When I was young, I spent countless weekends working on various projects around the house with my dad. He was always fixing something or building new stuff, and I was his eager assistant. "Get the drill," he'd say, followed by, "Now grab the hammer... where did I put that screwdriver?" I'd dash around, fetching tools and trying to keep up with his requests. It felt like a treasure hunt, each tool a precious find. But honestly, my least favorite part was the cleanup afterward. Once the excitement of building or fixing things wore off, I'd be left sweeping sawdust, organizing tools back into their rightful places, and wiping down dusty surfaces. It was the less glamorous side of being my dad's right-hand man, but looking back, even that had its lessons and moments of joy.

 

Thinking back, those moments weren't just about the projects we completed or the messes we made; they were about the time spent together. My dad taught me more than just how to swing a hammer or use a drill; he showed me the value of hard work, patience, and the satisfaction of seeing a task through to the end. Cleaning up was tedious, but it was part of the process, a necessary step to admire our handiwork in its full glory.

 

Now, years later, I find myself missing those days more than I ever thought possible. It's not just the excitement of creating something new or the challenge of fixing something broken that I long for; it's my dad's presence. His voice guided me, his hands showed me the way, and his smile when we finally sat back and looked at what we'd accomplished together. Those memories are precious, a reminder of the bond we shared. I miss him deeply, as my mentor in those weekend projects and as my dad, my hero. The lessons he taught me, the values he instilled, and the love we shared during those seemingly mundane tasks have shaped me into who I am today. And for that, I am forever grateful.

 

"I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble." - Proverbs 4:11-12