October 19, 2013 - Msg 95036: Can you believe I am actually feeling a little bit chilly?? I would be sitting on the porch swing but the mosquitos from the recent rain are out in abundance. We had gorgeous weather today...enjoyed every minute of it!

Hope all of you are well and blessed..I know I owe all of you a post. We have been busy but are doing ok. I am still doing my nursing refresher course but am doing ok with it so far. We are still in the process of catching Erin up on her math and I work with her just on math for 4 or 5 hours a day. I am learning things I never did learn back in my middle school days!

Bruce has been busy working in the yard. We have been absolutely overtaken by the stickers since we got all the rain. Today he has been using the tractor to rake up the soil and get rid of the darned stickers. Now we have a bunch of sand again. Hopefully we will have the sprinkler system and some palets of grass planted. I have serious grass envy. ;)

I am already thinking about Christmas Cards this year. I saw some really cute ones with animals on them so some of you will be getting those in December...I assume we are still doing Christmas cards this year? I just love getting cards from my porch buddies. We are having a low-key, more relaxed Christmas season this year and I am really looking forward to it. Will my schooling and erin's schooling, my surgery in May, and elderly parents, we decided to give ourselves a break and only do what we want to do this Christmas season. No extreme decorating! Bruce spent countless hours on the outside light last year..everytime i saw him he had that ligh-pro gun in his hand. NOT doing that this year. Keeping it simple inside and out. I will get a tree and decorate it, and some fun decorations in the house, but no dragging down countless boxes from the attic. No parties this year, either. I will have a small New Year's Eve party like last year because we enjoyed it so much. We will continue to host our families on Thanksgiving and Christmas but everyone will contribute to the dinner so no one person has to work hard. I think we will only get one gift for each of the kids (one that they really want) and maybe just some small things in their stockings. I am going to get gift cards for each of the neices and nephews and something fun but inexpensive for the two little girls next door. Anyway, that's my plan...we'll see if it materializes. :)

Think I'll got get my shower and read for awhile before bed. Hope you all have a great Saturday evening.

Boo
October 20, 2013 - Msg 95037: Boo I had to bump the heat on this morning!...got to get fire wood split and stacked soon...morning Rev,Romeena,GF,possum and all...well gona try to keep the Church lights on , here at work till 4pm..gona find a sermon on the tube...back in a bit...SPOT
October 20, 2013 - Msg 95038: Its pretty cool here too this morning, SPOT...not quite cold enough for the heater, though. Have a great Sunday!

Boo
October 20, 2013 - Msg 95039: Good Sabbath porch pals,

Good to see you Boo. I hate how busy you have been because it doesn't allow you much time for rocking, but I ain't been any better. Glad your temps have cooled down. And yea, we will see how your holiday plans work out. :)

Ro,I am glad you get to spend some time with the Rev. That would be so much fun.

The porch has been quiet lately it seems. I guess we all have been busy. It's terrible when real life gets in the way of porch life,isn't it?

Well I best get. My son in law is speaking today in Sacrament meeting so I am going to listen to him and help out Stacey with the kiddies.

Prayers for all.

Asa
October 20, 2013 - Msg 95040: Good morning, porch! It's cool here as well - 47°. The sun is out and the skies are clear though, so it will warm up as the day goes on. It's comfortable in the house, about 74°, and will probably stay that way unless it gets colder outside, or stays cold for a while. Even though it's forty years old, this house is tight, and it's well insulated. My dad built a good house, Dale was big on maintenance, and I've tried to take good care of it since I've had it by myself. My friend Ted helps with that, by checking things out periodically, and suggesting little things to fix before they become big things. I plan to live out my days right here, God willing, so I try to take care of the place. I wouldn't be me, anywhere else.

Well, better go get dressed for preachin'. My hair is washed (it's too long, but it's clean) and is about dry. Just got to figure out what to wear, and find the right dangly earrings, and I'm all set. Toye Starr is moping, she knows the signs and knows I'm going to be leaving. She can look so pitiful! I used to think it was all an act, until my daughter showed me a little video she took with her phone, while I was in the hospital with my back surgery. It's of Starr sitting by the door to the garage, little nose pointed up, and howling like her heart was breaking. Wow. What an ego trip! To have a little creature love you that much - and I love her just as much.

Well, Sabbath blessings to you all. --Romeena
October 20, 2013 - Msg 95041:
Asa, regarding what you posted in Msg 95010 about that Buckin’ Mule song I posted a link to back in Msg 95007, you are absolutely correct! Andy did sing that same song with different lyrics in Mayberry On Record during the first season. You can view it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpKhWePGNPc
The new lyrics appear below:

You can have the old banjo, all strung up with twine.
And the only song you will hear me sing is I wish that gal was mine.

