I did not know my Grandpa Karren well. My memories of him are of him being sick and sitting in his favorite rocking chair in his home on Bryan Avenue. In fact, I did not think he liked me much, and I can only recall one time when he acknowledged me. Thus, my memories of him have been somewhat tainted by those “uncomfortable” experiences.

One evening, after talking family history in general with friends, and about my Grandma Karren in particular, I returned home and went to bed. I had an interesting dream. I was at my grandparent’s home on Bryan Avenue. I was talking with my grandma. She looked much younger. She went in the other room to talk to Grandpa Karren. He then entered the room. He was a younger man, healthy and smiling. I noted his dark hair. He looked at me and smiled and greeted me. I felt a warmth from him, unlike anything I had experienced in my life.

My perspective of him changed – I now think of him as he appeared in my dream and am grateful for that singular experience.

– Jeffrey Karren, consultant, Granite FamilySearch Center