Happy Anniversary 62 years

Yesterday was Grandma and Grandpa Waters' anniversary. I thought this would be the perfect time to share with you how WONDERFUL my grandparents are and how blessed I feel to have them in my life.

Grandpa was born on 9/21/24 as Ronald Morgan Waters in Beaver, Utah. He grew up with 3 sisters and 3 brothers. At the age of 17 he was shipped off to fight in World War 2, and shortly thereafter became a prisoner of war. For days he was held in a fox hole and only fed small amounts of bread and water to keep him alive. Then was rescued and sent on a train to France where he was shipped back to the states. Shortly after arriving back to Beaver he met Grandma.

Grandma was born on 5/3/30 as Retta Decker, she was born a twin but her twin sister died shortly after she was born. Grandma met grandpa at a dance, they dated for awhile and got married shortly thereafter. Together they raised 8 children. Annette, then a child that was born still born, then my mom Ronda , Rodger, Jolene, Kevin, David and then Kristine. One of those children Rodger was born with down syndrome and wasn't expected to live past the age of 12. He is now 54 almost and they are still taking care of him, even more so now.


Uncle Rodger before he got really sick.

They also have 21 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way, when we have family get togethers as you can imagine it's pretty chaotic, but it's so fun to see everyone and be apart of this wonderful family.

Grandpa w/Jaidyn Grandma with Jaidyn Rodger with Jaidyn

About 8 years ago I remember receiving the news that grandpa was diagnosed with cancer. At the time we didn't have Jaidyn yet, and the thought of our kids not being able to know my grandpa Waters was too much for me. This is what pushed John and I to begin fertility treatments. We had been trying for 5 years to get pregnant but couldn't. Grandpa didn't want to go through Chemo and all the other medical procedures and opted for alternative treatments in Mexico at a clinic there. He has been in remission for the past 6 years. Since then he has had heart problems, and now has a pace maker. But still amazes me at how much he's able to do, or I should say continues to do. Grandpa is such a hard worker and it's pretty much impossible to stop him from doing things that he probably shouldn't be doing.

Grandpa working in his shop.





One of the things I love so much about grandpa is his laugh, he's such a happy person and when he gets laughing his arms go to his mouth as if he's trying to contain it, and then his belly begins to shake. He also loves kids and kids love him, but the thing that John and I love the most is hearing his stories. He has so many wonderful, scary and interesting stories from the war, growing up in Beaver and working in construction. They once lived on an Indian Reservation and raised 6 kids, my uncle David was even born there.

Grandma has always made sure that the family was taken care of. She is a great example to me, in the love and support that she has given not only her children but her grandchildren as well. Being the oldest grandchild I remember spending many times with grandma and doing crafts. She taught me how to crochet and we use to make these funny little ribbons for my hair. I remember going to school wearing them and everyone wanted some, so I began teaching my classmates during recess how to make them as well. Grandma and Grandpa always had fun things to do at their house and I remember looking forward to the weekends to spend with them. This year grandma was diagnosed with eye cancer (which is pretty rare) and so the doctors removed one of her eye's. Now she is having a hard time seeing out of her other eye as well and hasn't be able to crochet or read, which is some of her favorite things to do. One thing that I love about grandma is her hugs! She always has the biggest and tightest hugs, she makes you feel so loved. She is the most giving person I know, always worried about everyone else, a common thing you will hear her say when visiting is "go get you something to eat" "are you hungry" and "what can I get you?" Speaking of worried, that is something that both of them are very good at WORRYING...when ever you visit them as you're getting ready to head home grandpa will always ask "are your tires good?" and then go out and check them out for you. All of us kids, including their grown adult kids (who are in their 50's) always have to call and check in with grandma and grandpa when they arrive at their destinations and upon departing that destination.

Rodger saying "hi" to Oni.



Grandpa and Grandma taking care of Rodger

My uncle Rodger has been having a pretty bad year, besides having down syndrome he is now dealing with Alzheimer's. He is confined in a bed, which he is fed, clothed, bathed, and taken care of completely by my grandparents. When most would approve to having him put in a care facility, my grandparents have refused to take care of him, even though it has become very difficult, he is still their son, their family and they refuse to have it any other way. I was so impressed for their love for Rodgey on our last visit. Since Rodger is bedridden, his bed is now in the Family Room and so Grandma sleeps on the Family Room couch and Grandpa sleeps on the other couch. Rodger will often wake up in the middle of the night 2,3, 4 and even 5 times, and they continually come to his side to assist him no matter what time it might be. It was so amazing to me to see such love, dedication and service of my grandparents who are both in their 80's to my Uncle. There is no doubt that there is a special place in heaven reserved just for them. In my eye's they are the best grandparents ever! What a great example they have been to me. They have always been there for me and shown me love and support in all that I do. I feel so blessed to have them in my life and to share my life and children with them.

Happy Anniversary! We love you!