Happy 75th Birthday, Grandma

Monday, June 22, 2009

Happy 75th Birthday, Grandma

In my mind I have an entire post dedicated to my Grandma and the legacy she has given her family and taught us through the example of her own choices and life. She is an amazing woman and I could never do justice in expressing my appreciation and love for her. Rather than try to get into all of that right now, I want to write about the way we celebrated her 75th birthday.

We planned a surprise party - we meaning her three children and their families. This was a big feat because more than 2/3 of the family traveled from out of state for the sole purpose of coming together and celebrating the life of this woman we all adore. It was expensive and inconvenient, and one of the best things I've ever done!

We held this event at a local institute building. The kids hid under the table waiting quietly (well, as quietly as little kids wait) for the moment when they would be able to jump out and yell, "SURPRISE!"

We had a delicious meal. Grandma was surprised not only by her posterity, but also by a couple who also traveled from Utah to see her. They were instrumental in her conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints almost 50 years ago. It was a fun reunion for them.

There was lots of fun visiting (here you see my Dad and my Grandpa). It isn't often that we get such a complete group of us together. Even at weddings and reunions we don't have this good of a turnout. Everyone made Grandma a priority and we only had three people who couldn't come.

We had food, games, and an open mic time when we were able to share our memories of Grandma and things we've learned from her. I can't describe the sense of pride that fell over me as I listened to the impact that this woman has had on each of us. So many of my views on life have been shaped by her - and many of them are views that I have taken for granted and didn't necessarily know where I got them.

I was able to make a quilt for my Grandma on behalf of the entire extended family. On it, I included a label, which was my attempt at capturing some of the deep feelings I have for her. It said this:

Laurel June Johnson Cochrane

In celebration of your
75th birthday
We, your posterity, present you with this quilt.

As our
Mom,
Grandma
and
Great-Grandma,
Your life has been a blessing through the generations.

Today we honor you.

You have been our pioneer;
Our example;
Our friend.

We love you more than words can say.

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Family Proclamation

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.