Rae Goodrich June 15, 1919- Feb 17, 2011 Tridell Utah

The day after Tyson's birthday we got the call that Granddad Goodrich had passed away. We were saddened by the news. But also were grateful that his worn out body did not have to suffer in pain any longer. We prayed for a Grandma a lot that day. Those two were the perfect example of love. While he has been sick we'd heard news of her staying up with him during the night just to make sure he is alright and many more examples throughout their entire life I'm certain.

I remember the first time going to visit them when I was newly engaged to Tyson and they flooded the conversation with stories from their past. Their stories are very entertaining and full of details. They both have lived amazing lives together. Grandpa was a farmer in Tridell, Utah, a very small and peaceful community and Grandma raised 9 children and also taught preschool at Head Start. They both served their whole lives in the church. Grandma taught President Monson in Salt Lake city when he was in Primary. I loved hearing stories about their relationship with the prophet. I haven't heard how Grandma is doing. But I imagine her heart aches for him and I pray she is doing alright.

Like I mentioned Tyson was able to go the funeral. I would have liked to go to & learn more about this great man and to meet more of the extended Goodrich side of the family. Every grandchild but 2 were in attendance and including great grand kids they make up a total of 92! WOW! What a posterity they have created!

Tyson wasn't extremely close to him grandpa but he sure respected and looked up to him. We are sure grateful to come from such an amazing family.

Rae, Ruth, Tyson, Laura & Lydia (2 months old) Thanksgiving weekend 2008.

The last time we visited them was when Lydia was 1 years old

she had a stomach bug and we didn't stay long or take any pictures.)

My friend wrote this poem and read it in Relief Society a few years ago.

I asked her for a copy and she just recently sent it to me. Her Grandpa was a farmer as well.

Just Finish The Test

By Chantel Bingham Murrah

There once was a man who to earth he was sent

With a work to complete and to finish a test.

He knew it would not be so easy but he wanted to go

To earth to gain a body and to spiritually grow

He found it difficult and hard and sometimes he cried,

“Lord, I can’t do it, it just is too hard”.

But each time in reply the Lord loving said

“Just finish the work and endure to the end”.

The years quickly passed even decades or two

And the man kept on going, he had work still to do.

His hair became gray, his body tired and worn

Often he prayed, “Lord, is it time to come home?”

But each time he heard, “Not yet, you’re not through”

“Just finish the work you were sent there to do!”

“But what can I do? I’m very old you see

And my arms, legs, and hands don’t work as easily.

But advice I can give, and listen I can

And the stories I’ve got, I’m quite an old man.

To my kids and my grandkids and their kids and so forth,

I can help everyone as long as I’m on earth!”

And so the man did never knowing how much

He left of himself to that whole rowdy bunch.

And when he had done all that was humanly possible

He finally returned home to his Heavenly Father.

“Good work”, said the Lord, “you’re work there is done”.

You are a most righteous and good faithful son.

“Now, “ said the man, “I’m ready to rest”.

“I’ve worked my whole life, I’ve finished my test”.

“Yes,” said the Lord, “but there is still work to do,

You’ve got worlds to create, you still are not through”.

“You’re right, “ said the man, “I’m ready to go

I’ve gained all the knowledge I needed to know.

Each obstacle there that I thought was a curse

I see know was something I needed to learn.

I know how to do it, I’m ready let’s go.

I’ve spent my whole life for this challenge, you know”.

He paused only for a moment, to take one last glimpse

Of his family on earth that he already missed.

He saw his kids, and their kids, and so on and so forth

Struggling and fighting with their challenges on earth.

Each one in a stage that he had once passed.

He looked at them all and with that last loving glance,

“Keep going,” he shouted, “You’re just not quite through.”

“Just finish the test, there is work still to do.

Learn all that you can, you’ll need it, you see

For the work that is waiting for all eternity.

I’ll go on ahead, there is so much to do.

Just finish your test; I’ll be waiting for you!”