Burton Edwin Tew, Jr.

Today I got a phone call. I was told that my Grandpa Tew had passed away this morning. Even though I knew it was coming, I couldn't stop the tears for very long.

When my children ask about death, I give them the "My Turn on Earth" explanation. Some turns are short. Some turns are long. I feel blessed that my grandpa got a good, long turn. He was 83. Some memories I have of my grandpa are: our annual water-skiing trips with him driving the boat, his fire-tending at our annual Mapleton camp-out, his laugh, his ability to tell a joke about any topic you give him!, his amazing knowledge and memory about numerous people and places, his story-telling, his extreme emergency preparedness (you should see his bomb shelter), his ability to fall asleep anywhere, his insistence on hand-watering his lawn, his love of growing things, his sweetness with my girls - especially McKinley, his testimony, his caring, his belief in you.

We are extra-blessed as well because we have his history - both written and on video. And I can share that with my children.

I guess a lot of us 30-somethings are having to say good-bye to our grandparents. I have one grandma left & I hope to cherish her and spend more time with her. I'm so thankful my kids have spent time with Grandpa Tew - and I am thankful that my husband had a special bond with him since he never got to meet his own grandpas.

When I think of all the people my grandpa was reunited with today - especially his son who died at 6 - the tears come again.

Love you Grandpa. THANK YOU for your legacy. You will be missed!!