Monday, July 30, 2007

Manic Monday #26 Miss

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When I heard this week's theme, the first thing I thought of was how much I miss my maternal grandfather. I miss my grandmothers too, but I had a very special bond with my grandfather. He was almost like a father to me because many years of my life I had no other male figure in my life. He gave me lots of advice. But the thing he gave me that I am most proud of is my voice. My grandfather was a singer. He played guitar as well. Many weekends we spent sitting at his feet while he played guitar. There was one song in particular that he'd sing for "the kids". All of us grandkids loved to hear "On The Wall". We knew all of the words. In fact I still know all of the words:
There's an old and faded picture on the wall
That has been a-hanging there for many a year
'Tis a picture of my mother, for I know there is no other
That can take the place of mother on the wall
     On the wall (On the wall)
On the wall (On the wall)
How I love that dear old picture on the wall
Time is swiftly passing by and I bow my head and cry
'Cause I know I'll meet my mother after all
     [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]
Yes, the children all have gathered, all have gone
And I have a little family of my own
And I know I love them well, more than any tongue can tell
But I'll hold that dear old picture on the wall
     On the wall (On the wall)
On the wall (On the wall)
How I love that dear old picture on the wall
Time is swiftly passing by and I bow my head and cry
'Cause I know I'll meet my mother after all
     [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]
Since I lost that dear old mother years ago
There is none to which with troubles I can go
As my guitar makes its chords I am praying to the Lord
Let me hold that dear old picture on the wall
     On the wall (On the wall)
On the wall (On the wall)
How I love that dear old picture on the wall
Time is swiftly passing by and I bow my head and cry
'Cause I know I'll meet my mother after all
As I read these words, tears begin to pour down my face. They are tears of mixed emotion. I am joyful that I have so many wonderful memories of my grandfather. I am also tearful that he died before he got to meet my two wonderful children...my most proudest accomplishments. I miss him terribly. There are many times when I just close my eyes and pretend that I am sitting at his feet listening to the strum of his guitar and hearing the tap of his foot as his gentle voice soothes me. I miss my "papa" so much. I miss his silly antics, I miss his beautiful smile, and mostly I miss his arms around me! I miss you, Papa and I can't wait to see you again one day and sing the greatest songs imaginable in the wonderful place where you are waiting for me with open arms!!

25 comments, add yours here:

Sandee said...

Tisha - That was beautiful and what a tribute to your grandfather. You made me cry. Have a great day my friend. :)

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

lovely post honey. my pappy died when i was five. i adored him too. he let me sit on his lap and "drive" the tractor and he let me eat pepperoni and hard cheese for breakfast with him before anyone else got up. he was a darling man... thanks for making me remember him tonight.

smiles, bee

Anonymous said...

what a wonderful tribute to your grandfather. I can just picture you sitting and listening to the guitar :) Great post.

the Book of Keira said...

That is just lovely! I wonder if Mo had any idea how much emotion this weeks theme would bring out when he chose it :-)

Sarge Charlie said...

What a nice post, very nice

Gattina said...

He must have been a very special man to you !

Janna said...

Over at Jantrails, I mention missing my maternal grandfather too.
Thanks for doing Manic Monday, and for expressing yourself so eloquently.

Amazing Gracie said...

Tisha, you have me crying, too. I wish I could tell you it gets easier but I still miss my dad after almost 40 years of yearning for him with all my heart. I can just feel the depths of how much you're missing him today. What a legacy he's left you and he's given you the ability to love deeply.
~~~Blessings~~~

Unknown said...

I think today there will be lots of trips down memory lane. Lots of tears, laughs and thoughts of those gone by.

Good Post.

Later Y'all

Anonymous said...

Very lovely post. I miss my Grandmother More than anything too. She was like my mother. I'll never forget our times.

Becky L said...

My grandfathers all passed before I was born.

My Mom's mother was so special to me though. She was such a wonderful woman.

Akelamalu said...

What a lovely post.

Nancy Lindquist-Liedel said...

Missing those so dear to us is a sorrow that unites everyone. We all have someone we miss and wish we could tell we love, just one more time.

Odat said...

Very sweet!
Peace

Schmoop said...

That is too sweet. Nice job and Cheers!!

Mo and The Purries said...

I miss my grandparents, too.
I'll have to post a picture of my PopPop.
Beautiful post.
cheers,
mo

Not So Anonymous Michelle said...

What a sweet sweet post, and great memories for you to have of your grandpa. I LOVE the song, beautiful lyrics, choked me up!

Christine Boles said...

I don't know whether to :) or :( !

Maggie Moo said...

That is a beautiful song, and I bet you all sounded so wonderful together...

Linda said...

I miss my grandfather the most, too; I think he was the one person who loved me unconditionally and he always made me feel special to him.

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this touching tribute, Tisha!

Yes, you´ve ot me crying, too...

Mary said...

Beautiful tribute! Sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for, even though you miss him so.

Travis Cody said...

Beautiful post my dear. I miss my grandmother like this.

Marilyn said...

I wish I had a grandfather like yours.

Your post made me all teary...

Anonymous said...

That was really beautiful. My Dad was my hero and I miss him a lot too.

Thanks for dropping over to my MM today. I added my new alias to the sidebar as per your suggestion, lol.

I have a favor to ask... could you please return to my blog and check out the new Post It note at the top. I need help :o)

Imma "Your Majesty"