Project 52, Week 5 - Stuff in My Garage

I love my garage. It is a space in which I can nurture my creative self. In that space I have put oil paints on canvas, photographed people and objects, and created metal art pieces with my dad. It is a place in which I can sit alone for hours pondering life and remember.

Being an only child has it's own challenges. I had many roles growing up; oldest child, middle child, youngest child, and at times trying to fill in as being a son my dad did not have. It was in his garage that we would tinker together. He taught me how to problem solve, use tools and fix stuff. One of my favorite things to do with him was to work on his 1969 Dodge Monaco. He taught me how to use a timing gun. He would determine the timing of the engine was off a bit, we would hook up the timing gun, make some adjustments, get in the car and drive to the edge of town. As soon as we hit the edge of town, he floored it and within seconds we were flying at 115 mph heading towards the 3 mile corner. There was a curve in the highway 3 miles from the edge of town. Dad would determine that the timing was still off, so back to the drawing board we would go. Each adjustment would bring another test run. I loved those days.

These days my dad and I tinker in my garage. I treasure those days. I know our garage days are limited and he still has so much to teach me. On the days that I sit alone in my garage, I look around at so many familiar objects and tools that my dad has now given to me and I remember the hours spent together in his garage. I am grateful for having the time I have had with my dad. He has taught me so much. He is my hero.