Shaw Family
Bear Lake Reunion 2009
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sabrina's Memory of Dad
I have always loved Dad’s hands. I remember being at Uncle Lamont’s funeral and standing by the casket with Dad. He touched his uncle’s hand (which as a kid I thought was a little creepy!) and talked about how he had always admired Lamont’s hands. The hands were big and rough and still had dirt in the creases of the skin. As I stood there with Dad I noticed that his hands were exactly like his uncles. The reverence that Dad showed for his Uncle’s hands made me not afraid to touch them anymore or to be near the casket.
Since that experience I have watched Dad’s hands. His hands have always been about service whether it is digging in his garden, crafting something out of wood, using the priesthood, or pushing his grandchildren in the swing. His big rough hands have always had a little bit of dirt in the creases and cuts or scratches from whatever project he has been working on. In the song “His Hands” there is a line that makes me think of Dad, “I will make these hands like those from Galilee”. Dad is an amazing example of Christ like giving and service.
I have always loved how people gravitate to Dad (his grandchildren most of all) because of the amazing kind spirit that he radiates. I remember working at Primary Children’s hospital as a candy striper (I hope I spelled that right I’m always afraid of getting that word wrong!) and later doing housekeeping. At lunch time I would sit with Dad and all his “ladies”. They would go on and on about how great he was and if they ever needed anything done he was always willing to help. They would tell me how lucky I was to have a Dad like him. There was also the guy there with disabilities (I can’t remember his name for sure. Was it Lenny?) Dad would patiently sit with him and listen to all he had to say. He could feel Dad’s great spirit and wanted to be around him.
And we all know that Dad is going to make it to heaven for 45 years of driving in a car with Mom beside him and only slamming on his brakes once. None of us will forget quietly filing off the RV in the middle of Nauvoo. (Just teasing you Mom we love you!!!!!!)
Thanks for being such a wonderful example Dad!
I love you,
Sabrina
Since that experience I have watched Dad’s hands. His hands have always been about service whether it is digging in his garden, crafting something out of wood, using the priesthood, or pushing his grandchildren in the swing. His big rough hands have always had a little bit of dirt in the creases and cuts or scratches from whatever project he has been working on. In the song “His Hands” there is a line that makes me think of Dad, “I will make these hands like those from Galilee”. Dad is an amazing example of Christ like giving and service.
I have always loved how people gravitate to Dad (his grandchildren most of all) because of the amazing kind spirit that he radiates. I remember working at Primary Children’s hospital as a candy striper (I hope I spelled that right I’m always afraid of getting that word wrong!) and later doing housekeeping. At lunch time I would sit with Dad and all his “ladies”. They would go on and on about how great he was and if they ever needed anything done he was always willing to help. They would tell me how lucky I was to have a Dad like him. There was also the guy there with disabilities (I can’t remember his name for sure. Was it Lenny?) Dad would patiently sit with him and listen to all he had to say. He could feel Dad’s great spirit and wanted to be around him.
And we all know that Dad is going to make it to heaven for 45 years of driving in a car with Mom beside him and only slamming on his brakes once. None of us will forget quietly filing off the RV in the middle of Nauvoo. (Just teasing you Mom we love you!!!!!!)
Thanks for being such a wonderful example Dad!
I love you,
Sabrina
Kendra's Message for Dad
I truly believe Dad is the most unselfish person I know. We’ve all seen this and have been blessed because of his remarkable character. Not long after Dad retired, maybe even within days, he showed up at my house with his toolbox. I had projects I was involved in, including quilts I was making for a couple of the kids. I also was trying to get the house in order for company that was coming the next day.
Dad spent the day with me repairing bi-fold doors that never seem to stay on our closets, rehanging towel racks that were used as a jungle gym years ago, washing walls, and anything else he could help with. Sabrina also came to help me prepare. She arranged other plans for her kids and drove the distance to spend the day with me. She is another person who gives so much of herself to others. As we worked, we talked and laughed, and the stress I’d felt earlier drained away. I felt blessed to have such remarkable examples of service. There was never a complaint or judgment. In fact, they practically made me feel like I’d done them a service by letting them spend the day with me. I’ll always remember the love they showed me by their service.
