Life is a collection of memories. Memories are an interpretation of personal history. History starts with setting. It was never more apparent than this week that the Humphrey House is a great setting.
My father, in his sixties, has come to help me with the construction of the house. I don’t get to see him too often, we are both are busy, busy… its like that “Cats in the Cradle” song. I’m thankful for taking on this project, that he views as too much to handle, because if I didn’t I wouldn’t have the opportunity to see him and create memories. I would not have the opportunity to create shared history with friends as well, which will be great memories when we are all done.
This opportunity I have to create memories through shared experience was painfully apparent this week because my seventeen year-old-lost her dad just a few days ago. Her pain is my pain. She is my wife's cousin who has been under our guardianship for the last three years and is an important part of our family. It is with a heavy heart that I am able to say that I am so thankful I can still have a project with my father. For his part, my father will be happy to know that we have finally started "putting back" opposed to "taking out;" the HUmphreys House is going back together.
We have turned the corner and electric is tightening up, framing is done, and we are ready to insulate just in time for the cold weather. With drywall up, that means we are ready to set the kitchen cabinets. We have also added an enjoyable cast iron chiminea. We have always entertained and look forward to having friends and family over to the new home. Having a fire to warm our hands during a days work and a couple friends to gather around the outside fire is a welcome addition. Just having friends and family to work along side you is great value, even if all they are doing is occupying the interest of your seven-year-old son. We got a lot done this week and look forward to more progress in the week ahead. The people that have worked on this project and the ones that will help in the finishing stages (can you say painting parties?) will be part of the collection of memories that this home will make.
