He recognized me and he cried. He also laughed. Eye contact is his only method of communication, but it is wonderful. Sometimes he seemed to focus on my face, and the love he gave through his eyes at those times filled my heart with gratefulness.  I played the CD Yonder for him, and I could tell from the way he listened and smiled, he recognized Bland's voice, and even enjoyed some of the humor.  I also played the Blue Sky Boys for him. When they sang the Carter Family song "Will You Miss Me" he looked like he missed somebody.

This year I have resolved to formally pray for Dad as often as I think of him, which is many times a day.  What should I pray for?  I will pray for health and well being, and if that is not possible, I will pray for guidance and for peace and joy for Dad.

These prayers come from various Episcopalian sources:

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Tommy the help of your power, that this sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy.

Oh God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us do , that thy Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble;

Dear Heavenly Creator, whose peace passes all understanding, we pray that when you deem it time, you will free your servant Tommy from all earthly cares, pardon his sins, release him from pain and suffering and grant he may come to dwell with all your saints in everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The illustration, Many Moons bookcover, is attributed to Jeff Peers of Impressive Graphics, copyright date 1991.

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Besides Tommy's section of the site, the following pages are also related to Jesse and Tommy:
Blurred Time "The Sleeper": the aftermath of Jesse and Bobbie's car accident
Mike Craver's "Visiting Tommy"
Roots of the Red Clay Ramblers:
Fuzzy Mountain String Band: Jesse's mom, Bobbie, recorded with Rambler Bill Hicks and others
Hollow Rock String Band: Tommy and Bobbie Thompson named this band for their community