Papa's Workshop

My dad has always enjoyed woodworking. He doesn't have a designated workshop at the house but often stains the wood and cuts the pieces in the garage. When my sister and I were much younger, he made us a lovely pink playhouse, then later painted it yellow to match our family's home. He also built a seesaw that got a lot of use. He even made my sister and I furniture when we moved into our new apartments in college. (We now use the end tables in our family room.) Now, Dad has never even considered that he just might be talented in woodworking and could potentially make some money building these items. He enjoys putting his heart and soul into these projects and giving them away. Two years ago, he found a rocking horse at a thrift store in the Cities. He purchased it and used it as a template for his own rocking horse. He has since built at least six rocking horses and given them away. He recently decided to build a seesaw for the grandkids.

These projects keep Dad occupied, and I know it brings him such joy to give his creations to others. I think that seeing the happiness they bring to those who receive the rocking horses and furniture has helped his confidence and increased his passion to make things. Not only is my dad building something, he's using his God-given talent to build something beautiful that will bring joy to somebody's life! As he works on his projects, he learns something new and sees a new opportunity, and I know that his gift will make a difference in somebody else's life.

I've attached pictures of our daughter's rocking horse and the seesaw he built a few weeks ago. I'm so proud of him!