I recently took a trip to Utah to visit family and celebrate my grandfather’s 84th birthday.
After serving in World War II, raising six children and working as a cook and a plumber to support his wife and children, he looks remarkably good for 84. His favorite line after each birthday is, “I have just 10 more years to go.”
My grandfather has lived a long and fruitful life. Seeing him last month caused me to reflect on my own life and what I have to look forward to.
I have already experienced the major milestones in life that many children growing up look forward to: turning eight and being baptized and confirmed, receiving the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood, driving, dating, endowment, mission and marriage.
After turning 37, I realized that the excitement of getting older had lost a bit of its thrill. Turning 40 isn’t exactly something to look forward to and I am too young to dream of turning 65 and retiring.
Thankfully, I have children, wonderful memories and so much to look forward to in their lives.
Like letting them drive:
And going to the temple:
Enjoying fireworks for the first time:
The first time riding a horse:
Giving my son his first bath:
First time at the ocean:
First birthday:
First time in the pool (she does clean-up nicely):
First time at the Grand Canyon:
First time sledding and “catching air”:
And then today, the first day of school:
And life just keeps getting better when you have kids!