HAPPY MEMORIES

My only son and his wife, who lived in the same town as I did, had seven children. Although the children had wonderful parents and a loving home, they loved to come to stay for the weekend at my home — one at a time and in turns.

During those visits with me, we got to know each other well, did things and went places together. They are now all adults, most with children of their own. But they still have happy memories of our times spent together and so do I. — Rosina Self, Aylesbury, England

READING TAPES

My oldest daughter and her family live out-of-state. I don't get to see my three grandsons, ages 5, 3 and 8 months as often as I would like. At the suggestion of my wife, we bought story-books, a cassette recorder and some blank audio-tapes and I read the books aloud, while running the tape recorder. I then send the completed tape and the books to my grandsons and they can "hear Grandpa read to them." The oldest is learning to read, so he follows along as Grandpa says the words. For the cue as to when to turn the page, I merely strike an empty glass with a pencil to obtain a nice, audible "ping."

I am amply rewarded when the boys hear my voice on the telephone and tell me how much they love listening to me read to all three of them. — David L. Pistorius, Houston, Texas

NEED OUR HELP

Sometimes, grandchildren need not only our love, but also our help. There were times when we provided a safe atmosphere, good food, toys, school clothing, and spending money for them. Some of our grandchildren lived with us for awhile. We also took them on vacations with us. We lived out of town, so we picked them up, two or three at a time, and brought them home to spend a month of their summer vacation with us. We treated them to swimming, camping trips and tours around the historic area we lived in.

In spite of growing up in a troubled home, they have all become responsible adults. Some have served missions, and most of them have married in the temple. Now they are lovingly giving service to me as I am widowed and up in years. — Name and location withheld

TIME ALONE

My 13 grandchildren look forward to my semi-annual visits, when I take each child separately and we do whatever he or she chooses for the afternoon. The best part is the summer of their 15th birthday when they spend two weeks alone with me, all expenses paid. It is our time to get to know each other, not through their parents' eyes, but through our own interaction. They travel on their first plane ride to the city where I live, and we tour the area. Because I move around in my job, this gives each child a new location. Washington, D.C., was the first site, San Francisco was next, and the third child is planning on New York City in 1999.

This first experience away from parents and siblings builds self-confidence, knowledge of the world outside of home and appreciation for the family when they return. I thought this age would be my one chance to have them alone; what I have discovered is the first grandchild returned this summer at his own expense because he loves having fun with me. Our plans now include a trip to Palmyra this summer as he prepares to leave on a mission this fall. It is my gift to enhance his testimony. The memories we build will be passed on to another generation, as my testimony of the gospel is indelibly painted in their memories, and thus becomes a teaching moment that can last forever. — Marylyn Massey, Neward, Del.

PAINTED TOGETHER

Years ago when my grandchildren were very young, they came to visit me often. I put old shirts on them and gave each one paper, brushes and paints, and we all painted together — joyfully — for hours. We listened to tapes of Primary songs as we painted. To this day, they remember those happy times and they call me "Paint Grandma." With three great-grandchildren, we will repeat these painting-music sessions. — Marie Stealey, Paradise, Calif.

SETS GOOD EXAMPLE

Reasons I am close to my grandmother: