The title should be what hasn't my father taught me! I have learned so much from him that I didn't
even realize the amount and wealth of information and know how I have
accumulated from him. That is until this past year of building my house. Every cut I make, every time I measure
something, every time I do something wrong and think about not redoing it…I can
hear him say, ‘Make sure you account for the thickness of the blade before you
cut’ or ‘Nope, we didn't do it right we have to rip it out and do it again.’
And I would always be thinking in my head, ‘Oh come on dad it looks fine.’ But
when he spoke those words to me many years ago I didn't have my head in the
game. I just wanted to do something else. Probably play my guitar or watch TV
or something. Not realizing at the time that he was trying to give me this knowledge.
Though I was listening and helping him with his projects I wasn't appreciating
the fact that he was trying to pass down the knowledge and experience he had
learned from his father, in essence, his DNA. But somehow that DNA got stuck in
me and laid dormant in me all these years until I realized I needed it more
than ever.
The biggest thing I have learned from my father is work
ethic. How to work efficiently by anticipating the next move or three moves of
the project or what tools would be needed to see a project through from start
to finish. How to be a good helper and know what wrench or screwdriver he would
need next. I knew I had done well working with him that day if he said I was a
good helper. And it did make me feel good when he said that. It made the whole day
of working NONstop seem worth it somehow. :)
All those times I can remember him saying come watch me or
help me change these brakes or change the oil, or build these cabinets,
pressure wash the deck, put in this toilet, or whatever. HE taught me how to
build this house. As tiny as it may be, I assure you, it is a monumental task.
Every cut made, hole drilled, and chalk line popped, I assure you, my father had
his hand in creating this home. It is only through my father’s eyes that I am
able to see. Through his vision I have grown into a capable man with the
ability to dream, plan, design, and execute that dream into a reality. And for
that I am eternally grateful and in your debt. So I say to you, on this day, I
love you and happy father’s day!
Your son
P.S.- Contrary to what many may believe you can’t learn everything
from YouTube! J
