The Johnson's

Most of you know, my grandmother is quite ill.  Dementia took her mind and memory some time ago, but the recent Cancer diagnosis is likely to take her body soon.  I recently made a trip back to the frozen tundra of Bismark, ND to visit her and my grandfather.

It was an amazing weekend, too short, too sad, but a great opportunity to get hugs, give love, and relive old times with photos and stories.

The R.R. Scholl (My Great Grandpa Rube) Potato farmers.  No wonder I married an Irishman!?

 My Beautiful Grandma Wanda as a teen.

Wanda and Charles Tjenstrom - such a handsome couple!

There were many great stories over the weekend - but one of the most surprising to me was that my Grandfather's family name was not actually Tjenstrom!  It was Johnson!
Back in Sweden, young men were required to serve a term in the military.  When his grandfather went - it was common to take a different name (since there were so many with the same name) so letters would not get lost.  He changed his name to Tjenstrom and after leaving the military - decided to keep it!

What a lucky girl I am to have my grandparents in my life still today!  And while their time here with us may be limited in the coming years - I was reminded on this trip how important and fulfilling one last talk, one last hug, one last visit can be.  (Thanks to my good friend Heather for reminding me of that!)