I love the example of unselfish service Dad showed when he was going to get rid of a couple nice suits he had and was impressed by the Spirit to give them to certain men in his neighborhood. He could have easily just dropped them off at the DI. Days after taking one of the suits to a Spanish speaking man across the street, the man came over and was able to tell dad that he’d been called in the bishopric of the Spanish branch the following week and felt blessed to have a nice suit to wear. Dad’s example of asking in prayer not only how he can serve, but specifically who, is a beautiful example to me.
There are so many illustrations of Dad’s Christ like trait. Even now, Dad serves daily in Wasco, California. When he could literally “retire”, he works hard and accomplishes so much.
I love you, Dad and hope you know how much your living unselfishly has meant to me.
Love,
Kendra
Dad spent the day with me repairing bi-fold doors that never seem to stay on our closets, rehanging towel racks that were used as a jungle gym years ago, washing walls, and anything else he could help with. Sabrina also came to help me prepare. She arranged other plans for her kids and drove the distance to spend the day with me. She is another person who gives so much of herself to others. As we worked, we talked and laughed, and the stress I’d felt earlier drained away. I felt blessed to have such remarkable examples of service. There was never a complaint or judgment. In fact, they practically made me feel like I’d done them a service by letting them spend the day with me. I’ll always remember the love they showed me by their service.
I love the example of unselfish service Dad showed when he was going to get rid of a couple nice suits he had and was impressed by the Spirit to give them to certain men in his neighborhood. He could have easily just dropped them off at the DI. Days after taking one of the suits to a Spanish speaking man across the street, the man came over and was able to tell dad that he’d been called in the bishopric of the Spanish branch the following week and felt blessed to have a nice suit to wear. Dad’s example of asking in prayer not only how he can serve, but specifically who, is a beautiful example to me.
There are so many illustrations of Dad’s Christ like trait. Even now, Dad serves daily in Wasco, California. When he could literally “retire”, he works hard and accomplishes so much.
I love you, Dad and hope you know how much your living unselfishly has meant to me.
Love,
Kendra
Jason's Memory of Dad
One experience with Dad that often comes to mind, was a lesson of patience and determination as well as unparalleled athleticism.
I must have been about 7 years old and we were living in Vermont at the time. As I recall, Dad had helped out a friend (I think his name was Bill Fisk?) bail hay and in return, the man had given him 3 piglets...yes this is a story about the 3 little pigs. Mr. "Fisk" was friendly to all, but I remember one physical feature in particular, he was missing a thumb. Dad told me he lost his thumb during a fall in which he was suspended by his thumb alone. Every time I saw Mr. Fisk, I always had the image in my mind of him hanging by his thumb until it gave way. To this day, I've always been careful with my thumbs.
Upon arriving at our home we took the piglets down the hill behind our house to a recently built pig pen. After releasing the piglets into the pen we soon realized that they were small enough to squeeze through the horizontal rails and escape. I don't recall how long it took to catch them, but it must have taken a great deal of time and effort because Dad's relief was apparent when the piglets were finally locked up in the chicken coop, their temporary housing until the pen could be secured.
Soon after beginning work on the pen (Dad always let me work with him on projects), I became curious about the status of the piglets. I made my way up the hill past our house to where the chicken coop sat like a small barn. There was no way to see in without opening the large wooden door. I slowly opened the door and immediately felt the 3 piglets squirm past my legs and escape to freedom. My heart sank because I knew first hand how hard it was to catch piglets on the lamb. When I told Dad, he wasn't mad, but I could see that his heart had sunk as well. We began the search in the wooded area near our house. After a lengthy time we were able to capture 2 of the 3 piglets and place them in a potato or gunny-sack-like bag. I remember how the contours of the sack rapidly changed shape as the piglets squirmed about.
