#55 Power Tools

The sink is going haywire (it’s like one of those spraying fire hydrants!), the floor is creaking, and the garage door needs to be fixed. While mom sifts through the yellow pages for a plumber and repairman, Dad burrows down under the house for his toolbox and power tools set. “HERE ARE MY BABIES!” Dad exclaims with jubilation as he blows off the dust that has settled upon them. The tool set was a Christmas gift from Santa to Dad. Mom wishes Santa didn’t get it for him

For about a week straight, Dad was using those tools for everything and anything. “Need a birdhouse built?” Dad it’s the middle of winter, birds have migrated south. “Want me to fix your showerhead?” My shower works just fine…and always has. "Need anything sawed?" I don't even know how to answer that. “Want me to open that soda can for you?” Please Dad…put down the hammer.

Power tools define a Dad because it adds status. Not only are they part of his barbarian and masculine heritage and genes, but Dads are the only people that can pull off tool belts as fashion statements. Ace Hardware might as well be called Dads R Us. The best part about the power tools though is that Dad has a plethora of them, and has no idea how to use them. Have you ever seen Dad doing something other than sanding the wood? Dad’s on another beer break… Whether Dad is really attempting to “fix up the house” or he’s just looking for a reason to get out of running errands with mom, power tools serve meaning in Dad’s lives. As much as Dad doesn't know about his tools, we appreciate his effort when it is needed. Now go hand him that allen wrench while he’s assembling your IKEA desk.