Ties to old family

Jack and I had a wonderful experience this weekend that has caused these images of his family members to float about in my consciousness all week. We were able to go to the Mesa temple and seal together his grandparents and great grandparents. All of whom have passed on since before Jack and I were married. I just have to show you their pictures and share with you their wonderful stories!

The second picture from the top is a picture of Jack's great grandparents: Stella Mae and Aaron Wesley. After noticing his fantastic ears, you will love knowing that love really is blind. Together they had twelve children. Jack and I have their small double iron bed, and bask in the knowledge that there were good times in that bed. To quote Jack's now deceased father, "What do you think people did before television?". The first picture of the series is one taken at Great Grandpa Fleming's funeral in 1970, with Stella Mae flanked by all 12 of her beautiful children. I can't doubt her creativity, for they have the names Jack (originally Jabel) Rastee, Doc (not short for doctor, by the way), John, Ruble, Vernon, W.D. (initials not short for anything), Eloise, Louise, Effie, and Mark. I just love that picture of Stella Mae and Aaron Wesley. Stella has a little elfish look of mischievousness that I adore.

The two bottom pictures are of Jack Fleming in the navy during World War II (he's the handsome character on the far left, first row), and then underneath him his bride Mary. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is that Jack not only has his grandfather's namesake, but his dashing good looks! About the only difference that I can see is that Jack Sr. has bright blue eyes and my Jack has dark brown ones. When little Max gets a haircut, he looks so much like Jack Fleming Sr. in his later years. I have to tell you that when we had Jack and Mary sealed to each other, then their son (Jack's uncle) Gary sealed to them, I was overcome with emotion. You see, when Gary was 17, he was hit by a car and killed walking home, and the family never quite recovered fully. I cannot even fathom that kind of loss, and I felt their joy so fully that I will never forget it.

I sometimes wish that I had pictures and stories for all of the names that I've done in the temple. We've all lived and loved and cried and laughed, and the most important thing to us after it all is our family. We don't get to choose our family members, but I swear if I had a lineup of adorable little boys to choose from, I'd still choose my special Max!