As a young man he was big and powerful. He was well thought of and would help anybody that needed a hand. He was always grin'n and also had time to visit with anybody that just happened along. You couldn't stop at his house and visit unless he would ask you to stay for dinner or supper. Iced Tea was always handy and you just couldn't refuse that offer even if you couldn't stay to eat. He grew up three boys and 3 girls as I recall. His wife died when he was in his 50's so he remarried and outlived her too.

In his nineties, he was still a big man although stooped over somewhat but still had that big grin and always the huge hand outstretched wait'n to shake. He wasn't able to get outside the last year of his life-he had a day bed on the enclosed back porch, where he would lay when he felt like it and look out when he wanted to do that too. He finally lost his mind and that was the saddest thing about the old gentleman. I was there shortly before his death to work on a furnace. He was talk'n to relative long since dead and to me at the same time. Still was want'n to help out folks, offered me dinner and also wanted to know if I needed anything to take home. He was a neighbor of ours and was friends with pappy. There are still folks like him around but not nearly as plentiful or close by. He was missed greatly and still is now after about 10 years. I think he was 96 when he died.

His was remembered as a man that shared what he had been blessed with. He didn't take it with him when he died and neither will anybody else. Almighty God blessed him well and the old gent knew it. We should all be so well thought of when we die.

Jesus is coming soon. "Come up hither" will be the words spoken at the rapture. Are you listening? Matt. 24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), April 11, 2001

Answers

Hoot,

Thank you for that story. In this "modern" world we rarely hear about the nice people. Run into too many of the others. It reminds me of how I want to be but don't always manage to be. Thanks again, Enjoy your life.

-- Deborah (bearwaoman@Yahoo.com), April 12, 2001.

What a nice man! We could all use a neighbor like that. I'm waiting daily for that trumpet to sound!!!!!! "Oh what a day that will be!" Thanks Hoot!!

-- Pat (mikulptrc@aol.com), April 12, 2001.

Hey Hoot , maybe I should just read your posts .Only wish the world was filled with more good than evil .

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), April 12, 2001.

Hi Hoot Although I do not share your religious convictions I do read your posts. This is a very touching story and brings back memories of Old Folks I have known as well. You know Hoot you have a special talent for story telling and writing and should be published.

-- Gary in NS (ggiles@north.nsis.com), April 12, 2001.

Hoot,

I always hear about folks talkin to the dead when they get close to the end. Some will say they are losing touch with reality or such. I've always figured their just closer to the veil and can communicate with them again. Maybe thats why so many make their peace with their God so close to the end.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), April 12, 2001.

What a great neighbor to have. I was thinking similiar to Jay except - and this might make you think a bit - perhaps his long dead relative really was there and he was the only one who could see him. I know that last year my Grandmother's second husband died, and shortly before he died, he said "Grandma, Grandma, Grandma". Don't get me wrong Hoot, I believe in the Lord too, but it just makes you wonder if perhaps dead family are waiting for you to introduce you to the Lord?!? Happy Easter.

-- Michael W. Smith in North-West Pennsylvania (KIRKLBB@PENN.COM), April 15, 2001.

I too agree with Michael - I have heard so many "near death" experiences where close relatives are waiting to greet the one who is dying and then the person lives to tell about it. Pretty neat, I think. It seems really strange to us when it happens; but I think it is really a neat thing to think about. Wonder who all will greet us?

-- Cynthia Speer (farmsteader@gvtel.com), April 18, 2001.