First Project

First Project

“How’s the project going?” Dad said as he bounded down the cellar steps to the workshop.

“… It doesn’t work.”

Not the answer Dad hoped for. This was Eric’s first time using the shop alone. He’d wanted to for a long time. But Dad had to make sure he knew how to be safe. He needed to handle every piece of equipment correctly, when to wear protective gear, or not needed. Many important things.

Dad had only gotten comfortable about it recently, and finally gave Eric permission to work in the shop alone, albeit still with an adult in the house., Dad.

Getting into sight of the workshop, Dad almost yelled. What a mess! There were tools and pieces of wood everywhere! The floor was covered with papers and sawdust and who knows what else. But he knew yelling at Eric like he was still a baby was not good. He could remember a few times his own father yelled at him, and made him feel bad. He’d had every intention of cleaning up at the end, Eric probably did too.

“Do you think there’s a problem?” he said instead.

“Not with the equipment,” Eric said, “I think, it’s the wrong screws.”

Somewhat surprised at such an adult sounding answer, Dad listened. Together they came to the same conclusion. Off to the hardware store for different sized screws.

Once back, Dad decided to let Eric finish alone. It was going well, whatever it was. Dad still had no idea what Eric was making.

The biggest surprise came when Eric handed him a clock later that day. It sent up a loud coocoo bird to wake you! What a hoot! Dad loved it!

Well, right up until he went back down cellar, and found it still looked like a tornado hit…