First Date

On my first date with David, he picked me up at my house and took me to 2490 so we could pack up some supplies to take to Sundance. We went up to the cabin with a group of siblings and dates and friends, and Dave and I cooked dinner for everyone. (Sounds not so fun, but it WAS fun--we talked the whole time we prepared the food and it seemed very comfortable to get to know each other that way.) So anyway, the thing I remember about meeting Mom and Dad that night--my first introduction--was that they were seated together at the kitchen table having a quiet little dinner for two. I don't think they got up to greet me; they just turned and said a friendly hello; then they went back to their private meal and conversation. There were lots of us coming and going through the kitchen for about half an hour: David and I, Jenny and Mary Ellen and their dates (Blake was Jenny's date--they've known each other longer than we have!), maybe others. The thing that struck me was that Mom and Dad were in their own little romantic world, unperturbed by anything happening around them. Of course, as I got to know them through the years, I could see how true that was--in many ways their relationship was its own island. That had its drawbacks in terms of others who tried to find a spot in the family, but it was admirable in many ways. They really did care most about each other.

Swivel Hips

A favorite time spent with Grandma and Papa occurred when I was probably 5 or 6. I was staying with them one afternoon and Papa decided to teach me how to do swivel hips. So Grandma and I sat on those white painted metal chairs as Papa demonstrated how to do swivel hips. I watched in amazement as he twisted back and forth again and again. Then it was my turn. Papa helped me to get the movement down. I think that I could only do it two or three times back and forth. I loved to be outside with them!

Grandma and Papa Hatch

A favorite memory I have of Grandma and Papa is walking among the flower beds and rose bushes along the little cement paths in their backyard. It occurred during the spring, summer, and fall.

Papa pushes Grandma in the wheelchair. Both have their sun hats on and the evening sun casts a warm glow on the mountains and illuminates their beautiful backyard. Grandma says how beautiful the flowers are. Papa shares a story, and Grandma shows her quick wit by adding a humorous comment.

We would sometimes sit on the front porch and talk. And many other times we would sit at the kitchen table and look out the big picture window at Squaw Peak, Y Mountain and the Provo Temple.

I learned from their experiences and stories. And I always felt of their love---for each other and for me. "We are proud of you." They would say. "We love you."