The View From Here: 2016

Good Work is Finished Work

Over the years I have worked on MANY projects with my Dad. Okay, some of them were chores that I did at his direction. But that is part of being a son. I remember him taking the time to teach the most basic of car maintenance; changing a tire. I remember painting and spreading tar on the hardware store in Remus, replacing the sceptic drain field at the Remus house, stripping the motor on his 66 Mercury convertible and replacing shingles on the rabbit shed/garage. The thing about these projects is, well, they were quality time with my Dad. He always had something to teach me when he involved me in these projects. Each and every time.

As I grew up and began my adult life, I used the knowledge Dad passed down to me. I would say that the biggest thing that Dad instilled in me was that I could do anything... anything. Whether it
was working or cars, building something or just a small wood working project, Dad gave me the basic skill set to do my own projects. He also gave me the courage to try new techniques and make my ideas become a reality. These are more valuable to me than anything. Who knew that I could build a deck on my house or design my own meat smoker out of a wine barrel? Dad did.

Dad has helped me build three sheds at different homes that I have owned. Each one was bigger than the last. The last one we just built in April of 2015. It was the largest and Dad entertained my ideas and features that I wanted. I wanted it big enough to hold my lawn equipment and wood working toys. I also wanted it to have an lean-to on the south side. Part of that would be to store my 4 X 8 trailer and a couple other things. The other part would an 8 X 8 green house with a polycarbonate roof to let the sun in. Dad designed it and brought his best friend Ken down to Texas to build it. It was quite a bonding time for not only Dad and I but also for Ken and Dad.

My Dad started another project before he left this earth. Unfortunately, he did not get to see it through to the end. I am happy to say, that I have finished it for him; once again, a joint project. Before my Grandpa Millis (Mom's father) died in 2012, my father had the insight to sit down with a tape recorder and ask Grandpa about his life, his family and his work.

Some of you may know that Dad, at this time, was also working on his own life story. He finished that just before he passed away. I can't tell you what a blessing this 178 page book has been to our entire family. We all learned something more about Dad or the King family that we didn't know or at least some really neat stories.

Back to the recordings. In October 2015, I began to convert to digital three plus hours of conversations between Dad and Grandpa. It was wonderful to not only hear the voice of Grandpa, but also to hear Dad's voice. I am going to be honest with you. I couldn't listen to it at first. It was too fresh. Too painful. But slowly... over time... I came back to my task. I did it for my family so they could also experience this wonderful treasure. It has been my pleasure to do this for the rest of my family. Both of these men are sorely missed and we carry them in our hearts.

For my extended family and friends that knew Dad and Grandpa, below are the links to the Mp3 files for your listening pleasure. As you listen, remember Dad and Grandpa in your own way.

Just a little info. The below links are located at my Dropbox. Just click 'No Thanks... Continue' at the bottom at the pop up.