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Sunday, June 21, 2009

Today's Post Is Dedicated To My Father

This post is dedicated to my father. He would have been 78 this Halloween. He passed away 19 years ago. I had a very different relationship with my Father, than with my mother. (Lola's Diner - Today's Post Is Dedicated To My Mother).

I have my Father to thank for my handy, DIY skills. Whenever my Dad had a project, either in the house, or in the garage, I was his assistant. I resented that I was always his assistant, but my sister couldn’t remember the names of the tools (perhaps on purpose?) whereas, I always remembered. In the winter I froze my butt off handing him tools, bringing him beverages and basically standing around and listening to him swear. Lol! At least that was the case when he was working on the car. He insisted on doing his own oil changes. For all the aggravation he went through I always wondered if he wouldn’t be better off paying the gas station $9.95 (or whatever it was at that time). When my Dad got into a project that was over his head, he would send me across the street to get our neighbor. It was usually under the guise of borrowing a tool. Both my Dad and I knew if he sent me, the neighbor would bring it over himself and see if he needed any help.

When times were tough he always found a way to get things done, whether he did it himself or enlisted the assistance of a neighbor. I never recall him hiring a plumber. At the time I did not at all appreciate that time I spent with him in our garage. Of course now I appreciate it, having learned about tools and the time we spent together. When I got my learner's permit he had me rotate the tires on his car so I would know how to change a tire. At the time I really grumbled about it, but that lesson proved invaluable. I can't tell you how many tires I've changed flats.

I built on what my Dad taught me about tools. I think he would be incredibly impressed at my tool collection and the set of DIY mad skills I’ve learned. I still have his Circular Saw and use it often for projects. I laid ceramic tile in both bathrooms of my previous home, installed new toilets, sinks and vanities and replaced the kitchen cabinets.I've even replaced the gutters on my old garage and repaired the soffit and fascia.

When my Mother passed away my Father clearly changed. For the longest time he was just lost. He still went every Friday night to his favorite haunt and would go out to lunch at a local restaurant frequently. My Dad didn’t cook much, so since I was living at home, I started doing the cooking. During the summer he would occasionally grill out. That usually meant his famous “steak and nothing” meal. If the name isn’t obvious enough, it’s a meal of a big ass steak, and nothing else. No starch, no salad, no sides. Just steak in all of it’s glory! When my sister and I would come home from work (we worked at the same office) and smell the grill as we parked our cars, we’d look at each other and snicker “steak and nothing?” We would always be right.

There are times when I look at my kids and think, how much my Dad would have enjoyed this or that with them. Whenever I have projects to do around the house I do just as he did. I have one of my kids be my assistant. I'm hoping he's looking down and watching over his 2 beautiful grandchildren and proud of all the things he taught his daughter.

Happy Father's Day.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2009

14 comments:

Liz Mays said...

What a wonderful tribute to your dad and I love that his handy skills around the house live on with you!

I miss my dad too!

Stephanie Barr said...

I was also Dad's helper. Actually, I remember those times pretty fondly.

But my father was a gardener so vegetables were always at hand.

Thank you for sharing your memories.

Yen said...

Happy fathers day to your dad.

Stacie said...

What a wonderful post Lola.

Cowguy said...

Happy Dad Day to you too Lola, thanks for reading too!

J.

Liza said...

I'm sure he is Lola. Your dad was a clever man and he taught you a lot of things. You made a beautiful tribute to him, I enjoyed reading. :)

Artist Victoria O'Neill said...

your dad would probably have a show on television by now......hey that's a good idea...an adult showing a kid how to DIY....

musingwoman said...

Thank you for sharing about your father. I'm sure he would be very proud.

StacieinAtlanta said...

Very nice post about your dad!

Stacie
http://www.thedivinemissmommy.com

P.S. I am over visiting and checking out your blog from Harriet's 1000 Comment Challenge

grouse.and.badger said...

What a great tribute to your father.

MIITB said...

What a sweet post about your dad!

Auntie E said...

My Dad Said many years ago, "I wish I had know you like to do electric work" I now do electric work with him when we are together. Spending time with my dad now the loving it. I know the time is limited, enjoying every moment I can:-)Loved reading your post.

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful tribute to your father. Makes me want to write one for mine (a day late) :)

JD at I Do Things said...

That's so nice. I love "steak and nothing." Your dad taught you a lot of useful skills.

My dad has been gone for 7 years, and not a day goes by when I don't wish I could tell him something. He gave me my sense of humor.

 
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