| Author | Message | ||
| hydrargyrum
Junior Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 12 Registered: 3-2004 |
My grandfather lived next door to me for nearly all of my young life, in a house he built himself. In fact many people in Carthage, Missouri (my home town) live in houses he built. My grandfather was a carpenter as well as a cabinet and furniture maker. Throughout my youth he indulged me in building skateboard ramps, and later we began to talk of guitar building. This happened to be at just about the time I was preparing to leave for college. We made many plans, and even selected some woods to consider. In his younger days my grandfather had acquired a selection of local hardwoods, mostly cherry and walnut. Two pieces in particular we decided would serve our needs. One is a plank of walnut that had been in storage over eighty years when my grandfather acquired it. The other a plank of cherry with less heritage, and a few cracks, but a lovely pink warmth to it. Our greatest hang-up was finding someone with a plane large enough to suit the wood. College took me a mere four hours away, but my weekend visits were never quite long enough to keep our plans moving. Eventually I gave up hopes that I would ever live in a house my grandfather built (not being keen on returning to the small town), but I still hoped one day to play a guitar he built. Approximately a month ago my grandfather underwent pentuple bipass surgery. He was recovering well, and all prospects looked good. Then suddenly he collapsed at the home of my parents (yet another home he helped build), and died in the arms of my father. I won't do my grandfather injustice by trying to explain his kindness or demeanor. Anyone who had dealings with him would know exactly what I mean. Our loss was a staggering blow, and I expect I will seldom, if ever, meet anyone as decent and humane as he was. In many ways he was a master at his work. He performed elaborate repairs on the many Victorian homes in Carthage, and he also built modest homes for the working class people of the town. I am saving the cherry and walnut, and planning for the future when Alembic can complete the job we started. I can think of no greater group of craftsman better suited to complete the work of my Grandfather. | ||
| goatfoot
Junior Username: goatfoot Post Number: 48 Registered: 12-2003 |
Kevin, What a beautiful eulogy to your Grandfather. I am truly sorry for your loss. I know that nothing can replace him. Nevertheless, I hope that every note you play on your "tribute" guitar will bring back pleasant memories of him and so keep a bit of him with you always. God bless, Kevin S. | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 410 Registered: 12-2002 |
Very well said!!! |
