My Grandpa Bill, mothers dad, died in September of the year 1996. 2 months later, I was brought into the world on November 22, 1996. My grandmother ended up marrying again to Grandpa Dave, who I always knew as just “grandpa”. When I was young, I never really knew anything about Grandpa Bill. It was like he wasn’t a part of the family anymore or because he wasn’t alive that no one wanted to bring it up. As I got older, I had questions on who my Grandpa Bill was as a person and my family began to share stories with me about his life. About how he was a sheep rancher, or in lamemens terms a shepherd, and how he could fix anything that was broken in or around the house. I guess I see where my uncles all got it from, with 5 of the 5 men being mechanically inclined, 3 of the 5 owning a machine shop, and one being a pilot. The work ethic doesn’t stop with just the men, my aunt and mother both work at an accounting firm, with my mom being a partner and head over the audit team. Even though I didn’t create a relationship with my Grandpa Bill in person, I see his values and dreams constantly within each and every one of his children.
As I got older, my relationship with my Grandpa Bill started to become more tangible. When I was about 20, I started having impressions that my Grandpa Bill had a presence in our home. That his peace, comfort, and guidance was apparent and that he would not be forgotten. The crazy thing was, that I wasn’t the only one having these impressions. My brothers and cousins who lived next door, could also feel “Grandpa Bill” was watching over us. So when I participate in family history work or bring my ancestors names to the temple, the scripture “Elijah will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, Malachi 4:5-6” will forever ring in my mind. Because during those times, I get to be with my grandpa. For he is my family’s shepherd and has careful watch over his herd. I believe in family history work for it is still the Lord’s work and glory, to bring to pass the eternal life of man. Families are forever and I could never deny that after the experiences I’ve had with my Grandpa Bill. I love this gospel with my whole heart and know that President Nelson is a prophet called of God, to lead His church. The blessings of family history work and temple ordinances will leave you with such feelings of joy as you try to connect with your predecessors. It is worth EVERY second spent, and I know this to be true in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
-Phil Cannell