We were a year shy of completing our time frame for our buried time capsule. However the Patriarch of our family kept asking when the time was to dig it up - the decision was made to do it this year instead of waiting until next year. One year-give or take didn't really matter.
This was our first time for such a venture, so everyone had their own ideas as to the exact spot it was buried. The container we chose to bury our "stuff" in, may not have been the wisest choice - but hey - no one in the crowd had ever taken part in such a venture - so we accepted this as the best way.
So the digging began. First three strong men dug into the soft hillside dirt with a passion. However they quickly gave in to the machine after a little while. Remember it was 100 degree weather and any physical activity added to the already too hot humidity. (This wasn't such a good idea, we all thought silently, to do this now instead of fall,) but the dig and exchange of ideas continued.
Stopping to rest occasionally and regroup, my Brother-in-law Raymond went at it again. It wasn't long until the shouts of glee from the crowd of witnesses, went out that the capsule had been uncovered.
Little fellows who had no earthly idea what these weired adults were so excited about, began asking questions. It was lesson time for their parents and aunts who were close by when their mirage of questions started. And one word answers weren't good enough. They wanted to know why. I'm not sure we were able to satisfy their curiosity - hopefully one day they will understand the significance of it all.
The elements had not been kind to our container. But many things were salvaged. I wish we had a time of talking about what we had put in and why, but each one took their contribution they made many years ago, and walked away to look, read and remember. The fun time we had when we watched it sealed and eventually go into the prepared spot, was exchanged for what I would call a somber mood.
In the mean time Daddy was not satisfied until his treasured pocket knife was found. He want
ed to see how it had faired all these years. The same pocket knife that had whittled wood into several Gun stocks for his grandsons.He was patient up to a point, when he asked again, "I had a knife in there, did they ever find it?" Setting beside him, I tried to keep the crowd out of his view, as well as give him a minute by minute report on what was happening. His eye sight is very poor.
Eventually the packet which had kept the knife was found and presented to him. After one of the granddaughters cleaned it, he held it in his hands and began reminiscing
about the gun stocks and how many he had made with his beloved knife.He kept looking at his watch after that, and decided he needed to get back "home". He was unable to eat much lunch, and wanted to get back in time for supper. Maybe the food there isn't so bad after all! (my words, not his)
We had several of the grand-kids missing as well as one of my sisters and her husband. He naturally looked for everyone, and even though he may not be able to call each one by name, he can scan the crowd and see it isn't as large as it has been at other reunions.
As he was being wheeled away he raised his right hand toward the sky and said, "I may not get to be here next year, but I want everyone of you get right with God, and meet me in Heaven"! or something to that effect. He was not real vocal otherwise, only carrying on a conversation with anyone who stopped long enough to sit a spell and listen to his stories.
Still with his quick wit and a great mind, when asked "Arthur do you remember where we buried the capsule?", he answered as though he was needing someone to ask. "It sure ain't where you're digging!" It brought a great laugh to us all and he grinned his famous mischievous grin as well.
Such was the week-end which rolls around each year round father's day. A time as with most families, those who can travel the distance comes, and those who can't - well they can't. And even though each one was missed, I agree with Daddy. I may not - you may not - any one of us may not be there next year. But hopefully to follow Daddy's wishes, there will be a time (we have prepared for) when the "family circle" will not be broken, or no one will look around that circle and find another missing.
Grammyof13
1 comments:
Your father is just awesome and the things you write about him at his age just amaze me with all that he knows and is capable of doing. This was so interesting. You are lucky to have such a big, loving family.
Post a Comment