Whoa mule, you kickin’ mule, whoa mule I say.
Ain’t got time to kiss you know, my mule’s run away.

Took my wife to the barnyard, and I set her down to supper.
She got choked on a turkey leg and stuck her nose in the butter.

Whoa mule, you kickin’ mule, whoa mule I say.
Ain’t got time to kiss you know, my mule’s run away.

Face is like a coffee pot, nose is like a spout.
Your mouth is like a fireplace, with all the ashes out.

Whoa mule, you kickin’ mule, whoa mule I say.
Ain’t got time to kiss you know, my mule’s run away.

Whoa mule, you kickin’ mule, whoa mule I say.
Ain’t got time to kiss you know, my mule’s run away.

Whoa mule, you kickin’ mule, whoa mule I say.
Ain’t got time to kiss you know, my mule’s run away.

Also, I discovered something else that is interesting regarding these songs.
Listen to Boil Them Cabbage Down at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu77tX7uDvc and pay attention to the lyrics that Andy sings. They are very similar to one verse that the Dillards sing in the Buckin’ Mule video link I posted in Msg 95007 and the lyrics in Msg 95008.

Spot, the change from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time occurs on Sunday, November 3, 2013.

Boo, I'm glad to hear your weather has cooled down a bit.

Romeena, touching story about Toye Starr missing you during your recent surgery. Kind of reminds me about how my dog reacted during my military service.

From Poor Horatio

October 20, 2013 - Msg 95042: Hey, PH. Tell us about your dog - what did he or she do? Bless their little hearts, they sure know how to make us feel wanted, don't they? --Romeena
October 20, 2013 - Msg 95043:
Romeena yes dogs are very special since they love you unconditionally. When I had to leave for active duty, my family understood. But saying goodbye to my dog always made me cry since I knew I could not explain my absence to him. Luckily my sister and parents took good care of him.
When I worked or attended school, I would return within hours. But leaving for military service would have me absent for many months at a time.
My dog would wait by the door seeming like he was waiting for my return. Although he would not wail, he did low moaning. Whenever he heard a noise outside, he would run to the door thinking it was me returning.
When I would telephone home, I would have my sister hold the phone near my dog's ear so I could speak to him. He would perk up upon hearing my voice.
When I returned home on leave, he would get so excited that he would jump around me and spray me (urinate) all over my uniform. When it was time for me to return, that probably confused him. But when I was released from active duty, that all changed. I spent as much time as I could with him during his final years. When he contracted cancer, I paid for multiple surgeries. But when the condition became terminal, I once again slept side by side with him on the floor until he passed away. Would you believe that I'm crying as I type this? I still miss him very much. I keep his picture displayed on the wall in my home.

from Poor Horatio
October 20, 2013 - Msg 95044: Thanks PH and Asa...the cooler weather was such a relief to us. There is something about having 5 months straight of warm/hot, humid temps that just sucks the joy outta life, man.

So true, Asa (about real life getting in the way of porch life). I know I must be absent some right now but I will never, ever stop visiting when I can. I love the porch (and that means all of you, my friends). Hey, how did the son-in-law do speaking at sacrament meeting?

So very touching concerning your dog, PH, and yes I believe you were crying as you typed...there is something very deep in our relationship with our pets. As I shared before, I had a beloved kitty for years when I was young, and when he passed away unexpectedly, I was in terrible emotional pain. It was my first real experience with grief, and to tell you the truth, I have never felt it so severly since. I was about 15 at the time. For many years later, I still felt pain when I thought of him...until I got our last kitty. He looks just like my childhood pet, and something about letting him into my heart caused me to heal. Animals are wonderful. :)

Church was good this morning..the pastor taught on the most important thing you can teach your children..."To trust in the Lord". Good message. After church I made homemade potato soup and then took a little nap, then back to church for a deacon ordination ceremony. I'm tired this evening after cleaning up the kitchen, but wanted to drop in and say "hi". Blessings!

Boo
October 21, 2013 - Msg 95045:
HI ALL! I just been busy this weekend, but I did drop by for a quick troublecheck. ha
BOO,, RO and NFL fans I'm sure you heard of Bum Phillips' passing. I liked the tweet that his grandson put out about him.
PH-- thanks for the songs and the funny lyrics. Whenever I watch that ep, I think how weird it was for people to come in, opening and closing the shop door during a recording session!
PH-- great story about your dog. Thanks for sharing. Whenever we set out our suitcases to pack for a trip, our cat climbs right in them and sits, basically saying "oh no you don't." ha
BOO- good sweep!
SPOT- one good preacher that this catholic boy likes to listen to is Adrain Rogers. He is with the Lord now, but his reruns are might powerful lessons, and he was never afraid to preach on SIN! :)
ASA-good to see you. How did the talk go?
I see Possum and Lucy on FB, wish I could get them to stop by here more.
RO- I am sending you PappaBears new address (yup, he moved again) for the Christmas card list.
BOO- I like your idea of taking things down a notch!
Prayers for all,
MDC
October 21, 2013 - Msg 95046: Good (very early) morning! It's 3:30 a.m., and I'm wide awake. I fell asleep in my chair this afternoon, slept nearly three hours, and there would be no point in going to bed, as I'm just not sleepy. That's one little advantage to living alone - I don't have to conform to anyone else's schedule. If I want to stay up all night, I can do so. And I do, now and then!

