Monday, September 14, 2009

Grandpa Cannon

My Grandpa Cannon passed away at the beginning of August. I can't even begin to express how much I love and look up to my Grandma and Grandpa Cannon. They have always been my heros. I already miss him but I know where he is and that I'll see him again. I am very grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and that families can be together forever. How lucky I am that I get to be his granddaughter forever!

I am so grateful I lived close to him growing up and was able to spend so much time with him. He and my grandma were always there for birthdays, school projects, awards assemblies, recitals, performances, graduations...you name it and they were there. My grandpa was the one to give me my patriarchal blessing and to seal Brandon and me in the temple. During one of our last visits he gave us some council and advice. He told us to always remember that the gospel and family are the most important things in this life.
I wish everyone could have known my grandpa. He had a way of making everyone feel special and important. I have been reading through notes, talks, and cards he has given me through the years and ran across this. I think it shows what my Grandpa Cannon is like.

Guidelines For A Fulfilling and Happy Life
From One Who Has Been There
(written by George I. Cannon at age 63)

1. Have faith in and follow Jesus Christ. It will bring you eternal happiness.

2. Love and listen to your spouse. Have a second honeymoon at least once a year.

3. Take time to teach and enjoy your children. They are a lot more important than a clean house and yard.

4. Think: "How much can I give?" not "What can I get?"

5. Buy only that which you can afford. Don't envy others.

6. Seek for and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

7. Be a "Bebiggler" and not a "Belittler." Look for the doughnut and not the hole.

8. Be a helpful and concerned neighbor.

9. Listen to good music. Read good books. Engage in stimulating conversation.

10. Be a participant, not just a spectator. Don't be afraid to say "I'll try."

11. Don't expect perfection of anyone until you have achieved perfection.

12. Make a contribution in your work or any assignment you accept. Give credit to others. Show appreciation and compliment others.

13. Work is a blessing and not a curse.

14. Be an honest person.

15. Plant some pansies every spring and get your hands into the soil.

16. Own a popcorn popper and an ice cream freezer.

17. Enjoy being alive!

10 comments:

KevandChels said...

Wow, those are really great words of wisdom. Do you mind if I borrow them?

Unknown said...

Oh Karen, I'm so sorry. I know how much you loved your Grandpa Cannon. I'm so glad he was still able to seal you in the temple. I remember talking with you about how you were always a little nervous he wouldn't be around anymore when the time came. How wonderful that you have that memory. It was a beautiful sealing, and I was privileged to be there. And I love his words of wisdom, too! They are perfect!

I got your message the other day on my birthday and it made me happy! I'll give you a call sometime this week so we can catch up! Love you lots!

Jess

Lisa said...

Great tribute to a true HERO!!!

The Childs Family said...

Thanks for this post...I have been inspired today. :)

Ali said...

That's neat that he wrote those words of advice. You should frame them :) He sure is a handsome Man.

Sandra said...

You come from a great heritage. Grandpa Cannon was a great man. He accomplished so much during his life. He had a great love for his family and the Lord.

Sandra said...

I know that your Grandpa Cannon was very appreciative of all you were able to do for him as he was ill and your visits. He was always so proud of you as he was of all his grandchildren. He is a great example to all of us.

John & Nancy Wellington Family said...

Great tribute for a GREAT man! We really admire your Cannon grandparents! Thanks for printing his advice. I loved it when I heard it at the funeral and was happy to read it again. It is wonderful advice!

Unknown said...

What wonderful words! He truly is an amazing man and I'm so grateful that I got to know him for a short time. I always remember him playing Hearts and warning us about getting the "dirty dorrie." It makes me smile just to think of it!

Liz Walker said...

Karen, my parents told me of your grandpa's passing. I am sorry to hear that. I enjoyed reading his advice. He sounds like a wonderful man!