Spending the Day With My Dad

[smitty1962a]

My Dad and I were traveling out into the country. The road ran along the side of a steep hill so that when I looked out of the truck, it seemed like we were flying. We were going to one of his friend's house to cut some walnut wood into lumber. As we rounded a turn, I could see an old man and woman wave at us and I waved back and knew that these were my Dad's friends. Later, when I met them they seemed so vital and full of life. After introductions, we walked to the back yard where a sawmill had been set up. My Dad reminded me that I needed to be on time at school. However, I watched the men cut walnut lumber especially my Dad. I was so surprised to see him this strong even though he's in his 70's. Before I left, I helped stack the lumber even though it stained my hands. I told everybody goodbye and Dad walked me out to the truck. He told me a sad story of a family near there who had lost a child because he was behind a car and the mother backed over him. He asked me if I would go express condolences to this family and I promised him that I would. He added that I knew what it was like to lose my family.

Smitty