Miss Cindy’s service was very nice. Seems strange to say that about a funeral service, but it is a true statement.
The pastor, Chris, did a wonderful job and Paul sung beautifully. The Deer Hunter chose the songs and I think they were just perfect.
The first, “Somewhere Beyond the Blue” was one Pap wrote and the closing song was “Amazing Grace.” *UPDATE Paul told me I was wrong about Pap writing the beautiful song. It is an old Blue Sky Boys song called “Why Should You Be Troubled And Sad.” Here’s a link for you to hear them. It’s the second song on the video.
Of course we had no idea what Chris would speak on, but it was very comforting since it was some of Miss Cindy’s favorite scripture: Psalm 23.
Chatter also spoke about one of the most important things Miss Cindy taught her. She can explain it much more eloquently than I can, but basically she talked about how Miss Cindy had taught her we can’t change our circumstances but we can change the way we think about them. I admire the strength it took for her to speak at her grandmother’s funeral.
We drove back over late in the evening to see the gravesite. Every thing was very peaceful. It’s a beautiful place to be laid to rest, although I don’t think the folks laying there care a whit about that. However the beautiful scenery does help those who come in mourning.
I’m so thankful New Martins Creek Church allowed Miss Cindy to be buried near Pap and where someday Granny will join him. When I told Miss Cindy I planned to ask them if she could be she said “Oh that would make me very happy.”
Granny, Pap, and the rest of my family loved Miss Cindy and once she moved out here many years ago she became an integral part of their family just like she was mine and The Deer Hunter’s.
Chitter said it seemed only fitting that the view is so lovely since for several weeks Miss Cindy had been telling us she was happy to live in God’s country.
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p.s. A few folks said they did not receive yesterday’s email. Go here for Monday’s post.
Tipper, my deepest condolences to you and your family. May God bless you all during this difficult time.
Tipper,
Miss Cindy’s graveside service sounds just perfect. It sounds like she was laid to rest in a beautiful cemetery. When my mother passed away four years ago we had a graveside service also. It was my mother’s wishes. Her father passed away when she was only 12 years old and she never was comfortable with the receiving friends and big funeral service process. I was thinking how wonderful heaven is going to be. Not only will we finally be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but we will be with all our wonderful sweet loved ones again. You, Matt, Corie, Katie and Granny are in my prayers everyday. May the Lord continue to bless you all. You all are such a blessing to me and so many others.
There are no words to express my sadness— listening to the song you referenced by the Blue Sky Boys. My deepest condolences at this time.
This may sound silly, but even though I didn’t know Ms. Cindy, I felt a little connected to her in a way after I learned she was born in Athens, Georgia. I live about 20 or 25 minutes from Athens. All of my doctors are located in Athens. I believe Ms. Cindy is really happy right now. She’s already met Jesus and any other relatives and friends who’ve gone on before her. I can only imagine how happy she is. Just think, she’s met Jesus already. What a blessing. I’m still praying for y’all. Love the Presleys.
Jeri Whittaker
6/27/2023
What Miss Cindy told Chatter reminds me of a poster posted in one of the hallways at the hospital where I work. It says you can’t change the direction of the wind but you can adjust your sails. God bless your family and friends of Miss Cindy.
What Miss Cindy told Chatter reminds me of a poster posted in one of the hallways at the hospital where I work. It says you can’t change the direction of the wind but you can adjust your sails. God bless your family and friends of Miss Cindy.
Tipper, it sounds like such a lovely tribute. We are continuing to pray for God to surround you with His loving arms and comfort you all.
I’m sure you are absolutely correct that those who have passed don’t care (at this time) about where they are interred; but knowing that someone cared that they would be laid to rest somewhere beautiful DID matter. The knowledge that her earthly remains would be laid somewhere beautiful for her beloved family to visit was surely a great comfort to Miss Cindy. When my mother was nearing the end, it helped her greatly when I confirmed that she would, indeed, be laid to rest next to her beloved father and her mother. Just knowing that your wishes will be carried out with care is a great gift.
