I thought I’d share an old post about Pap with you today. The last 24 hours have been mighty hard him. As I write this I’m sitting in his room on the Cardiac Unit of Emory University Hospital. If you’re a praying person-say a quick prayer for him-we’d all greatly appreciate it.
Orginally published on April 29, 2009 here on the Blind Pig.
Pap and his buddies found much mischief to get into when they were kids. Most of the time no harm was done.
One Sunday afternoon, the group of boys were up on the mountain-enjoying one of their favorite pastimes-rolling rocks off the side of the mountain. They would push or pry the rocks until they began rolling down the mountainside-contests usually ensued as they bet on whose rock would roll the greatest distance.
Pap and his buddies came across a huge rock-one of the biggest they had seen in the area. They picked up sticks and tried to dislodge the rock-Pap said they gave up more than once-but each time one of them would pick up their stick and try again. After a good while of pushing and prying the rock finally came loose from the mountain and started rolling-gaining speed as it went. There was a shell of an old Chestnut tree in it’s path-the rock just splintered the tree into matchsticks and kept on going until it went out of sight. Pap said he’d never forget the sound the big rock made tearing through the woods like a bulldozer.
When Pap arrived home from school on Monday afternoon-he noticed a neighbor man standing in the yard with his father. As Pap walked up the path they called for him to join their conversation. Pap’s father asked him “Jerry, Mr. Anderson tells me a big rock tore down his fence, flattened his corn corn crib and almost hit his house-do you know anything about it?” Pap said he couldn’t believe the rock had traveled that far-over a mile-but he knew it had to be the same rock-so he fessed up to pushing the rock off the mountain. His father said he’d have to pay for the fence and the material to build the corn crib back-but Mr. Anderson interrupted and said “Now I hell-I don’t want no money but they can sure fix my fence and help rebuild the corn crib.”
Pap was shocked by the destruction when he went to help Mr. Anderson. The rock had come off a bank about head high-left a huge hole in the ground-rolled over the fence-through the corn crib and stopped just short of the house. Pap was sure glad no one was in the yard when the big rock plowed through.
The Anderson’s never did move the rock. Pap said the last time he was by there-the big rock was sitting just were it landed all those years ago.
I was a scaredy cat as a kid (actually I still am)-I don’t remember doing anything really dangerous-Do you?
Tipper
49 Comments
Becky
March 3, 2011 at 10:17 amOh, no! I hope all is well now. I’m saying prayers anyway!!!
Ron Corley
February 28, 2011 at 8:09 amGood morning Tipper,
I guess I’m a few days behind on your daily posts. I love it that you share so many interesting, educational, and wonderful stories with all of us out here. All of them make me feel like I’m one of the family. I am so very sorry to hear that “Pap” is going through this setback right now … I know that this must have you all worried. Tipper, I am a prayer warrior, and you can be sure that when I go into my prayer closet I will lift him up to the Lord … and also ask Him to comfort all of you. Make no mistake, Pap is in the loving hands of Abba Father, He is in control, and nothing will happen without God’s permission. Have a great day!
Charline
February 26, 2011 at 3:05 pmTipper,
I love the ‘big rock’ story, and I’ve been thinking of you and your Pap a lot, and prayers sent, as well, along with the others. I trust he will be ‘right as rain’ real soon!
yolanda
February 25, 2011 at 6:50 pmI so totally agree with this post.
Bradley
February 25, 2011 at 6:00 amForgot to say….I believe many times God will give each of us a pop test just so he can check to see if our faith is still in good working order. I bet you will pass yours with flying colors and be rewarded for it, I just know it.
Bradley
Bradley
February 25, 2011 at 5:37 amTipper,
Our computer has been down with a virus And I didn’t know; Just got it purged. It will be O.K. Tipper. Pap will be O.K. “Jesus cares, his heart is touched by our grief.” You and your family are in our prayers.
Bradley
Vicki Lane
February 25, 2011 at 12:20 amA great story, Tipper! I’m holding you and Pap in my heart…
lynn legge
February 24, 2011 at 11:48 pmtipper my thoughts and prayers are with you and pap.. may the good Lord guide the doctors in his recovery. i love the story and to see that rock, must bring back so many memories.. and remind us all . that we were children and had lessons to learn.. and what a way to always remember.. by seeing that rock.. sending big ladybug hugs to you all… lynn
Pinnaclecreek
February 24, 2011 at 11:31 pmAs the prayers flow, you will feel the Lord with you. There is something so special about Pap, and may God bless and keep him through this. In Jesus’ Name.
