This morning my Grandma Yashko passed away. This is a picture of her at her birthday party in 2006. She was 95 this year. She has steadily declined in the last few years, and it was time to go. She lived a long very full life. She used to tell us amazing stories (whether they were true or not, I don’t know) about driving to school when she was in grade school (she lived in a very small town), her amazing horse “Old Jimmy,” getting her pilot’s license, a pet bear, hikes and campouts and a bunch of other stuff. She served several missions later in life and was constantly serving in the temple.

I found this that she wrote in response to a question posed by the LDS church news. She actually did do a lot of the things she mentions.

How to influence your grandchildren without becoming meddlesome

Set an example

I suggest the following:

- Set an example of daily service by attending the temple, serving in the Church and going on a mission.

- Give a Book of Remembrance, life stories, pictures of ancestors, Church magazine subscriptions and other helpful material for birthdays and Christmas presents.

- Participate with them in family reunions, outings, games and family home evenings.

- Take them to visit lonely neighbors and friends at Christmas time or Sunday afternoons.

- Stay with them when their parents are out. Serve them fruit and nuts instead of candy.

- Write to each at least once a month if they are living away from you. – Ruth E. Yashko, Lehi, Utah

I’m glad that Grammy finally was able to peacefully pass on. We’ll miss her!

So maybe some of you have read the awkward family story on awkwardfamilyphotos.com that features a thanksgiving letter. Anyway, it’s a must read. We kind of have have the same thing in our family every other year when we get together with the Yashkos (my mom’s family). We have been instructed to bring a centerpiece every year since we have been married, but I think this is the first year we participated. This was our tribute to the pilgrims and the landing of the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock. It’s paper mache, and about 3 feet wide. We hoped this could end the “everyone bring a centerpiece” tradition, but it turns out everyone loved it. Next time we will have to make it bigger and more unsanitary. Maybe a 1:10 scale replica of the Mayflower complete with seasick pilgrims.