You're Always There

Baby Danielle with Grandma Lola Stone

I am so lucky to be your granddaughter. When I look back on all the important events in my life, you were there. I don't remember much of my baptism, but I know you drove through a snowstorm to be there. I can't count all the times you sat through hot August afternoons to watch me show my steer at the county fair. You were there at Junior Miss, graduation, and even my district’s dance championships.

You were such a fun grandma—so full of energy and joyful service. Whenever we would visit, you were always busy making sure that we were well taken care of. When I visited you for a week all by myself, I felt like there was no one more important than me. And when I got homesick, you rubbed Vick’s on my chest to help me calm down. Whenever I smell it now, a vision instantly comes to my mind of lying in the downstairs bedroom with you there by my side, singing sweet songs.

One of my favorite memories is of living with you for the month before I was married. It was such a crazy time, and I’m sure I didn’t let you know how grateful I was, but I could not have made it through without your love and understanding. You helped me move out of my apartment, got me through knee surgery, and woke me up every morning with a gentle “Jennie” and the smell of a delicious breakfast (Robert never complained about driving from Provo every morning to pick me up because he knew he would be well fed!)

One thing that I have learned from you is the importance of traditions. There’s a lot of comfort that comes from knowing that no matter what, there are constants in our lives. Potato salad, flocked Christmas trees, egg hunts at the cabin, parades, Rook, BYU football. Which reminds me of another favorite memory. I love that when I was attending a game, I could go over to your seats and you would be so genuinely excited to see me, and then always tell the people around you something about me.

If I’m ever feeling down, I just need to think of how special you made me feel. That’s the best gift you ever gave me, and I hope I can do that for my own children.