I don't know if eveyone who might visit this family blog is aware that we lost our oldest son, Greg, in late January. It was very sudden and was the result of heart failure. Greg was the focal point of our life and we miss him very much. But we know he is with those who love him and he is whole. We know that we will be with him again as a family unit. We are doing well but still feel that part of our life and purpose for living is missing, But each day it is a little better and we are so thankful for family and friends who have been so supportive through this difficult time.

Wonderful Day

We had a wonderful day yesterday spending it with Jeff and Renee's family. All of their children and grandchildren were here to bless Steven and Brittney's new baby, Brinley. I was blessed to be ask to be part of the blessing which was done by Brit's father. She is an absolutely beautiful baby. All of the family are doing so well and we are very proud of them. Brandon and Andrea are in Mesa where Brandon is finishing his first year of graduate school at Arizona State University. He will begin an intership this summer with a medial production company. Steve and Brit are in Colorado Springs where he is stationed at Fort Carson. He and his unit are preparing for deployment to Afganastan. He is preparing himself for when his enlistment is up and will be close to quaifying as a Physican Assisatant. Kevin and Becky are living in Logan where both are attending Utah State University. Kevin is working in cheese factory to pay the bills while they are in school. They will be moving into a brand new home they purchased in May. Ali is finishing high school with a near perfect grade point average. She will be attending Utah State in the fall on a scholarship.

All three of the boys have become just wonderful fathers and the great grandchildren are just beautiful. The thing that impresses me the most is that the family just doesn't love each other but they like each other. They clearly enjoy being together and doing things together. And that is pretty rare in families. I hope to post some pictures of the day later.

Grandpa and Grandma got dressed up for the recent Athletic Awards Ceremony. It was the first time I had worn a black tux. When I first saw the picture I wondered who the old man in the picture was. Low and behold it was me. I've discovered that more and more when I look in the mirror I see my father looking back at me.

Grandpa Smith named "Volunteer of the Year"

At the annual BYU Athletic Awards Grandpa Smith was named athletic volunteer of the year. The following was what appeared in the program for the event.

Al Smith

With a great love of BYU Athletics, stemming from his time at BYU as a student, Al Smith has spent the last four years as a BYU volunteer. His hard work and friendly personality have touched many lives. Al is being honored as this year's volunteer of the year.

After beginning as a volunteer at Legacy Hall, Al is entering his 4th year as the Football Practice Security Coordinator. His responsibilites include the coordination of more than 30 volunteers who staff the daaily football practices.

Al met his wife, Shonnie, while working toward his bachelor's degree in Sociology at BYU. The two have been married 51 years and have three sons, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren .

The long-time Cougar Club member moved to California after their time at BYU, but their passion for BYU athletics stayed with them. They were actively involved with their communtiy, including Al making sure coverage of BYU athletic events were available at the local stake center.

Al spent 31 years working in corrections as a probation and parole officer. Upon retirement. he and his wife decided to move back to Utah to be close to BYU.

As a volunteer, Al enjoys spending time getting to know people involved in BYU Athletics. He especially enjoys spending his time in a way that benefits others.

Al is especially grateful to all of the security volunteers he has worked with at BYU, who give so willingly of their time.

They even got grandpa into a tux for the event!