PH, I absolutely believe you would be crying, telling that story. So would I. In fact, just reading it brought tears to my eyes. The love of a pet is a gift from God, in my opinion. Anyone who has experienced it will understand. Those who have not had the experience will never understand it, and they have my sympathy. I know the old-time porchsters will remember my Sugarplum, because you helped me get through those terrible weeks when she was so ill. I know what it's like to sleep beside a terminal pet, listening to each breath, praying that the next one will come, and praying that it won't. After I lost her, I was such an emotional mess. Then God sent my little Toye Starr into my life, and she made her own little place in my heart, right from the start. A blessing, indeed. To awaken every single morning with laughter is a very valuable gift, and that's what happens around here. How could I help it? That little comic face is six inches from mine, eyes watching for mine to open, and then much rejoicing and scampering around on the bed when she sees I'm awake. Oh yes, she was a gift.

Boo, I'm glad you're easing back a bit, and not pushing yourself so hard. Of course, you've really just substituted one activity for another, with your classes, but I'm glad you're at least not trying to add the school work to everything else.

By the way, did I tell you that my granddaughter has moved from Aransas Pass, back to Fredericksburg: She's single now, I'm sad (but relieved) to say. Apparently her husband had a different concept of what being married meant, of the commitment required, and she just couldn't take it anymore. She warned him, many times, but the behavior continued, and one day she just said - that's it, I'm done. And much to his shock, she meant it, and made it stick. It's now a done deal, and her smile looks natural again, not painted on. She's one strong and determined little girl, and she will be just fine.

Well, I'm still not sleepy. Maybe I'll get a little writing done. Blessings, everyone! --Romeena
October 21, 2013 - Msg 95047: Oh - SPECIAL NOTE::: Anyone who would like to be on the Christmas card list - please email me and say so. If your address has changed since last year, please give me the new one. I'll be correcting the list and will try to send it out by the first week of December, so get your replies to me as soon as you can. If you don't have my email address, leave a note here on the porch. I've probably got yours, and will respond. --Romeena
October 21, 2013 - Msg 95048: Morning friends! Thought I would stop by first thing, while I had a minute.

I want to be on the Christmas list, Ro, and my address hasn't changed. I will send an email, just wanted to say it here in case I forget...my memory is shot these days. Thanks for doing the card list for us again. :) I'm sorry to hear that your granddaughter had to come to such a decision but sounds like a healthy one. I have no doubt she will be happier in Fredricksburg in time.

Boo
October 21, 2013 - Msg 95049: Morning, Boo, and anyone else who happens to be rocking. Thanks for the reply on the Christmas list. I hope everyone who wants to participate will let me know soon, so I won't be as late as I was last year, in getting it out.

I finally got to sleep about 5:30 this morning, woke up around 9:30, so that's not too bad. Now I hear the TAGS theme on TV in the living room, so guess I'll mosey in there and see what's happening. Maybe some peanut butter toast and a glass of buttermilk - yep, that sounds pretty good! Gotta feed my little whiffenpoof too - she has already bounced in here, nudged my ankle, and headed back toward the kitchen. Who says dogs can't talk? --Romeena
October 21, 2013 - Msg 95050: Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their Goober...Asa? I'm pulling wire today to install lighting in the Family room/Mayberry room in my basement. I have been wanting to do this since we added on to the house back in 2001.
It has been a catch-all room for all the "junk," so it's time to turn it into my "Mayberry ManCave". Now I will have somewhere to display all my "Mayberry treasures" since I don't have a office anymore! I have to hang drywall on the ceiling once I have everything wired in. I have been looking forward to doing this, but wish I was more "Flexible"...I'll feel better once the drywall is in the basement. This will be a good winter project when the cold weather settles in. (As I work on the stuff Mrs. G-F wants me to do too!).....

G-F

October 21, 2013 - Msg 95051: Good afternoon folks, just stopping by for a minute. working today, been a busy day.

Patrick's girlfriend and I walked in the Susan G. Komen race for the cure yesterday. A beautiful fall afternoon for a 3 mile walk. they estimated
about 5,000 total walkers and runners so a good turn out. Had a nice time and enjoyed the fellowship. does my heart to see sooo many folks come together and be as one. wish the country would learn a lesson from that.

