Contributed by Keri Elaine Lingard
I loved to visit grandpa and grandma each summer. When I was little, grandpa would pay me to give him head massages. He was bald and would lie down on the couch with his head in my lap. I would massage his head as we talked. Then he would always give me one bright penny.
The freezer in the garage was always stocked with ice cream. Every container would have a bent spoon inside. He would walk by during the day, open the freezer, grab a bite, then offer a bite to whoever was with him. My family always laughed about this memory and the freezer burnt tasting ice cream.
Each visit, he would set me on his knee and tell me 5 things I needed to look for in my future spouse. He would hold up a finger for each one and have me repeat them. 1. He has to smile 2. A returned missionary, who believes in what he has preached 3. Education, either a trade school or university degree 4. Be able to take me to the temple for a celestial marriage 5. Hard working
I would think of these as I dated. I am grateful for what he taught me. I chose a man who fit these 5 things and I consider him one of my greatest blessings.
Visit FamilySearch to learn more about Rex C. Tolman. Also visit the Thomas Tolman Family Organization to find out how you can get more involved in family history.