There was one thing that reminded both of us of Dad. It was a strange thing for each of to have noticed this among all of Dad's things. From the time we were little this item was in Dad's garage way up high on a shelf in a dark corner. It was a hood ornament...a little mule with eyes that used to light up.
After Dad passed I knew that Marvin was to get the little mule hood ornament. I cleaned it all up, taking off years of dirt and grease, for my brother. I took pictures of it to place in my memory book. And then as I cleaned the attic out I even found a photo of my dad with his old truck with Little Mule on it! I made a copy of that photo and placed it in frame to present with Little Mule to my brother. I had the surprise all set up for him, clean mule and framed photo to be put in a place of honor in Marvin's home.
I had been planning a surprise for my brother and instead I was surprised. Now Little Mule is in a place of honor in my home and I am happy about that.
As we cleaned up the house after Dad was gone there were a few things that I placed in a bag to bring home.
These items remind me of my dad.
His date planner, index card and mechanical pencil..he always had those things in his shirt pocket.
A pocket knife.
Little screw drivers.
A very small clamp...I just thought that was neat.
He kept a metal file beside his chair.
He had bowls of keys.
There were lots of marbles....this one felt cool in my hand.In the photo is a bullet casing....that is from the 21 gun salute at his funeral. That was a perfect ending to honor my dad's life.
The flag was at half mast next door at my uncles house
in honor of the oldest brother.