I Didn’t Learn to Paint

Some of my first memories are of “working” with my dad. When I was a pre-school kid of four or five, I was exhausted from “helping”, so I sat down on a square topped can and watched him paint the living room in a house that he had moved onto a new foundation from the military gun-plant in our hometown of Pocatello. I became aware of a burning sensation on my backside and my dancing and rubbing alerted my dad, who stopped what he was doing to take me to our little house next door and get me fixed up – he taught me that day what a little paint thinner does to tender young skin, and to avoid it.

Recollections from my childhood are, I’m sure, common to those of my four brothers. We experienced the entire scenario, from the lumber yard, to…when a project was finished. We went hunting and fishing as well, but the scenario was the same, whether we were working or playing. My dad would organize his little work force of five boys, direct and teach us, and then help us fix our mistakes. There was always plenty to do, and plenty of diversity; demolition, building, industrial roofing, drywalling, painting, or even cutting firewood and yardwork. He did give us chores, but he showed us how to accomplish what we set out to do. How grateful I am that he didn’t simply tell me to go ride my bike and have fun (I did plenty of that), and how grateful I am that he patiently (-able to accept or tolerate delays) dispensed those lessons as a father, teacher, and friend. I have had to fall back on those trades many times in my life, to make ends meet.

First assignment in Nauvoo – Painting!

Need a New Years Resolution? – Be patient, take time to share your talents with children, grandchildren, and those around you.

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I didn’t Learn to Paint

I didn’t learn to paint – but how to hold a brush

To fill a hole and sand a ridge and not be in a rush

And soon enough – I could paint

I didn’t learn to build – but how to sweep and clean

To pound a nail to cut a board just the way I’d seen

And just like that – I could build

I didn’t learn to lead – just follow and to serve

To be there first to show the way and plan for every curve

And as it lands – I could lead

I didn’t learn to teach – but how to keep one near

To hold a hand and build one up and light a path that’s clear

And so it came – I could teach

I didn’t learn to be – a father just a son

I held a brush I swept and cleaned and did as he had done

Humbled am I – to be dad