me and to my family. I LOVE YOU DAD!