My Grpa Ringger passed about 8 years ago or so. He always left before Gr.ma. She would be standing on our porch kissing everyone goodbye and chatting and Gr.pa would be in the car pulling out of the driveway. Their dedication to service for the Lord did not go unnoticed. I remember feeling so impressed that a General Authority had come to Gr.pas funeral services. This was one time when the power of the Ringger legacy was proven to me.
When I was a child my grandparents served a few missions in Switzerland. I missed them when they were gone, but remember feeling proud to have grandparents in Switzerland. Gr.pas brother, Uncle Hans was a General Authority and was involved with much of the organization of the church in Europe. Another testament to me on the strength of my last name.
This last week, on Gr.pas birthday, Gr.ma was reunited with Gr.pa in the Spirit World. I wander if Gr.ma scolded him for 'pulling out' before she got in for the ride home.
She was so funny. I don't usually remember occasions. I remember situations and words said. Gr.ma was usually the last to get a joke. She would ask all kinds of questions about the joke and then finally say " Oh, oh" and chuckle little. Gr.pa teased that she was Polish. The Ringgers have a 'Big nose' curse. I hated my nose. Gr.ma, and Gr.pa for that matter, always told things the way they were. She would say to me, "If you lived in Switzerland you would be the prettiest girl on the block." After my first baby was born she grabbed my cheeks and squeezed hard and said, "You look better with fat on your cheeks." I am pretty sure Gr.pa would now say, "Who's the fatty." lol. The crazy thing is they never hurt my feelings. I love that about the Ringgers. You can't be soft. It is what it is and You are what you are and that is ok. They love you for you and it's all fun and games.
I miss my family dearly and am proud to say the I am a Ringger.