Romeena, please leave me on the Christmas card list. same address please.

well gotta go back to work.
Prayers and blessings to all.

Big Maude

October 21, 2013 - Msg 95052: Will do, Big Maude. Good to see you, and good for you, doing the Koman walk. Wish I could do it, but I'd never make it. --Romeena
October 21, 2013 - Msg 95053: Dear porch friends! I am so sorry and sad to have to
Report such news but I am not sure this has reached our porch family. I just learned from my Facebook page thar our beloved Rev. Rocky Morris died yesterday of an apparent sudden heart attack. I made sure it was indeed our Rev . Before posting this information,. I am so shocked and sad right now! Not sure what to do excerpt pray for his sweet wife and daughter who were the love of his life next to music and his deep abiding love of The Lord. If any one has any additional information please let us know.
Big Maude
October 21, 2013 - Msg 95054: OMG what am I reading on FB...Rev?.....Rockie...PLEASE some one fill me in...SPOT

October 21, 2013 - Msg 95055: WHAT happened.....SPOT

October 21, 2013 - Msg 95056: Oh, dear Lord! How I wanted this to be an error, but it is not. I'm not on Facebook, but Eloise is, and she verified it for me. I trust you, Maude, but I just wanted so badly for it to be a mistake. I am in shock. He was just here! Eloise and I spent a lovely day with him on Friday, and all the family enjoyed his company on Friday night, except David, who was out of town. Later, Rocky and I sat in my living room and laughed and talked after my family left, and had such a lovely time. He was a kind and gentle man, with a loving heart, a sweet sense of humor, and was a joy to be with. I feel like I've lost a brother, and I suppose I have. We all have, a brother in Christ. I'll have to notify the folks at the church - they're going to be very upset, especially our Missions pastor. They had formed a warm friendship, and Bob is going to be very hurt by this.

I keep asking "why?" Ironically, REV and I had just had a little discussion about that while he was here. It came up in a conversation about my little grandson, the one that didn't live. I confessed to asking why, and he said he believed that God expects and permits us to ask why, when something happens that we don't understand. It's not the same as questioning God. It's not permitted to question God's wisdom or dispute His motives, but it is natural to want to know the reasons. Sometimes we get to know, sometimes we don't, but He understands when we ask why.

Oh, God. Please quiet my spirit in this moment, and help me to understand and accept. We have lost a dear friend, one we loved as a brother, and it is hard. The coming days are going to be so difficult for us, and a thousand times more difficult for his family. Please be very close to them, hold them in your hand, and let them feel the love and peace that Rocky would want them to know. In that name that is above every other name, Jesus' blessed name. Amen.

--Romeena
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95057: I'm so sad...I loved REV. I will miss him. My prayers will be with his family in the days ahead. I'm sorry, Ro..I know this is especially hard on you. Lord comfort you.

Boo
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95058: Ro, there is already a memorial set up in REV's name to help the family with funeral expenses. The link is:
www.iccanlink.ning.com

Boo
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95059: I just saw the same thing on FB as well, was hoping it was a different Rocky. His poor family, prayers going out to them, and to you as well Ro, I cant imagine your shock, after just seeing him a few days ago. Much love and prayers to you all-Salty Dog
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95060: It is very sad, Salty. I just can't express how much I will miss his encouragment and his prayers on our behalf. It was such a blessing to know that REV was praying for us and we knew he loved us. There is comfort in knowing we will see him again in the Father's house, but we will miss him here!

Boo
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95061:
OH LORD, please no! I just saw it on FB, and I thought that maybe it was his dad, but it is indeed our Rocky, our REV. I am crying and shaking as I type this, for he and I had struck up quite a FB friendship over the past few years. Please tell me that this is not real.
How can our "Jesus loves you" rev be gone?
Does anyone know what day he died, was he driving, Lord I hope not.
My heart goes out to his dear wife and daughter and precious Jake. "Why?" is indeed a good question. Jesus, please take him into your waiting arms, and let him fill heaven with his music and talent. Please give me strength too O Lord.
Rest in Peace Rocky! I love you brother.
God bless,
MDC
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95062:
Friends, I post this video of Rocky's daughter's wedding only because it so demonstrates the love that Rocky had for his family. It may be hard to watch in many respects, but I post it only for us to help remember him and to pray for his family.
http://vimeo.com/75258639
thanks,
God bless you all,
MDC
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95063: Oh, MDC. I'm so sorry, sorry for all of us. There's going to be a big empty spot on this porch for a long time to come. I don't have any details, except that he died on Sunday morning. I'm not positive, but am pretty sure he was not driving. I know he drove on Saturday, and should have been in place for a concert on Sunday. My understanding is that it was a heart attack. I know how you're feeling, because I'm still in shock. I had lunch and dinner with him on Friday, for heaven's sake! How can he be gone now? I just can't wrap my mind around it. My heart is just breaking for his wife and daughter. I cannot imagine their shock and grief. God help them. And all of us. --Romeena
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95064: I guess I'll go on to bed and see if sleep will come. Probably not, my mind is still reeling. --Romeena
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95065: Saddened, yet rejoicing that he ministered to our hearts and lives. I know I will never be the same person as he was a living testimony to Christ's love. Our prayer warrior has exited the scene. ~New Neighbor
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95066: Good morning porch family.
I am stunned this morning as I read this news concerning our dear Rev. Like most of you are feeling I'm sure, it just can't be. Romeena, I am so sorry. I know you just spent some time with him. This has to be particularly difficult for you. It's my prayer for you and for all of us that we can accept this as being the Lords will. We may not understand it at present, but can be blessed in knowing God is in charge and obviously called Rocky home because he had work for him to do. The next few days will be filled, no doubt, with sadness and sorrow. My prayers for his family, porch family included, will be constant and frequent.