Tipper, Matt, Katie, Corie, Miss Louzine and all who loved Miss Cindy, know that we share your grief even though we have never met face to face. It breaks our hearts to learn that such a beautiful woman as Miss Cindy had trouble in her home life growing up. Troubles bring out strength of character in some. Apparently it did for Miss Cindy. I look forward to meeting her in Heaven.
I’m not surprised that Corie spoke about her grandmother. She is a strong one and has been raised with a fine, strong, good character, as has Katie. That’s a testament to her parents and extended family.
Tipper, it was good to see you and Matt returning to normal activities. You will do well to stay involved in things you love. Your garden is a fine place for that. In the video, it was obvious that you and Matt are emotionally drained and physically fatigued. Stress makes both worse, but the source of some of the stress is going away now. Now it’s time for you and Matt to look after yourselves and recover as much equanimity in your lives as you can.
Blessings to all . . .
A brother-in-law’s wife passed away yesterday. I’ve been asked to officiate the funeral Saturday. I’ve helped with a few but never had the full responsibility. I hope to bring comfort to those left behind. Your readers have done their best to offer comfort to Matt and your family these past few weeks. You bless each of us every day.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May good memories of Miss Cindy brighten every day. My thoughts are with all who loved her. May she rest in peace.
Tipper your.descrption was lovely.Miss Cindy has left a legacy of Love in your family
I love the way how cohesive your family is its a great example to others what the important things in life are
Honoring God and each other
Gods peace and Blessings to you all
I didn’t get yesterday post . Thank. As I sat here and read your post today I’m teary eyed and happy all at the same time. We will still be praying for you all. Miss Cindy left us with alot to remember her by. Tipper Just wanted to let you know I received my Cookbook yesterday. I love it Thank you so much.
Tipper. I am so happy for Miss Cindy. In life and death, she has had the most wonderful family and now she is at peace and walking those streets of gold. The 23 Psalm was also my mama’s favorite and when she died, the preacher asked me if she had a favorite scripture and so he spoke on that Psalm. Although Miss Cindy is gone from this ole world, she will never be forgotten. I am also happy that she got to be buried near Pap. Prayers to you, Matt, Katie, Corie and the rest of all the ones she loved so much. Thank you for sharing Miss Cindy’s journey with us.
I am so very sorry for the loss of Miss Cindy, especially for Matt. He was so blessed to have such a loving & caring wife to help care for his mother & also his 2 sweet girls helping. As I am now 71, I think of death like a loved one going on a long trip & us missing them & can’t wait for them to get back home. But with death they will not be coming home, so we must serve the Lord to the best of our ability so we can join them. Miss Cindy will be waiting on y’all to join her in a reunion like no other. When my son died my sweet Mother told me that my son would not come back even if he could, but instead will be waiting patiently in paradise for the rest of us to join him. Miss Cindy & all of you have been in my prayers since hearing her diagnosis, and I will continue to pray for your family as you navigate through your grief. God bless you all.
I am so glad that you’re able to find peace in laying Miss Cindy to rest. My thoughts were on y’all yesterday knowing what you were doing. My continued prayers for Matt and your entire family.
It was a beautiful service for a beautiful lady. Thank you to you and the family for such a warm greeting.
I meant to add this, it has been working the last 2 weeks for me. A doe and her fawns have been hanging around my backyard for the last couple of weeks but have not touched my garden. She wakes me up during the night by “blowing”.
This does not go along with today’s post but is a tip for someone having deer problems. My sweet potato friend – only 26,000 this year, told me he uses this to help with the deer. It is a fertilizer named Milorganite and another similar brand named Nitrogen organic. I just scatter it around the outside edges of my garden and don’t put it on my plants but do put a little in the middle of the rows. It has a order that deer do not like. Read Organic, I think I’m correct when I say this is a dry, granular fertilizer made from sewage. This may keep some from using it. To me I don’t think it is any worse than chicken, cow, horse or other manure that gets used for organic gardening. The only tip I have for squirrels is lead poisoning given by a 22 cal. rifle or a strong pellet rifle!
