I always think of Pap this time of the year.
He taught me pretty much everything I know about growing food and as I work in the garden I always wish I could call him to ask his opinion about something or share how good one thing or another is doing.
The anniversary of his death is next Monday. I can’t hardly fathom that he’s been gone from this earth for five years.
I always said I didn’t know how I’d live without Pap and in the last two years of his life I said that directly to him wanting him to know how bad I needed him to keep on living.
Pap was tired of his pain and told me over and over that if it wasn’t for that anguish he’d never leave me nor the rest of the bunch but he just couldn’t bear it much longer.
At some point in those first weeks of staggering grief I was complaining and fretting inside my head about how I just couldn’t live without Pap and instantly heard his laughter in my mind and his voice clearly saying “Why Tipper you have lived without me, you’ve made it this far and you’ll make it the rest of the way.”
Of course Pap was right, he was right about so many things and that’s what I miss the most. He was my sounding board and my rudder when things got me out of sorts.
Paul made a video of Pap, we’ll share it with you in a few days. He let me watch it down at Granny’s yesterday. It made me cry, but in a good way. I know you’ll really enjoy it.
For those who are new the Blind Pig and The Acorn here’s a few of the many posts about him for you to read.
Jerry Marshall Wilson 1937-2016
Going to the Cornfield with Pap
You can also visit the Blind Pig and The Acorn YoutTube Channel to hear some Pap’s amazing harmony singing.
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So sorry for your loss, Tipper. I can’t believe it has been five years. I sure know the pain of losing a Daddy and Mom, too. Dad’s been gone almost 21 years, and Mom has been gone almost 9. It is hard to believe, and it is also amazing how the pain just never ends. Our parents are our history, and losing them leaves a deep, gaping hole. God bless and comfort you as you miss Pap. Sending love and hugs to you on this Lord’s Day.
Prayers Randy!
And Tipper I miss my Granny D! So much!
At Charleston they found out a blood clot is in one side of her heart and unless they can dissolve it there is nothing more they can do. They said she would not be a candidate for transplant because her heart was not working at all, your heart had to be able to work to some degree. My son is going with me and we are leaving to go down early in the morning and be with her.I was told nothing would change until we could get and be with her. I feel bad about not being there today but I have set by her beside side and held her hand for the last 4 days. I should not say this, but I really don’t feel like trying to keep going on but I know I have to. I know this is last time I will post for awhile. Between dating and marriage we have been together for 49 years and have known each other since we were babies.
Randy-I’m so sorry! I will hold you in my prayers and pray for a miracle for your wife. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tipper, I’m a long time subscriber, but our internet hasn’t always jived. I recently ordered from your daughter. I have a request.. Could you possibly mail me a photo of the guitar that Pap played? A close up. . I am a painter, although haven’t done too much in a few years. Lifestyle changes have calmed down and now the Lord is telling to pick up my brush again. I feel directed to paint that. …I hope you don’t think it strange. No faces or anything , just the piece. When its complete ill give it to you. Your daughter has my address. Thank you. Barb Wright
Tipper, I know it’s rough. Mama will be gone 5 years in October. There have been times when I have wanted to call and tell her something, then realize I can’t. I still have her name and address in my cell phone, and one of the spare keys to her house where I grew up. Daddy has been gone 48 years, and I still miss him, and my brother and only sibling has been gone 10 years. I know we will meet someday. I don’t think you ever get over it, but you learn to adjust. Mama was 94 and active until she died. Daddy had cancer and so did my brother, and I would not want them here sick and suffering.
Jim said it best with the opening lyrics to a fine old song, which reminds me of my own dear Daddy. Let the music and memories flow today and always.
Because I have known such grief and know how it can feel deep inside, especially in certain moments and times…even before I finished reading all you shared today tears came to my eyes too for yours and all your family’s, but also believe in and rejoice in the Joy you spoke of and hold dear. May God’s eternal truth and Grace that Pap sings about in so many of his songs comfort all your hearts every day , every season, in the sweetest of songs, and ways ❣️…. and God be with you ,till you meet again till you meet ,till you meet ,till you meet at Jesus feet …………… can’t wait to see the video, and thank you for all the post you included about Pap, gonna enjoy every one . I so agree with Jim Casada’s comforting words.