Asa
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95067: Thanks for posting the video MDC. I know how much the Rev loved his family, and especially his daughter. I know he was a bit challanged seeing her grow up and get married (having experienced that twice myself), but I know he loved her, loved the Lord, and loved his new Son in Law. It saddens me for their sake, but I know they have a strong abiding faith in the Lord and that they will come to terms with this loss. My prayers again go out to all his family.

Asa
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95068: REV's last words to us were on October 11..."Ya'll be good. Love and prayers, REV". That's what he gave us in abundance...love and prayers.

Boo
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95069: Good morning porch. Just checking on everybody. I know we are all feeling sad and a a total loss to understand this. I struggled with even posting the news lady night, checked and rechecked my information and even tracked down the obituary it make sure it was indeed our Rev. I woke up this morning hoping to visit the porch and find out it was not true that I was mistaken. I am so sad for our porch family. Mr. Maude and I had the pleasure of meeting him and hearing him perform in Pigeon Forge. I am so glad I did miss my opportunity to meet him.

Well, I have to get my mind a bit settled to see folks today.
Prayers and blessings.
Big Maude
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95070: Hello

October 22, 2013 - Msg 95071: Good morning, porch. Sleep came hard last night, but it finally came, about 4:30, I guess. I just can't stop crying. I've been up a while, have called several people at the church who were close to Rocky, and they're as shocked and devastated as we all are. I'm leaning very heavily on the Lord right now, as I try to get my mind around this. I wish there was something I could do to help his wife and family, but they're a thousand miles away, so I'm just pleading with the Lord to hold them tightly and help them in their grief. I guess we all need that, but his family - oh, Lord. What a hard road they're walking right now. REV, we will all miss you. --Romeena
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95072: Oh, gosh, oh gosh... I can't think straight,y'all,but just had to come to the Porch. Saw the news on Facebook.

I know we're all hurting and will miss Rev so very much. God Bless the Morris Family.

RIP Rocky-we love you,friend.

*******************
possum under a rock
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95073: Hello and good morning Mayberry sorry for hearing about rocky gizzmo.............
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95074: I am going to do my best to attend Rev's funeral. It's being held Friday at 2pm in his hometown,which is just a few hours from me.
Are we sending flowers from the Porch,like we've done in the past (Sherry,Millie)? If so,please count me in.

possum again
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95075: Hey, possum. How I wish I could attend that funeral with you. It's a sixteen hour drive, straight through, from here though, so I probably won't attempt it. My precious DIL has offered to drive it, and take Eloise and me out there, but I can't let her do that.

As for flowers, check Boo's message #95058, and go to the link. I've sent a memorial gift to that fund already, and I would encourage others to do the same. I'm still going to send a floral arrangement, maybe a blooming plant that Nancy can enjoy later, and I'll include the porch on the card, but please don't anyone send any money here. Anything you wish to send would be most helpful if sent to the memorial fund.

Oh, dear Lord. This is a nightmare, but I just can't wake up! --Romeena
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95076: I can't even begin to wrap myself around this sad,sad news about REV. I'm sorry I never met him as some of you have, but we all know him thru his love. He called me once, thanking us for a donation. He was a true Southern Gentleman! I will continue to cherish his music and will miss his posts and travels....Sad Sad time here on the porch...Prayers to his wife & family....
I know this is very hard for Romenna since she just saw him. We all have lost a true friend, but we can rejoice in we will see him again on God's front porch....

G-F....
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95077: Thank you for telling me about Boo's link,Ro,and as some of the others have already said,my heart goes out to you as well during this sad time. God bless,dear friend.

After giving it some thought, I doubt that I will be able to attend the funeral. Would be there if I thought my car would be reliable for that distance-just don't want to chance it.

