July 24, 2006

A Note

Dear Pa,

Hope things are going well for you, and that the Big Guy has you set up right. I'm sure you know all about it, but I'm down here in Florida, helping out Aunt D., trying to get Uncle Russ' business rolling again, so that we can sell.

As I often do, I was thinking of you today. Alot. I was remembering how I used to follow you around in the machine shops and the garage, asking about tools and why certain things needed certain care and others didn't. All of us kids would ask if we could help saw, or drill things for you. You'd patiently explain everything to us, and sometimes allow us to help. And help for real, not just to entertain ourselves. I remember the first tool box you got for me... full of real tools. I think I was seven or eight at the time. You'd show us how to use some tools, and explain why we couldn't run others until we were older. I love ya for that...

Today, I had the chance to watch over S's boy (he's ten already!). He followed me around the shop asking questions, wanting to help, and playing with some of the tools I thought it safe for him. I got to spend most of the day with him. Kind of a learning experience, and a realization of what you did for us.

I just wanted to thank you, Pa, for not killing me.

Love and miss you,

Joe

Posted by That 1 Guy at July 24, 2006 05:19 PM | TrackBack
Comments

What a great day. And what a great letter......

Posted by: Tammi at July 24, 2006 05:38 PM

I'm pretty sure he knows brother.

He knows.

Posted by: BloodSpite at July 24, 2006 05:49 PM

He knows. And good for you passing a bit of your Pa's wisdom along (though I *know* it must have cost you a great deal of patience...)

Posted by: Richmond at July 24, 2006 07:11 PM

I think Dad is smiling and thinking that he did a good job starting you off. That's a great letter.

Posted by: Jerry at July 24, 2006 07:39 PM

Fucker. You're not supposed to make me cry.

Your dad and mine must have been a lot alike. Someday we need to have some beerce and talk about dads. Maybe at Klas again.

Posted by: og at July 24, 2006 07:58 PM

Very nice heart warming tribute to your father.
I'm sure he is feeling the pride of his upbringing of you..passing it on to the generations...and yanno...that oneday, the boy will say...hey son, here is what i was taught (by T1G)
Yeah, he knows!

Posted by: imp at July 24, 2006 08:19 PM

sweet pea, very nice

Posted by: shoe at July 24, 2006 09:52 PM

My dad had girls but was a lot like your dad. Good for you for passing a little wisdom on to that boy. What a beautiful letter to your pa. Perhaps tonight you'll hear a creak in a floor someplace! ;-)

Posted by: oddybobo at July 25, 2006 07:06 AM

Beautiful letter. Thanks for writing it and for sharing it with us.

Posted by: Michele at July 25, 2006 08:22 AM

What Og said, both the crying (damn you, there's no crying at work) and teaching part.

My dad did the same as your dad. My dad was the one to show me how to change oil, do a break job and use a drill.

And people wonder why I became an Engineer.

Posted by: Quality Weenie at July 25, 2006 10:41 AM

You're ready for kids, Bro.

Posted by: Jim - PRS at July 25, 2006 06:50 PM

Keep those letters come'n. He's reading every one. Even those you keep inside...it's a flawless, seamless delivery to the other side~

Posted by: h~ at July 25, 2006 09:15 PM