The 3rd piglet remained elusive. The search was exhausting and with time I felt that I had been responsible for losing the piglet for good. As we walked through the woods along a dirt trail under the shade of large maple trees near our home, suddenly we spotted the last piglet scampering along a dirt trail that would eventually intersect with our trail. Dad's face intensified and his pace accelerated. I tried to keep up as I watched from behind one of the greatest moments in the history of sports! Sensing Dad's presence, the piglet darted forward. Without hesitation and with maximum determination Dad's trajectory turned airborne and parallel to the ground as he dove with arms outstretched and caught the hind leg of the piglet in his grasp. As the dust from Dad's belly-first dive settled to the ground, I stood with astonishment. Dad's "game-saving-catch" was the equivalent of a short stop diving to field a sharply hit ball up the middle of the infield that would determine the outcome of the world series. Wonder soon gave way to excitement! I had witnessed my Dad perform the most amazing feat right before my eyes!! I could tell that Dad was tired as we walked back to the house, but I had new life.
As I ponder this experience, I'm reminded of several truths. For one thing, piglet legs don't disarticulate as easily as thumbs, but more importantly, my Dad is a "Super Hero". Whatever life's challenges have come, my Dad has persevered and stood as a giant. Dad's unwavering faith, spirituality, love for Mom, love for family, love for neighbors, integrity, cheerfulness, and work ethic are the fabric of who he is and I am honored and grateful to be his son.
Jason
I must have been about 7 years old and we were living in Vermont at the time. As I recall, Dad had helped out a friend (I think his name was Bill Fisk?) bail hay and in return, the man had given him 3 piglets...yes this is a story about the 3 little pigs. Mr. "Fisk" was friendly to all, but I remember one physical feature in particular, he was missing a thumb. Dad told me he lost his thumb during a fall in which he was suspended by his thumb alone. Every time I saw Mr. Fisk, I always had the image in my mind of him hanging by his thumb until it gave way. To this day, I've always been careful with my thumbs.
Upon arriving at our home we took the piglets down the hill behind our house to a recently built pig pen. After releasing the piglets into the pen we soon realized that they were small enough to squeeze through the horizontal rails and escape. I don't recall how long it took to catch them, but it must have taken a great deal of time and effort because Dad's relief was apparent when the piglets were finally locked up in the chicken coop, their temporary housing until the pen could be secured.
Soon after beginning work on the pen (Dad always let me work with him on projects), I became curious about the status of the piglets. I made my way up the hill past our house to where the chicken coop sat like a small barn. There was no way to see in without opening the large wooden door. I slowly opened the door and immediately felt the 3 piglets squirm past my legs and escape to freedom. My heart sank because I knew first hand how hard it was to catch piglets on the lamb. When I told Dad, he wasn't mad, but I could see that his heart had sunk as well. We began the search in the wooded area near our house. After a lengthy time we were able to capture 2 of the 3 piglets and place them in a potato or gunny-sack-like bag. I remember how the contours of the sack rapidly changed shape as the piglets squirmed about.
The 3rd piglet remained elusive. The search was exhausting and with time I felt that I had been responsible for losing the piglet for good. As we walked through the woods along a dirt trail under the shade of large maple trees near our home, suddenly we spotted the last piglet scampering along a dirt trail that would eventually intersect with our trail. Dad's face intensified and his pace accelerated. I tried to keep up as I watched from behind one of the greatest moments in the history of sports! Sensing Dad's presence, the piglet darted forward. Without hesitation and with maximum determination Dad's trajectory turned airborne and parallel to the ground as he dove with arms outstretched and caught the hind leg of the piglet in his grasp. As the dust from Dad's belly-first dive settled to the ground, I stood with astonishment. Dad's "game-saving-catch" was the equivalent of a short stop diving to field a sharply hit ball up the middle of the infield that would determine the outcome of the world series. Wonder soon gave way to excitement! I had witnessed my Dad perform the most amazing feat right before my eyes!! I could tell that Dad was tired as we walked back to the house, but I had new life.
As I ponder this experience, I'm reminded of several truths. For one thing, piglet legs don't disarticulate as easily as thumbs, but more importantly, my Dad is a "Super Hero". Whatever life's challenges have come, my Dad has persevered and stood as a giant. Dad's unwavering faith, spirituality, love for Mom, love for family, love for neighbors, integrity, cheerfulness, and work ethic are the fabric of who he is and I am honored and grateful to be his son.
