“SHUT YOUR EYES DADDY”
I've wanted and needed a trailor to haul my big creations and supplies for my artwork for many years. I often would tell Miss Teena how much a trailor would help but I but could never really justify the expense and most times other necessities overruled the purchase of a trailor.
Often I would drive by a trailor lot and wish and sometimes even get out and pick the one that would be perfect for my needs. I would write down all the information and take a business card or phone number and carry it with me for a month or two. Then when something would come up I would use what little money I had saved and throw away the information on the trailor. This routine has gone on for years but it never stopped me from wishing for a trailor.
When I would complete a big piece of artwork I would call the family and ask for help to load it in the back of my pickup. Usually the piece was to big and it would hang over the sides or it was very heavy to lift up into the back of the truck. Often even the kids would voice the need for a trailor and I would just nod my head in agreement knowing that I couldn't afford one. It just was one of those things that you spend wishing for but know deep down inside is probably not going to happen.
Miss Teena and the kids asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I told them all I wanted lumber or a gift card from the lumber yard because I'm planning to remodel our basement into a large studio. I've needed a larger studio for years but it seems other priorities have always leaped to the top of the list. So I've been thinking that if I buy a few pieces of lumber along and start to gather the supplies over a few years I could have a big new studio someday. So yes Miss Teena and kids I want lumber for Christmas!
Christmas morning all the kids came out and we had breakfast and opened all our gifts and just had a great time. I opened my gift from Tiercy & Gary and it was tie downs for big loads. I thought this was a good gift but it was a little odd, I told them thank you and moved on to my gift from Chasin. A gift card from the lumber yard, now that boy heard my wishes. I moved on to Sallem, Sheldon & Sydnie's gift and was just totally confused with the gift of two shirts.
Why in the world did they even bother to ask me what I wanted, I wasn't mad but I was a little surprised and disappointed. I was going to be wishing for a new studio for a very long time just like my trailor. Oh well no biggie this is a great Christmas and we are all together and I Love my family.
Later after all the wrapping paper was picked up and the smell of the turkey & ham filled the air a few of the kids went outside. I sat in my recliner and played with Sydnie and sipped on my Pepsi and peppermint candy. The kids came back inside and with smiles and excitement took me by the hand and lead me outside. “Shut your eyes Daddy” the girls giggled as each took me by the hand. My mind is racing, I can't figure out why in the world I have to shut my eyes, Oh I bet they went and bought a load of lumber, this is great! They lead me around the corner of the house and screamed “MERRY CHRISTMAS” “open your eyes!”
I couldn't say a word, “OH MY”, a bright red trailor sat smack dab in the middle of my yard!
The trailor is great but the real gift was the knowing that my kids worked together as a family. Planning and yes building the trailor together as a family. Everytime I use my bright red trailor to haul my next creation I'll be reminded of the fact that I truly have a family. They knew all along what I needed and wanted and it's not wrapped in paper or in a department store it's in my heart “MY FAMILY”.
Sharing the Journey
Cha'