Yes, G-f, we will see Rev again.It's just hard to think of that right now in the midst of all this sadness.Thanks for reminding us of that.

Life is so short-if you love someone-tell them! Today! I love all of you Porchsters very much.~ possum again
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95078:
HI Porchsters. RO--thanks for including us on the card. Also, of course, we can all send sympathy cards to his family.
Here is a song by Rocky that was one of my favorites..Straight and Narrow. Lord know that I have strayed from that path many times, but it gives me great consolation and some peace during this time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPK4reEfaF4
Possum, I'm sure Rocky would rather have you safe than on the road in an unreliable car.
It sure is hard to think of tags today.
God bless you REV.
MDC
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95079: I just saw the news about Rocky on facebook, and came right over to the porch to say how sorry I am. I know how much he loved the front porch and thought of it as his home, and I am so very sorry for you all. He was a very kind and special person, and I am thinking of you all at this time. Special hugs for Ro, as you were so close to him, and had just seen him. Hugs to you all.
Year before last, he sent me a Christmas card, with 2 guitar pics in it, that are now in my husbands collection. He was a special person.
- Hazel
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95080: MDC....That one is one of my favorites too...How does one explain the loss of a Porch friend, that's a tough one...A friend you never met, but it feels like you lost your brother...That's a brother in Christ...A brother from the Heavenly Father...Yep, that's what I'm thinkin'.....

G-F.....
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95081: I am in shock upon learning of the passing of our dear Rev. RIP
Please visit http://www.mcswain-evans.com/index.php/obituaries/current-year-obituries/1005-rocky-morris

from Poor Horatio
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95082: Feeling low...so many people hurting today. I had been praying for the nephew of one of my friends...a 13 yr old with encephalitis and he died this evening. I just can't shake the pain of knowing what so many are going through...Lord comfort the grieving.

Boo
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95083: Thank you, PH...it comforted me to read REV's obituary but I can't seem to stop the tears now.

Boo
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95084: Hazel, it's good to see you. This porch is like real life in so many ways. Just a few weeks ago, I went to Michigan for the funeral of my mother-in-law, and saw people I hadn't seen in years. Tragedy always brings people together, even if only for a little while. I hope you'll stay around the porch, Hazel. We have missed you.

You are so right about our REV. He was a very special person. REV or Rocky, it doesn't matter, because they were one and the same. What you saw was what you got. No pretense, nothing phony. Any praise or recognition that he received, he always managed to turn it back toward God. He was a simple country boy with a tremendous talent, and never considered himself anything special apart from being a servant of the Lord. However, today as I was reading his obituary, I discovered depths to him that he never mentioned. I guess we all knew he was an ordained minister, and his musical accomplishments were plain to see, but there was more. Our Rocky was also Dr. Morris, as he held a Doctorate of Divinity. I knew from our conversations that he had a very broad knowledge of the scriptures, and a depth of understanding beyond what most of us possess, but he never, not once, mentioned his doctorate. He was also very influential in the area of evangelism, apart from his music, but I only heard him mention ICCAN once, just in passing. Here's a link to the obituary:

http://www.mcswain-evans.com/index.php/obituaries/current-year-obituries/1005-rocky-morris

His family can be very proud, and I'm sure they are. We can all be proud to have been his friends. I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to know him personally, to share meals with him, to see him interact with my grandsons, and to generally know the fun and laughter that always existed when Rocky was in the room. I was blessed with those special times, but he loved all his porch friends the same. He was a true Southern gentleman, a dear friend, and I shall miss him greatly. He may have worn a black hat, but he was one of the good guys. Vaya por Dios, Rocky. --Romeena
October 22, 2013 - Msg 95085: Thank you, PH. You posted that obituary link as I was writing my post, I guess. I'm glad, because sometimes my links don't work.

Boo, I'm sorry to learn of your friend's loss. To lose a child you are close to, even if that child is not your own, is very hard. Prayers for that family. I know what you mean about the tears. I can't get them to stop either. Wellsprings that I thought I had finally shut off have been reopened. I can't think of Rocky's family without the tears coming again. They have a long and difficult road ahead of them. We are sad, and I have cried because I will miss my friend, but the depth of their grief can't even be described. God help them, please! --Romeena
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95086:
Found this performance by our Rev from three months ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yjf8epeQqg

from Poor Horatio
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95087: Wow....
So sad to learn of this.
I didn't even know Rev very well and didn't interact with him as much as some of you here have. But even so, I feel like I have lost a close friend. I mean, anyone who prays for you sight unseen and gently urges you to show the love of Jesus to people, has got to be a friend, right?! I think so.

In prayer, ...for a friend.

