Unconditional Love

Everyone has been hounding me to do a "memory" for Dad's 80th birthday. These stories are fun. But, if I am posting something for the world to see about my parents. They should know that the clearest "memory" I have of Dad and Mom, is that they always loved me unconditionally. They are outstanding examples of faith, service, and sacrifice. Thank you for your endless patience with a son who was at times stubborn or disobedient. You are tremendous parents, and you have set a great example for your children to follow in raising our families. I hope you have a great birthday. I love you very much.
--Brian

Fishing Trip Gone Bad

I don't recall exactly how old I was, but I was probably about six years old. My Dad was going on a fishing trip with Mike and Dave. Matt and I wanted to go too, but they said we were too young. We had an old station wagon. There was a seat in the very back that folded down. At some point before they loaded the car, Matt and I hid in the back of the car, and folded the seat down on top of us. Part of the floorboard had rusted out so we could get oxygen, although looking back we were fortunate we didn't asphyxiate from carbon monoxide. We tried to be as quiet as possible, so we could arrive at the lake undiscovered. Laying there in the dark, hot compartment with nothing to keep us entertained, we both quickly fell asleep. It was summer, and our two bodies cramped together began to sweat. Once we left the paved roads dust from the dirt roads started to funnel up through our oxygen hole. I woke up first, then I woke Matt. They heard us talking, and pull to the side of the road. The dust clung to our sweaty bodies, and when they pulled us out we were caked in mud. We quickly wash off in the lake, and headed back home because Dad knew Mom would be worried sick.
--Brian

Yard Work and Tuna Sandwiches

Happy Birthday Grandpa, I don’t really have one specific memory of you. My memory is all the times I’ve been over to your house to do yard work. I think I’ve been doing it since I was eleven or twelve. We’ve spent a lot of time together fixing sprinkler’s, mowing the lawn, pruning, trimming, spraying the weeds, digging trenches, and a lot of other odds and ends. At lunch Grandma always had a tuna fish sandwich ready for us and some Sour Cream and Onion Chips. A couple of years ago I was sure that I was fixing the same sprinklers every year, and I was starting to get a little suspicious. Grandpa, I thought you were going out and breaking the sprinklers so you could have an excuse for me to come over.
--Trevor

Magnify Priesthood

Of the memories I have of Grandpa Mills the best ones usually revolve around sacred ordinances. I remember Grandpa attending my baptism, when I was given the priesthood, received my endowments and finally when I was married. He has always been there for me and been there during those sacred times. He has also been a good example to me of a worthy priesthood holder.

When I was given the priesthood he told me to always magnify my priesthood. He explained that a magnifying glass can make things bigger, focus in on objects and even be used to burn ants! He told me that magnifying the priesthood meant to focus in on our Savior and the power that he has given us as priesthood holders to help his children. I feel like he has done that throughout his life. Thank you Grandpa for your great example and your love that you show to me and my wife. We both love you so much.
--Joshua

Priesthood Session

I know Dad loves the Lord. I also know he has a testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. When I was a teenager we use to go into the tabernacle for the Priesthood Session of Conference. I remember I didn’t really like going, but he would take us out for ice cream after. He was showing his love for the Savior and his love for me.
--David

Great Man

He is a great man and has taught me how to be a man. The way he lives his life is an example to the world. He has had some trials and stumbling blocks placed in his path, and has overcome them. What an example he is! This is a man who loves his family, he not only says it but he shows it.

This was exemplified when he had all 8 children living at home and he was still willing to move Grandma and Grandpa Syme into his home to love and take care of them. Dad, I am glad you welcomed Teri into the family and treated her like your own daughter. I love the way you interact with Joshua, Elise and Mikayla and have always shown them you love them. You continue to be an example to me by the way you have welcomed Jaimie-lyn and Andrew into our family.

I am glad you have the Bob Hope gene and gave it to us. As kids it has always been fun. I love you.
--David

Work Hard

Dad taught us to work hard as we grew up I remember going down to the stockyard and getting loads of manure to spread on the garden and lawn. We weeded and watered the garden and took care of the yard. We worked around the house. We all had chores. I remember helping finish the basement. We changed the oil in our cars and anything else that we could do. My Dad used to tell me I was good with my hands.

We had a side business putting in mow strips for people. We dug the small trenches around the flower beds and set the molds, mixed the cement and poured it and finished the tops and edges. I don’t think we made any money, but I remember the work.
--David