PointlessPicks
February 24, 2011 at 11:15 pmPrayers to your Pap, you and your family. I hope and pray everything turns out OK!
janet pressley
February 24, 2011 at 10:37 pmWishing you and yours much strength at this time. God bless Pap and all of you. Nana
Suzi Phillips
February 24, 2011 at 10:22 pmHeart problems are a scary business, but I’ve seen first hand the amazing things medical science can do! Pap & your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
Helen G.
February 24, 2011 at 10:10 pmThe good Lord is holding Pap and all of you in the palms of His ever protective Hands.
And probably the most dangerous thing I ever did (and more than once) was jump off the roof of the garage…
Hugs…
Helen
Rechelle Brown
February 24, 2011 at 9:48 pmam praying for your Pap, Tipper, and for your whole family to have comfort and not worry-
Larry Proffitt
February 24, 2011 at 8:56 pmTipper, Norma and I will for sure be in prayer for Pap and you and your family . In Christ Jesus, Larry Proffitt
Reb R
February 24, 2011 at 7:32 pmSending mighty prayers.
Sheryl Paul
February 24, 2011 at 4:50 pmOh my, I do hope everything turns out alright with your Pap. I really don’t remember doing to much of anything dangerous, but I probably did. I know I sped a bit, but not the 125 mph someone else did. Again my thoughts are with you and your family.
Sheryl
Brenda Kay Ledford
February 24, 2011 at 4:28 pmTipper,
I sure hope and pray things will go well with Pap. I know how hard it is for the family and the patient being in the hospital. We’ve stayed many nights with loved ones in hospitals. The nights get mighty long.
You, Pap, and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Basketsbyrose
February 24, 2011 at 4:08 pmPrayers going out to your Pap, you and your family. Hugs coming from S.E. MI for you!
Anne
February 24, 2011 at 3:34 pmSurely will be praying for Pap and your family during this time of trial.
To Pap : While you are under some fine doctors’ care, you are most importantly in the Master’s care. He is in the Healing and Miracle business !
Since you have given peace and joy and comfort to all of us who have listened to your beautiful mountain music…may you be returned comfort and peace for every note you have sung !!
Miss Cindy
February 24, 2011 at 3:30 pmI add my prayers to this beautiful outpouring of love and concern for Pap!
And…how big was that rock?
B. Ruth
February 24, 2011 at 2:55 pmTipper,
Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion
Whispers her comforting word:
Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone.
….Whispering Hope…
Tell Pap that we need him here to sing and play for us and we hope and pray he makes a fast recovery..
I would love for Pap and Paul to sing Whispering Hope for us when he is well…
Prayers are being sent up for Pap, you and your family…
Thanks Tipper
Melissa P - MIsplaced Southerner
February 24, 2011 at 1:49 pmConsider the prayers for your Pap AND for you done! I lived in Marietta, GA for almost 23 years and know that Emory is one of the best hospitals in the country. You’re in great hands!
Did many a foolish thing in my youth (some involve that car I wrote about yesterday – like going 125 on US 19 going home from college one weekend), but luckily never damaged anyone else’s place – not that there wasn’t a heck of a lot of luck involved.
Sheila Bergeron
February 24, 2011 at 1:48 pmIt is done! In the name of Jesus, amen!God is in control.
Pat in east TN
February 24, 2011 at 1:33 pmYou all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Don Casada
February 24, 2011 at 1:16 pmPraying for healing and comfort, but also for encouragement and assurance that God is right there with you – holding you all in the palm of His hand.
audrey
February 24, 2011 at 1:10 pmLoved the story of Pap, that he had the determination to roll that rock and the honesty to confess to doing it. Tell him that he has a lot of people praying for him and thinking of him.
Wanda
February 24, 2011 at 1:07 pmI was a big chicken but my brothers & their friends did this kind of stuff. Anointed my brother with mulberry juice & toted him home –nearly scared Mama to death. Set a field on fire on a windy day & only the Lord’s help saved the day. Played in pig pen & got chased by the huge sow–I saw this & it was really hilarious. My brother was tall & skinny & his legs were really jacknifing.
They bicycled in the mule pasture & Old Roady got after this same brother. He was pedaling madly & yelling “Gee, Roady, Haw, Roady”.