-Sterling Holobyte
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95088:
I forgot to mention that if you don't have the time to listen to the entire concert, be sure to cue it up to 0:43:45 when he talks about his daughter, her wedding, and the special song he wrote for the wedding.

from Poor Horatio
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95089:
For those of you who have been monitoring Facebook regarding the sad news, if it is a public page, could someone please post the link for it?

from Poor Horatio
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95090: "The tears on my pillow bespeaks the pain in my heart."
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95091:
PH, try this link, tho I am not sure it will work.
It may still ask for a password:
https://www.facebook.com/rocky.morris?hc_location=stream
MDC
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95092: Late yesterday evening I had to go to Walmart.I had been thinking about Rev right before I got out of the car.I looked up across the parking lot and there in the sky as the sun set was a beautiful rainbow. I remembered that my camera was in the car,so I grabbed it and took a picture. By the time I put the camera away,the rainbow was gone. I have NEVER seen a rainbow at dusk-it was a sight to behold.

I am a strong believer in signs and I feel like that was "Rev's Rainbow" and it was meant to be a comfort to my soul.

When I get the chance, I'll post it on FB.

Love to my porch family..

*******************
possum under a rock
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95093: Morning porch, I just wanted to check on everyone.
seems like you all and Rocky and his family are on my heart and mind throughout the day. I feel like all of you, I have lost a dear friend. Guess we don't realize how much of a family the porch has became until something like this happens. We are all affected by the loss of our friend and will be for a long time to come. I know that by us bonding together and being strong for one another we will be comforted.

Romeena, thanks for including us on your card and sending the plant. I made a contribution to the memorial fund as well as I know it will be needed as the expenses and family needs are overwhelming on top of dealing with the loss of Rocky.

Gotta get my mind on work or at least try,

Prayers and blessings!
Big Maude

October 23, 2013 - Msg 95094: Good morning, porch. Possum, I notice little "signs" too. Usually they come in the form of some natural occurrence. I don't necessarily think that God, or a loved one, "sends" them to us. I think they are happening around us all the time, like that rainbow, but I believe God opens our eyes to it, makes us aware of it, and the natural longing in our hearts makes the application. My Dale used to tease me and tell me that if he went before I did, he would come back as a mockingbird and sing to me. Well, the first time I returned to work after he died, I was walking back to my car in the morning, and tears I had suppressed all night were almost blinding me. Suddenly, I heard a mockingbird singing. I looked up, and perched on the corner of the parking garage roof, was a sassy mockingbird, standing on his impossibly skinny little legs, with his chest all puffed out, head thrown back and music like liquid silver just pouring from him. That ridiculously melodious little bird lived around there, I had heard him many times, but that morning, his song was directed only to me, because I wanted it to be so. For a sign to have meaning, there must be someone, a receiver, who recognizes and acknowledges it. You were that receiver when that rainbow appeared. It would have appeared anyway, but your heart was tuned in, so it became your sign. Come to think of it, God sends us signs every day. Every rose, every rainbow, every little bird, the warmth of the sun, water when we're thirsty, all the wonders of nature - they all fairly scream the existence and the power of God, but they only have meaning when we recognize them, and believe.

Big Maude, you have indeed lost a dear friend. We all have, and we will all miss him. Our hearts are sore, I know. Personally, I just can't seem to stop crying. To know Rocky was to love him, and we all did. We're going to miss him. However, in our grief, we have to remember that his family is suffering an unspeakable loss. He was important to each of us, but for them, he was the lynchpin of their lives. Please, let's continue to pray for them. Healing will come eventually, at least to the point that they will be able to function, but there is a very rough road ahead, and the healing will never be complete until they're reunited in heaven. At this moment, I have a picture in my mind, of my Dale, and Rocky, all those who have gone before us, as they witness our grief. I think they may even smile a bit, because they now know that it's only a blink in the grand scheme of things, and we will be with them. Time plods along for us, but for them, it's meaningless. "A day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is but a day." 2 Peter 3:8

And now, I'm going to try to get up, dry up, and get on with living. I have some writing to do. I can feel things jostling in my mind and heart. I need to let my fingers release them. God is good, friends. All the time. --Romeena
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95095: Thank you for that, Ro.

possum again
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95096:
Romeena, the last sentence of your
Msg 95094 made me think of one of my favorite Christian songs. I get a vision of Rev singing this song up in heaven.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl06RN5zRxk

from Poor Horatio
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95097: Yes Romeena, We have spoken of this...Letting God take control of our fingers...He is a MUCH better typer than we are...Amen?
Memories so thick you'll have to cut them with a knife! Yes even smells trigger memories, I can still smell Moms Chicken'& dumplings as I am cooking chicken today. Once in a while I eat a "Slim Jim" (even tho Mrs. G-F fusses me out about eating them),it reminds me of my Dad, we would eat them when we went fishing....
Yes, God is good...