Your family has been on my mind and I pray for y’all each day when I talk to Almighty God.
We love you <3
Tipper, that is a beautiful picture of the cross with that magnificent sky God provided for just that moment it was taken. It’s a reminder of the promise we have for eternal life through Jesus who died for our sins on the cross, but more importantly He rose again to fulfill the promise so we who believe can spend eternity with Him in heaven. Miss Cindy is enjoying that promise along many loved ones who have gone on before. Prayers continue for comfort that only God can give at this time to Matt, you, the girls, Granny and all Miss Cindy’s extended family and friends.
I continue to pray for you and your family. Yes, funeral services can be nice, especially when I hear hymns I haven’t heard in a long time, and beautiful words spoken about the dearly departed.
Thinking of your family today.
The entire Pressley/Wilson family is in my prayers. I pray our gracious Lord shines His peace on all of y’all as you learn to navigate life without Miss Cindy here physically. May she live on in your hearts forevermore. Blessings now and always.
Tis is for Matt ,Tipper and Family, You all have my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of sweet Miss Cindy. We know we will see her again. She is in a beautiful place and she is with her Lord. You are ALL in my heart and my prayers daily. God bless each one of you. Over the last few months I feel as if I have become a part of your family. Love and prayers.
Miss Cindy posted so many comments about Pap being one of the greatest men she ever knew, so it’s no wonder she was happy to know she would rest beside him forever.
As Jesus taught us by His example…. Resurrection Power knows NO bounds here on earth…. May the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the death…. calm your family’s heart and bring hope in the midst of your valleys…. In His Grace, Alex H.
She lives on in you all, and everytime you talk about her, she lives in us, too. Thank you for sharing Miss Cindy with us, because we, too, loved her. You are in our prayers.
Lord have mercy, Tipper, on your whole family at this time of great loss. The way you spoke of the funeral, hymns, sermon, and where Miss Cindy lay, it’s a most touching and loving tribute- and to go back at evening shows just how very much she was loved and cared for by her family! I’m glad she’s resting in a beautiful spot right there in God’s country! I wish you all a day of rest and God’s comforting peace. I think the picture you took at sundown with the cross says a lot words cannot. God be with you all. And I forgot to share I saw an albino grackle bird or black bird at the food two mornings ago. The occurrence happens 1: 30,000. That and eating wild blackberries til my heart was content made it a beautiful day and I guess if you didn’t know it, I’m sort of a hippie, except I bathe and wash everything. Also, free love and free drugs is stupid and I gotta hang it on the wall! Lol
Please know we are keeping Matt and all the family in our prayers, Tipper.
Tipper, I am glad everything went well, I am sure Miss Cindy’s funeral was beautiful. My pastor’s mother passed away this past Saturday, but he went ahead and perched the Sunday morning service. One thing he said is that one of the worse things you can do is to die and your family not know for sure if you are in heaven or hell, you don’t go to heaven just because you were a good person. Miss Cindy left no doubt. I can not think of anything better than to be buried right in the middle of all of mine and my wife’s family, I have dearly loved spending my life with all of them. I have wrote this before, we know our Christian loved ones are in heaven rejoicing, it’s the ones they leave behind that hurting and suffering. Tipper, I will continue to pray for you, Matt and the other members of Miss Cindy’s family.
For yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is only a vision, but today WELL LIVED makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. (Author unknown). My high school English teacher wrote this on Monday morning as our thought for the week. I’m 72 years old and that has stayed with me all these years. I share that with you because Miss Cindy lived her life loving her God and her family. She’s now experiencing her vision of hope in her Heavenly home. May God be with all of you and fill you with His peace!
Job said, “I would not live alway.” Indeed, this troubled world and failing body together wear us out. Job also said, “I will wait until my change come.” It will be beyond lovely for those who know her (perhaps we each will?) to be reunited with Miss Cindy. I grow ever more eager to see the other side. But no matter how beautiful it is, I’ve learned in this life that relationships are where the greatest value lies. My heart yearns for such a knowing of one another that words are un-necessary. As a song says, “What a happy time twill be when we all get home.”
