Grandpa Boss

My first memory of Grandpa Boss was when Alan took me to meet his grandma and grandpa after they had returned home from their mission to Hawaii. We were standing in their kitchen and Grandpa leaned over and asked Alan if he could hug me. He was always so complimentary, especially to women. No wonder he had 4 wives, who all loved and adored him.

He was also a hard worker. He had a shop in his backyard that had so many things stored in it at a level that he could reach. Grandpa wasn't very tall so you had to be extra careful not to hit your head. He was always out there no matter the weather. It was his way of going to work. He made and invented many things. Another thing that Grandpa was famous for was his tomatoes, every year Grandpa would plant tomato plants and end up with tons of gorgeous tomato's. His key was to throw in a banana peel while planting the plants.

Grandpa was always laughing at his own jokes. He was such a tease. It was always fun to go to Grandpa's house. Last summer Alan and I went to visit with him. He wasn't doing well at the time, and slept for a good portion of the time we were there. He did get a little bit of energy toward the end and wanted to dance with Alan, we were lucky enough to catch it on video.

Sweet Grandpa Russel Herbert Boss died on Saturday, March 1. Alan and I were able to attend the funeral the following weekend with just 1 of our 4 children thanks to wonderful friends we have here in Maryland. The kids had a wonderful time, and after talking with them and listening to all they did we asked who their favorite person was to watch them? Peter immediately replied, "Mom and Dad."

It was wonderful to see all 19 of Alan's cousins together to honor this great man. It was great to catch up with them and to see their beautiful children. At the funeral they all sang. It sounded incredible.
This is a picture of Grandpa's 4 children.

I learned things this weekend that I could have probably learned another way, but to have it happen this way makes it that much sweeter:

• Family matters, all of them! (cousins, aunts, uncles, siblings, parents, grandparents)
• I am loved! (by those that live close and those that live far away)
• Alan and I will always have wonderful friends that will always be near and dear to us.
• We have cute, well behaved kids, most of the time (there are always those moments)
• How grateful I am to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.
• That the family is meant to be eternal, as well as the friendships that we develop in this lifetime.
• My favorite part about funerals, other then seeing family and loved ones, is the flowers!