Remodel

One of the fondest memories I have growing up is watching my Dad work around the house. After his retirement from the Marine Corps we settled into his hometown of Columbia, Pennsylvania. He and my Mother bought a three story row home on Third and Mapel Street. It was a fixer upper and he dove into fixing it up head first. My Dad's Uncle and Brother lived in the same town and they both enjoyed helping fixing things up. It seemed they were never satisfied with how their homes looked. Constantly peeling off old wall paper and putting on new. I guess it didn't hurt that my Uncle worked at a wallpaper plant in the next town over. Tearing down and cleaning up was my specialty. Oh, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I was a great gopher. My Dad always had me "go for" this or "go for" that! Once I started driving it became worse, as it seemed he lost his memory when visiting local hardware stores. He would always send me back for something he needed that he forgot to pick up on the first trip. Numerous trips to the refrigerator were also common. My Dad and Uncle could drink beer all day and still cut a straight line with a saw, or balance themselves on a wooden ladder as they dropped in a new ceiling. Drop ceilings were the bomb back then and everyone had to have one. One of the neatest things my Dad did was build a light fixture that hung from our formal dining room. It was an old wagon wheel that he attached light fixtures to, and hung from the ceiling. I still remember how proud he was of that creation and how much sanding I did to make it look nice. I sure do miss my Dad and those days we shared together and how much he taught me.  As I remodeled our kitchen, those memories with my Dad flooded back like they were yesterday, but as I worked along side Jerry, new life lessons were being taught . 

This latest remodeling project was something I never could have accomplished by myself. Like my Dad, back in the day, Jerry is a talented wood worker. A master of everything like plumbing, electrical, and cabinetry.  I will always remember watching this man work and his uncanny attention to detail. Working with Jerry gave me a chance to see not only a talented worker but a gifted servant of Christ. Unlike my Dad, Jerry is a disciple of Jesus Christ. He is uniquely talented and gifted by God and uses his gifts of woodworking to God's glory. Jerry is also my Sunday School teacher, who came along side me and guided me through this whole remodeling process. He taught me how to tile a floor, install cabinets, cut a straight line, and even how to use a power nailer without getting nailed! I love this man of God who taught me more than just how to swing a hammer. A servant of Christ, who demonstrated to me how to serve and love others more than self. He is a role model that all men like me can look up to and emulate.  We spent a whole bunch of Saturdays laughing, sharing, and being best friends. I have become a better man, husband and friend by his example. I guess you could say, the kitchen wasn't the only thing that was remodeled.