Monday, May 7, 2007

PRECIOUS STONES

The tiny stones in these old glass bottles are more precious by far than any rubies, diamonds, or pearls. These old glass bottles contain tiny stones of wisdom, strength, and hope. This is their story. My grandpa would gather the eggs each day from the barn, and he would be to get each one so as not to be wasteful, and it didn't matter what nook or cranny near or far, he'd find the very last egg. He was a strong willed man, and would not admit that at his age he shouldn't be climbing. As he climbed up to the barn loft he lost his footing and fell backwards out of the loft. After awhile, realizing he couldn't make it to the house, he crawled to the fence row. Every car that passed he tried to get their attention by waving. Finally about 2 hours later a car stopped. The man ran up to the house to call an ambulance. After sometime, the paramedics finally got inside the gate to him, grandpa's horse was bucking and pawing at them. In his horse mind, he was protecting my grandpa. It turned out grandpa had a badly broken hip. In his late 70's this was a dangerous break. After surgery and a long recovery, my grandpa was back on his feet. He knew he would have to exercise and take care of himself if he was ever to gain his strength back. Years later, I found shelves overstuffed with big bottles, little bottles, fat ones and skinny ones. Each bottle filled to the top with tiny stones. There was probably up to 70 bottles or more. I asked about these bottles filled with tiny pebbles. My grandpa began to explain to me how everyday he walked the edge of the creek bed, and every step or two he'd bend to pick up two or three tiny stones. He went on to explain how that was his way of exercising, strengthening his hip and the muscles that had grown weak. It may not have seemed like such a great feat, had there not been soooo many bottles filled with so many of these tiny stones. What I seen was wisdom, strength, and hope for the future. Each one of my family members have their own bottle of precious stones. When I look at mine, I see the strong loving hands of my grandpa. The heart of a man that held on to hope. And the simple wisdom, that made all the difference.

19 comments:

TO BECOME said...

Such a beautiful loving story such a beautiful grandpa. I think the bottle of stones is just what you said and they are worth more than gold, silver or any precious jewels. You are very blest. connie from Texas

Lucy said...

What a lovely story . And what a great memorie of your grandpa!

mima said...

How special! You are sooo lucky to have such a wonderful family! Hugs!

Nancy Jo said...

What a nice family story, I liked that one. Better put a shelf up in your cabin for all those bottles.
NANCY JO

La Tea Dah said...

What a lovely, inspiring story. . .thank you for sharing.

Susan said...

What a loving, touching story of your wonderful grandfather. I can just imagine how precious those little stones in those bottles are. How wonderful that each member of your family has one to remember him by.

Susan

Alpicks Treasures said...

Yes indeed. Thay are very special. Thanks for sharing.

Beach Girl said...

What a wonderful story and a beautiful memory.

Come check out storm pictures on my blog. Hold on to your hat!

Vanessa

Day4plus said...

Wonderful story, Mikki Jo. What a loving relationship between you and your grand-pa. MB

Super B's Mom said...

What an endearing story. Reading your post, I had tears in my eyes; I began to think of my own strong-willed grandfather.

Unknown said...

What keepsakes to pass down along with that lovely story! Thanks for sharing it with us!

Mary L. Briggs said...

What a beautiful story about your grandpa. How blessed you were to have known such a man!

Tammy said...

What a wonderful real life story!!
:)

Cape Cod Washashore said...

Wow! That's beautiful, Mikki-Jo! It brought tears to my eyes. Those little stones are very precious indeed!

Brightmeadowfarms said...

What a touching story. You must have wonderful memories of your grandfather. His exercise is a good lesson for all of us!

The Tiquehunters Wife said...

I loved hearing about your wise grandpa! It's a wonderful thing when you can look back at your rich family history and think so lovingly of him and how he left you and your family such a fine gift! I am touched!
(I love your primitive painting!)And I also love to watch and feed birds! Love Ya! Claudia O.

Janice said...

Oh My Goodness Mikki - that has to be one of the most beautiful stories I've ever heard...
I kept feeling it in my heart...

What a wonderful man your grandpa was....

If this world only had more men like your grandfather....

Thank you for sharing this beautiful, beautiful story...

Melissa said...

you said you couldn't remember where you came across my blog...I noticed that country pleasures is on your blog list-that is my mother in law! it's great to add a new friend to my list. visit me often and keep in touch!

flmom said...

What a beautiful story you shared!