G-F....
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95098: Sorta what I was getting at, like going to preaching and setting in the "Family pew" I'll think of REV's song "That's my pew!"....

G-F....again
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95099: PH, you are spot on. REV often included that song on the playlist for his concerta. He even had a ballcap with that slogan on it. I have no doubt that the halls of Heaven are ringing with his music, and that song will be part of it. --Romeena
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95100: Hello Porch Friends!

I haven't been able to come by much and rock lately as my work schedule is very full right now and my Father is in the hospital as well as Mrs. SMH has a torn ligament/tendon in her foot so she is in a walking boot.

But I had to stop long enough to give my condolences and Prayers for REV immediate family and our Porch Family. He was a man of God and Loved his family including us here on the porch.

We could take a line from the TAGS episode "Opie the Bird Man"...

The Porch seems empty and quiet but my isn't Heaven full with REV singing.

In Prayer
SMH

Andy Singing...Just a little talk with Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OpF_Q3TmCg
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95101: I keep thinking of Rev's song "Daddy I'm Home". Can't recall all of the words,but he has a line in the chorus that goes something like this: "Daddy,I'm home.. you should see this place.."

Our beloved Rev IS home,now,friends. And we should hope to see that place one day!

Oh,yes,SMH-Rev is performing on the grandest stage of all.

Y'all take care,friends.

*******************
possum under a rock
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95102:
Hey, I just had a thought...REV is now visiting with Andy, Barney, Goober, Aunt Bee and others!
Makes my heart glad to think of THAT! :)
Possum, thanks, will be looking for it on FB.
TOM? Buddy are you there? I just know that you will have the perfect poem to lift our spirits!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTegYAa_o5Q
Above song is another good one by Andy.
Prayers,
MDC
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95103: Perfect, MDC... :)

Boo
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95104:
MDC, thanks for answering my request about a Facebook (FB) link. But I think you misunderstood me. The link you provided is the Rev's personal FB page. But in your Msg 95102, you tell possum that you will be looking for something on FB.
I have searched various Andy Griffith and Mayberry FB pages and can't find any postings about the Rev's passing. That is the FB link I am requesting, but only if it is setup for public viewing for us non-FB users.

from Poor Horatio
October 23, 2013 - Msg 95105:
I just spent the evening viewing the link I posted in Msg 95086 and listening to a few of the Rev's CD's that I own. He was an amazing and natural talent because he wrote most of the songs that he performed.
I myself was a professional musician when I was younger. Today, although I still play a guitar at home, I am no longer in a band.
Shortly after purchasing some of Rev's CD's, I loved what I heard so much that if I had lived in South Carolina, I would have asked him if I could be one of his session musicians when he made his recordings.

from Poor Horatio

October 24, 2013 - Msg 95106:

*** From Rev's Facebook page this morning***

Many have asked about a video of the service for those who could not attend. We found out yesterday there will be a video available. It will be made available on Rocky's website probably in the next couple of weeks.

***********
possum u.a.r.
October 24, 2013 - Msg 95107: Hi

YOUR LOVING HEART.
Oh Lord, how wonderful it is,
seeing the works of Your creation;
for nature's wonders must surely be
a reflection of Your relation
numerous are the gifts You give
to all of those You love,
From the scent of the fragrant earth
to the starlit heavens above.
blessed are the eyes that see
the beauty that You impart,
and blessed is the soul that knows
it come from You loving heart.
In the quiet of the evening
as I give thank to You above,
oh what a sweet relief it is
feeling secure in Your heart of love

REV fINE
the love by his song.
R I P are friend .

TOM:(

October 24, 2013 - Msg 95108: Thank you, TOM. He would have loved that.

You'll remember that I told you how we spent Friday with Eloise, and Friday evening with the rest of my family. REV and my grandsons got along very well, discussed baseball to some length, and had some other conversations that were just the three of them. Today my DIL said that when she told the younger boy, age 10, that God had called Rocky home, he began to cry, and then, through his tears, he said this, "You know, we talked about how wonderful Heaven will be and how beautiful. I guess now he knows all about it." Out of the mouths of babes...

I am so happy those two boys got to know him. He'll always be something of a hero to them, and who better to fill that spot than a man like our REV. Many, many prayers for Nancy, Erica and Jonathan, and for REV's parents as well. I know they're all still in shock. God help them. --Romeena
October 24, 2013 - Msg 95109: Thanks TOM, MDC
October 24, 2013 - Msg 95110: Awww,Ro.Thanks for sharing that about your grandsons & Rev.I'm so happy y'all made those special memories with him.Prayers for his family.

Very nice poem,Tom. Thank you,too.

MDC, I'm trying to get the pic of that rainbow posted on FB,but my camera has been acting ornery. Will do so ASAP.

Y'all have a blessed evening.

*******************
possum under a rock