A beautiful service for a lovely soul. How perfectly fitting that she rest with your family.
Peace be with you.
I’m so happy I was able to be at the service. I was driving in last evening as the sun was setting and stopped by Cindy’s gravesite as well to say “see you later”. Everything looked so peaceful, calm and serene. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Matt, Corie and Katie!!
If we are God’s true children, then sleeping in a grave next to one another ought not be a problem. When disagreements arise in life, learning to resolve them is equally important. If God sees we can’t do that, then He doesn’t see His image in us & will judge us as unfit to live with Him in heaven. Love is who & what God is.
Obviously, Ms. Cindy lived by His principles and was able to go to her rest in peace and in harmony to await His 2nd coming. Blessings to all.
My heart goes out to you and your family. As hard as this is she is no longer in pain and will forever live in your hearts. The faith your family has will be what gets you through this and let you remember the beautiful times with Miss Cindy. God Bless you all.
Prayers for peace and comfort. He will wipe away all tears
God bless her Tiipper and prayers for you all!
Praying for you all and I do hope you all get some good sleep. All of us who have already been down that path know how you could be smiling one minute, turn and take a few steps, and hot tears flood your face and such an ache in your heart for that dear one. As you know, it will get better but it never goes away completely. Heaven does grow sweeter and sweeter the older we get because we know when we pass on there are a multitude of loved ones on the other side. That has always been such a comfort to me.
Dee, I can not add anything to your words, they are perfect description of what life is like after a very close love one dies. You can be happy one second and crying the next. I tell everyone everyday is like being on a rollercoaster, you are up and down all of the time.
I am keeping all of you in my prayers as you all adjust to the new “normal”. I pray especially for Matt on the loss of his mother. It is so tough to lose a parent. I envy Chatter being able to speak at Miss Cindy’s funeral. She has many gifts to offer. I pray for peace, love and hope for all of you, your extended family here at Blind Pig.
♥️
God bless and comfort each of you. Miss Cindy’s very nice service will bring much comfort for years to come.
Good morning all,
It’s so beautiful how both families get along so well, they are content to be laid to rest next to each other. I know so many people who have trouble with the in laws! You guys are so blessed!
Tipper, I completely understand what you mean about a funeral service being nice. There is comfort in that. God bless you and Matt and the girls and your family as you go forward. Go out & enjoy your glorious garden and the bounty that awaits.
I’m so very happy Miss Cindy was laid to rest near Pap and what a beautiful lesson Miss Cindy taught Chatter. I know it had to take a lot of strength to talk at her grandmothers funeral. That’s very special. It sounds like it was a lovely service for Miss Cindy. Continued prayers
Miss Cindy will be missed by so many, some she never even knew.
I always heard people say that Heaven gets sweeter and sweeter. I never really knew what they were talking about, but as I’ve gotten older…. I now know. Because we know Jesus, we have that expectation of Heaven. He is there waiting for us, but so our our dear loved ones. I’m sure that we will all get to know everyone in Heaven, after all, eternity is a long time.
Praying for comfort for ya’ll.
You have brought us into your lives and I think we readers feel as though we are a part of it. Your every day ventures are like talking to a family member and friend. I appreciate your sharing and giving us a part that we would not ordinarily know. No doubt these days and events are showing us yet another part of Appalachia only on a more personal level. Prayers still for your family and please give my thoughts to Granny. God Bless you all
my condolences to your family love you guys always watch your videos.
Father in heaven I ask you to comfort the family of Ms Cindy, thank you God she don’t suffer no more! God bless each and every one of the family with Peace and comfort and strength to endure I ask in Jesus name, Amen
You are in my prayers, Tipper. I am so grateful for all the blessings God gives you daily! I thought about your family and the service, praying and wondering during the time it was happening, and thinking of you all day – praying for energy to get through the day, and a time of comfort and remembering that being surrounded with family and friends brings when your heart is grieving. I am so happy you have the Peace that only comes from knowing Jesus.
Donna. : )
My deepest heartfelt sympathies to you and your family, ya’ll are in my thoughts and prayers