They still love to scare people to death. One crawled around the van in total darkness & scared his wife almost to death. My own son stuffed his Freddy Kruger mask, backlit it & put it in Mimi’s bed when she was visiting us. I tell them they’re gonna do it to someone who has a big stick in their hand someday.
Tipper, my husband has a family history of heart disease. It took his daddy & he had an attack himself at 48. I understand how hard it is to wait at the hospital. I love to hear about Pap & his adventures & will be praying for him & all of yall.
Wanda
Rachel
February 24, 2011 at 12:59 pmPraying for your Pap.
That must have been a big rock! Great story!!
grannis little corner
February 24, 2011 at 12:39 pmGod is still in control, and He does hear our fervent prayers. Will be sending up some kneemail for Pap. I enjoyed this story about one of Pap’s many adventures, btw, he sure was attractive, and still is a handsome fellow.
Jill Wilson
February 24, 2011 at 12:39 pmHey Tipper Jerry is in my prayers he means the world to me and he is a great man one of the best I have ever known. I loved the story it was great. You and your family are in my prayers I know this has to be hard on you to.
Mike McLain
February 24, 2011 at 12:37 pmOur study group meets tonight and Pap will definitely be on our list and he is on my list now. Give him our regards.
Ethel
February 24, 2011 at 12:36 pmPrayers and best wishes to the entire Blind Pig family.
Stacey
February 24, 2011 at 12:35 pmThat’s a great story, I’d love to see a picture of that rock.
Your family is in my prayers. i hope Pap gets well soon.
Stacey
Eva M. Wike, Ph. D.
February 24, 2011 at 12:28 pmNo! No! I never did such a thing! I never even got to hike to the Devil’s Post Office in the Shewbird Mountain. The Shewbird would have been a fine mountain to roll a stone down! Unfortunantly the mountain has been split in two by blasting by the big guys!
Sitting beside your PAP makes me remember my time with my daddy up at Hiwassee Hospital. I hope things go well for you all!
Eva Nell
Ken
February 24, 2011 at 12:28 pmTipper,
My prayers are certainly with Pap
and all of you right now. Emory is
probably the best place in the country for heart problems. My
2nd oldest brother got a speedy
recovery from his heart surgery
and they took excellent care of him. As a friend and one of your
many acorns, I wanted you to feel
the love we share. Get well Pap
and hurry home…Ken
kat
February 24, 2011 at 12:26 pmAm praying for Pap and your family. Enjoyed reading about his adventure with the rock.
Nancy @ A Rural Journal
February 24, 2011 at 12:24 pmTipper — to see your Pap at such a young age in the photo — it brings home your message.
I’m not a religious person, but when it’s his time, let him go.
I’ve been there. Big hugs from Nebraska.
Lise
February 24, 2011 at 12:04 pmI am holding healing thoughts for Pap; may you all have strength during this time.
I love the fact that the rock is still in the yard!
Tom
February 24, 2011 at 11:34 amTipper,
Pap is definitely in our thoughts and prayers today, so are you and your family. God bless all of you!
Tom
Uncle Dave
February 24, 2011 at 11:30 amTipper
Pap is in our prayers and so are the family! Tell him hello from Uncle Dave.
Joji
February 24, 2011 at 11:28 amBig prayers for your Pap. I remember setting the woods on fire with my brother as we lit those plastic army men. They made the wierdest sound when the plastic would melt off and fall to the ground, and set the woods on fire!
Pat
February 24, 2011 at 11:27 amPraying for your Pap and your family.
Lonnie L. Dockery
February 24, 2011 at 11:26 amTell that old Marine that the word has gone out and there are Jarheads in “every clime and place” praying for him today! Tell him he’s got the duty tonight and watch him come out of that bed! Hang in there Tipper!
Yvonne
February 24, 2011 at 11:18 amYour Pap is in my thoughts and prayers. This story is just wonderful. Take care.
Mamabug
February 24, 2011 at 10:48 amTipper my prayers are with you and Pap and the family. God is still the great physician, and still in the miracle working business. Hugs!
martina
February 24, 2011 at 10:34 amGet well soon Pap! You are at a great hospital. Sending prayers. Hope you get to come home soon and entertain us with more of your great music.
Paula Rhodarmer
February 24, 2011 at 10:18 amI am praying for your Pap. May the Lord be with you at this hard time.
Farm Chick Paula
February 24, 2011 at 10:12 amPraying, Tipper- and what a great story.