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Thursday, March 5, 2009

Wednesday's Walk March 4/5 Inherited Genes

June 10, 1986 my Dad died, it was just before the summer that he had promised to build a shed in our backyard with his grandson, our first born John Michael, who was 14 at the time. He said they would have it built before he and his brother would leave in August for Camp Yawgoog Heartbroken by the loss of his grandpa, he insisted that he wanted to fulfill the plans that they had. So at the age of 14, our son, John Michael built a free-standing shingled wooden 12ft by 12ft shed on a cement slab in our rear yard with no carpentry training except for assisting and watching his grandfather in the past. This project was scheduled to be built during 1986 summer vacation with his grandfather, however because his grandfather (my father) passed away unexpectedly on that day in June, John Michael planned to complete this project by himself. Saddened by this John Michael told his father and me that he would still build this shed. This shed was built with so much love that we felt that his grandfather was with him giving him the knowledge and ability to complete this project. These internal carpentry genes come from his grandfather, Edmund Joseph Pacheco and his great-grandfather, Manuel R. Pacheco, who were professional carpenters their entire lives. In the early years they worked as Pacheco and Son, building many houses. Later when Manuel died, Edmund continued working as a carpenter building and repairing Almacs supermarkets on salary rather than maintaining his own business.

Another project John completed at an early age was re-doing the basement of our church as an Eagle Scout project.

Another major project he did along side his dad (who also was not trained in carpentry) was to gut out the front and partial sides of a building we purchased to become our real estate office.


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15 comments:

Unknown said...

What an inspiring story. Loss often creates desires and aspirations that weren't previously there so strongly. Sounds like God had a purpose for John Michael - and he used the heartbreak in his life to bring about a special gift.

Chat with Kathleen said...

Lynntte, We were all amazed by his innate ability and talents. which we knew must have come from our Lord. Our neighbor, Bill said he watched and said he was ready to step in if John Michael ran into any difficulty, but he never had to.
Even to this day he has mentioned "I did it for Grandpa, that is what he wanted to do, we had talked about it everytime we were together."

Sally-Ann said...

I have found that loss often brings out our talents. It is wonderful that John Michael was able to complete the planned project and then go on to do even more with his talent

Chat with Kathleen said...

Sally-Ann,
John Michael is a very gifted individual. What he does not know he will seek advice and learn to do the project himself. He has always been a self-motivator and persistent in his actions. I must admit he is not a person to accept "No" for an answer, he will try and try until he get its to perfection.

Laura Hoekstra-Bettig said...

Hi Kathleen,

Enjoyed your story and the photos, too. I believe children that have deep connections with family will go on in life to have meaningful relationships, even when loss leaves some holes in their hearts. How wonderful to see his desire to finish the project to completion. Nice to visit you again! Blessings!

Laura Hoekstra-Bettig said...

Kathleen, Thank you, too, for visiting my "new" blog and for your kind comments. I appreciate that so very much and am glad you enjoyed the spring music! ;-)

Cherdecor said...

That is a wonderful story.

I went to college in Indiana with a Dan Pacheco. I imagine there are a lot of them around.

Chat with Kathleen said...

Hello Laura,
Thanks you for stopping by to visit. It is always appreciated. You are right on that family is of utmost importance to building good character and work ethics.

Chat with Kathleen said...

Hi Cherdecor,
The name Pacheco is very popular in Portuguese communities. Thank you for visiting.

Carver said...

What wonderful memories. That is so great that your son was able to build the shed in memory of his grandfather.

Anonymous said...

Wow! If I had a son I would be so proud of him for doing that in honor of his grandpa,...and I know you are!

He comes from good stock! And I am sure that the Lord gave him the help he needed.

The strangest things can bring out our strengths,...especially trials.

I know my daughter Lynnette's life would not be what it is today, (nor her husband's or kids), if it had not been for the great trials she has faced, and the growth God has given her through them all.

I think I would be different too. And my husband who came to Christ, might not have done that if he hadn't seen Christ at work in such a strong way in his family's life.

So we can praise God for all He has done right? Amen! We have a great and mighty Lord!

Love, Linda

Chat with Kathleen said...

Carver,
That accomplishment was a most honored tribute to the memory of his maternal grandfather.

Chat with Kathleen said...

Linda,
Your belief in our Lord come through your Daughter's and Grand daughter's blogs. He is an awesome God that is always there for us in our joys and sorrows, lifting us when we stumble and gets us right back up.
My husband and I are proud of our sons accomplishemnts and and pleased that we brought them up with the Love of God and his words.
Amen

George said...

What a wonderful tribute to your father and grandfather as well as your son. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Chat with Kathleen said...

It is a wonderful tribute that I shall always remember. I feel that my dad, his grandfather, was with him as he built that shed. Thanks for stopping by, you know I aways appreciate your visits.