I learned it by watching you!

I can’t believe I am saying this but I am becoming like my dad. The funny thing is I don’t mean that in a negative way at all!

Growing up I’ve always taken my dad’s hands-on approach for granted. He has been the epitomy of Mr. Handyman and I never truly appreciated it until now some twenty years later.

The one picture of him that stands out the most was his love for building things, boats in particular. Having grown up by the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, my dad would either be adding something to his existing boat or building a new one.

I wish I could say that I would “help” him build these things but looking back he never let me touch his tools! All he would let me do was hold the flashlight in place so he could tighten a bolt; hold extension cord and keep it from being yanked as he cut with the circular saw; or hold the other end of the tape measure while he read the numbers outloud.

All I wanted to do was press the button on the drill or powersaw and wear his goggles.

Well after years and years of watching and observing, I find myself oddly familiar with powertools, auto repair, and basic carpentry. I feel as though there’s been this reserve in my brain that’s collected all this data that has been unused for years and finally now being applied in my home with my own family.

For example today I cannot believe that I was able to replace my truck’s starter motor. I understand that for most grease monkeys that’s a piece of cake, but for a computer geek like myself, that was quite an accomplishment.. I actually felt like the testosterone level went up as I found myself smothered in grease.

It’s an exillirating feeling to know that you’re not incompetent in and around the house – that you can actually fix things with your own hands.

I can’t wait until this weekend when I see him and give him my heartfelt thanks for all that he has taught me without even trying.. “I learned it by watching you, Dad!”