Tipper,
I lost my Mom in 2005, and my Dad in 2014 and I, too, felt as you did and do. I miss my Dad every day. There are those awkward times when something crosses my mind and my first thought is that I need to share it with him. At first, I am excited, and then I remember I can’t tell him. I still have my parent’s phone number on my home and cell phone. I can’t yet bring myself to delete it; I may never. I will say prayers for you and your family.
Your doing a great job, Tipper. I remember how I enjoyed Pap’s singing and you could just see the love and pride he had for his granddaughters in his face when he was with them. It’s never easy to let go of your parents even when they are really hurting. My Daddy passed into heaven 15 years ago and I still would just love to be able to talk to him. I don’t think that missing them ever goes away, we hang on to the knowledge that we will see them again one day.
i had not planned on writing anything until I got over this long illness but touched by the subject and great post I decided to try. My Dad has been in heaven for almost 10 years and I really miss him and his wisdom. Mom has only been gone 10 months and I find myself thinking I’ll just go see Mom. Then the reality hits and I know she is with Dad. There is nothing like a Mother. While we were taking care of her she was worrying about us. Were we sick, did we have enough to eat, be careful driving home, etc. Mom was 93 past.
AW-I’m so glad to hear from you!! I’ve been worried about you. I emailed you to check on you, but sounds like you’ve been under the weather, I sure hope you’re back on your feet soon 🙂 I’ll be praying for you!!
Sorry I missed your email or I would have answered. Still waiting to get better and your prayers will be appreciated!! I still have a long row to hoe.
AW-we will all be praying for you!
Hang in there, Tipper. Your Pap’s gone, but he’s not far away, never will be.
God bless you and your family today, Tipper, as you cherish each memory of your dear Pap. Thank you for sharing him with those of us who never had the privilege of meeting him. You make us feel as though we knew him!
Tipper I had a friend tell me , after my late wife passed, that if I could get passed all the the first. That I would be fine and She was right. I see that you have made it past all the first things that you and Pap did together.
I do not personally know you, but from reading your post on The Blind Pig I can see that you have. Enjoy his memory and all will be fine
Loretta Lynn co-wrote a song called “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like My Daddy Anymore”, a song that could have been written by you, Tipper. They surely threw away the mold when they made my daddy.
Tipper, I can understand how you feel. It has been 30 years since my daddy died and I still miss and often think of him.
I have mentioned my wife’s heart by pass surgery on April 12th, things went bad, for reasons the doctor don’t understand her heart has failed. The only option is a heart transplant or a mechanical devise. She was transferred to MUSC in Charleston, SC for this. I will be going down today to be there with her. Please continue to pray for her and our family. I probably won’t be on the blog for awhile.
Randy-I’m so so sorry! I will continue to pray for your wife’s healing and for you and your family as well.
I am so sorry to hear this and pray she will be healed.
I think about Pap often, he had that quiet, gentle wisdom that is rare in this world. He sure loved his family as much as you all loved him. You know Paul has some of Pap’s ways about him. I notice it almost every time I talk to him. Pap sure treasured his family!
Those missing thoughts may come many years later. My own Dad has been gone almost 20 years, and I still need his wisdom. Occasionally, something wil remind me of him so vividly that I get a lump in my throat. Mom told me once we were designed by our creator to not mourn forever. We seem to be moving swiftly along faster than our mind can actually comprehend when we try to measure how long a loved one has been gone. The new generation is good at keeping us grounded, as we get caught up in all the goings on in their life. I am just so grateful that the Lord saw fit to give us such wonderful parents. They taught us well, and they keep teaching us through the words that come to our minds when we try to solve the daily problems in our lives.
Tipper, I am very sorry about you losing your wonderful daddy. I’d like to tell you in time the pain lessens, but that would be a lie. Pap really isn’t too far away and really he’s right there with you as you do the things he taught you. In a little while you’ll be closer in age to leaving this plane and there’s a sweet relief in that. I think about falling at Jesus’ feet and hugging his legs then heading straight to mommy and Bobby to hug them. That’s my heavenly greeting plan anyway. As the body fades, the soul and heart really come alive with the childlike wonder of anything may be possible with love. It’s the glue that holds this world together. God REALLY LOVES US ALL FOREVER!!!
Precious memories–how they linger. And in this case they flood your soul in a wonderful way.
Jim Casada