It could be a blessing in disguise, but none of my children are very mechanically inclined. They all have their individual talents, and I thank God for that, but they have not ever spent much time out in the shop, a place where I've made a living for most of my working life. I say "a blessing in disguise" because all I have to show for being able to work with my hands is a fair to midland income and a sore back. I'm pretty sure I would like my offspring to do a bit better than me.
With all that said, it does make me pretty proud when they occasionally pick up a tool to concoct a space saving shelf for their school lockers. After all, the ability to build shelter, make a tool, or create something with raw material is part of man's basic survival instinct and all of us should practice it.
It seems the apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree with my youngest. He asked me to help him with a project involving his old electric guitar. He saw some examples of guitars that were distressed to look old and worn and wanted to relic his Epiphone. He told me what he wanted done and I showed him how to use some tools that would help him complete his project. He watched. Gradually he took over his project and completed it with such success that some of his friends wanted him to do the same for their old Fender Squires.
I was at the fire hall the next day when I received a text from Joe... "Where is the sander?". Puzzled, I replied; "Why?". After several other texts helping him to find various tools and sundries, a fear came over me when I realized he was in my shop... alone... with power tools. I was pleased when I came home the next morning not only to find him with all his digits still attached but a very cleverly antiquated electric guitar leaning against the couch.
With all that said, it does make me pretty proud when they occasionally pick up a tool to concoct a space saving shelf for their school lockers. After all, the ability to build shelter, make a tool, or create something with raw material is part of man's basic survival instinct and all of us should practice it.
It seems the apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree with my youngest. He asked me to help him with a project involving his old electric guitar. He saw some examples of guitars that were distressed to look old and worn and wanted to relic his Epiphone. He told me what he wanted done and I showed him how to use some tools that would help him complete his project. He watched. Gradually he took over his project and completed it with such success that some of his friends wanted him to do the same for their old Fender Squires.
I was at the fire hall the next day when I received a text from Joe... "Where is the sander?". Puzzled, I replied; "Why?". After several other texts helping him to find various tools and sundries, a fear came over me when I realized he was in my shop... alone... with power tools. I was pleased when I came home the next morning not only to find him with all his digits still attached but a very cleverly antiquated electric guitar leaning against the couch.
So now the word is out and the relic master has set up his custom shop in my garage. He has just completed his third relic and I hope he continues to develop his skills and working with his hands. Whether or not he should make a career doing such things...well let's just say the jury is still out.
