Remembering Grampa Clark's 80th Birthday

Hi, Everybody!

Well, today is August 13, 2014, and there’s no sense in fighting the inevitable. Each and every one of us knew that this day would come, but we don’t shed any tears… okay, we have tears of laughter, but that’s about it. Other than that, my family looks back on this very day with great fondness on account of today is a special milestone in our family. It is on this day that we celebrate the life, the love, and the legacy of our original partriarch. To me, he was Grampa; to my mom, he was Daddy; to my Gramma Jewel, he was Dallin; to my Cousin Jade, he was Uncle; and to my Great Aunt Donna, he was Big Brother.

That’s right, y’all—I’m talking about the legendary Mr. Clark Kenneth Jones!

If he didn’t have to go to Heaven so soon, Grampa Clark would’ve been 80 years old today. As we sat around at breakfast today, we reminisced about all of the great things that he did, not just for his family, but also for those with whom he came in contact. I’ve already shared my favorite Grampa Clark story with you on multiple occasions—how he would change the words of the TV show That Girl and dedicate it to me… that’s a memory that I will never forget in my heart. Of course, Gramma Jewel fondly recalls the thirty-four years that she was married to Grampa Clark, and even though she has moved on, she still recognizes her wedding anniversary and Grampa Clark’s birthday; after all, she can never forget her first true love.

And then of course, there was the Sapp Elementary Hall of Fame celebration this past December, where my Uncle Anthony accepted the award and gave such a heartwarming and heartfelt speech that you would’ve thought Grampa Clark was in the room with us.

Those who knew my Grampa Clark can tell you: It didn’t matter if it was five years or five minutes—Grampa Clark loved to make you feel important, but he also loved to make you feel loved. I wish I had had the chance to really know him a little better, but the few little memories that I have of him still serve as a testament to his character. As for the rest of the family, they can smile in great fondness over the way he taught them how to drive, how to cook a decent cheeseburger, and in my Cousin Jade’s case, she will never forget how he walked her down the aisle on her wedding day. Grampa Clark was just that kinda guy!

In closing today’s blog post, I would like to say: There’s no better way to celebrate my Grampa Clark’s 80^th Birthday than with a fond memory, and his legendary quote:

YOU BETTER KNOW THAT’S RIGHT!!!

Happy #80, Grampa Clark—I already know that you’re still celebrating, so I’ll just say… I LOVE YOU!!!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha