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Hey Dad,

Is it hot or what? It feels like a sauna here in Northern, IN. About the only thing keeping me going is the fact that we're driving down to Houston next week. Trying to beat the heat, I got up early this morning to change the oil on the RV. After 24 quarts, we're good to go.

My son Ike just informed me that the boat we've been working on is painted and done. Next step … christening and test drive. It may not win the America's Cup (or float as well as a Dixie cup), but at least we did it, and Ike will always remember the time he built a boat with his dad.

I was thinking about unfinished projects as I searched for my oil drain pan around the old barn foundation out back. Stepping through the overgrown weeds, I saw the finished but non-functioning forge and bellows that my sons, Ben and Sam, and I made years ago. Never did get them working. I'm sure if I looked very long, I'd find the remains of several other undone projects. They're reminders to me of unfinished dad-stuff.

Obviously, the familyman universe won't stop for unfinished bellows, but there is some unfinished dad-stuff that can alter history.

I almost had one of those situations on my hands this week. It all started after a slight altercation with one of my darling children. OK, it was ugly, and I was a little … hot. Then my darling child came up to me before I cooled down and said without a lot of emotion, "I'm sorry, will you forgive me?"
Half jokingly and half seriously, I answered, "I'll let you know."

Normally I ask forgiveness and forgive easily … not this time. In fact two days went by and I let it slide. Somewhere along the way I was reminded that I needed to take care of that unfinished dad-stuff … because I know what can happen to those who are never truly forgiven. It pushes them away and hardens hearts.

So last night I went into his room and finished what I started. "About the other night … you asked me to forgive you … and I do. I love you."

Done.

Dad, got some unfinished dad-stuff to take care of? Maybe you need to go and ask forgiveness from a child or wife … or maybe you need to offer your forgiveness and truly mean it.
So, go finish it up. You know why …

You 'da dad,

© 2011 Todd Wilson. Used by permission

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