Jason
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Shaw Family Reunion 2010
I vote for Christmas in San Diego. How about the week after Christmas everyone comes and crashes our house? Then everyone can see Grandma and Grandpa and enjoy sunny California before Sarah and I move away from here. We have every attraction you can think of from Sea World, the beach, and San Diego Zoo, to Disneyland just a little over an hour away. We can just hang out, play games and sing karaoke until our throats are sore. What does everyone think?
Happy Birthday Dad
I am not sure if I was suppose to post this on the blog or if Kendra was going to compile these and then send it to Dad. So, I am just going to reply to everyone and hope that it somehow magically makes it to Dad for his Birthday.
The first thing that I think of when I think of Dad is his big heart and the way that he is always looking for ways to serve others. I remember going home teaching with Dad. (Of course I never complained or threw a tantrum because I was a “very good boy”. At least that’s the way I remember it and since I am telling the story I get to take artistic licenseJ)Anyway back to the story. So Dad was always so sincere and really took his responsibility as a home teacher seriously. He was a great example. He truly loved and had deep concern for the wellbeing of those we visited. In the summer and fall Dad would always fill up paper grocery sacks full of the freshest vegetables from the garden and have me help him take them to all our neighbors, families we home taught or anyone else that he felt might be in need. He would spend hours on that gigantic garden; that grew enough corn , zucchini and tomatoes to feed the roman army, so that he could use the harvest to bless the lives of our family and everyone else he came in contact with.
Another story of his “heart of gold” is from this past Christmas. At Thanksgiving last year they came down and visited us and they met some friends of ours from our neighborhood. Dad got to talking to them at our house after Megan’s baptism and saw that they were expecting another baby soon. They were admiring the 3 little rocking chairs that we have in our house that Dad had made. Well, when we came home for Christmas this past year dad had made a rocking chair for Adam and an additional one to give to our friends. He said, “I just got the impression that I should do this for them and maybe it will soften the wife’s heart a bit toward the gospel”. (He is very interested and calls himself a dry Mormon and she is catholic and not very interested at the time.) Dad is truly a visionary man and I am sure that all of these acts of kindness that he does as he follows the promptings of the spirit do indeed soften the hearts of everyone that he comes in contact with.
I love ya Dad
Corey
The first thing that I think of when I think of Dad is his big heart and the way that he is always looking for ways to serve others. I remember going home teaching with Dad. (Of course I never complained or threw a tantrum because I was a “very good boy”. At least that’s the way I remember it and since I am telling the story I get to take artistic licenseJ)Anyway back to the story. So Dad was always so sincere and really took his responsibility as a home teacher seriously. He was a great example. He truly loved and had deep concern for the wellbeing of those we visited. In the summer and fall Dad would always fill up paper grocery sacks full of the freshest vegetables from the garden and have me help him take them to all our neighbors, families we home taught or anyone else that he felt might be in need. He would spend hours on that gigantic garden; that grew enough corn , zucchini and tomatoes to feed the roman army, so that he could use the harvest to bless the lives of our family and everyone else he came in contact with.
Another story of his “heart of gold” is from this past Christmas. At Thanksgiving last year they came down and visited us and they met some friends of ours from our neighborhood. Dad got to talking to them at our house after Megan’s baptism and saw that they were expecting another baby soon. They were admiring the 3 little rocking chairs that we have in our house that Dad had made. Well, when we came home for Christmas this past year dad had made a rocking chair for Adam and an additional one to give to our friends. He said, “I just got the impression that I should do this for them and maybe it will soften the wife’s heart a bit toward the gospel”. (He is very interested and calls himself a dry Mormon and she is catholic and not very interested at the time.) Dad is truly a visionary man and I am sure that all of these acts of kindness that he does as he follows the promptings of the spirit do indeed soften the hearts of everyone that he comes in contact with.
I love ya Dad
Corey
Thursday, August 12, 2010
July 24th Weekend Reunion
On the weekend of July 24th, the Shaw's, Bradshaw's and Fowler's had a fantastic time, despite some of the pictures that show differently. I'm sure they were taken right after an amazing event. Fireworks, homemade ice-cream, a parade starring Anna and Ben, a carnival, swimming, hiking, Anna's dance performance, boardgames, church, choreography, and lots of eating made for great fun. We missed the rest of the Shaw family and can't wait until we can all be together again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)