Memories of a few snapshots recall life#039;s true hero
Published 12:00 am Saturday, June 14, 2003
It's one of those photographs mothers love to show off -- usually at the most inopportune times.
The colors are faded a bit, but the subject is clearly still visible. This particular photograph features what appears to be the diapered rear end of a small toddler holding tightly to the radiator support of an early 1970s Ford pick-up truck. The truck's hood is raised and a few tools and rags make it evident that repairs were under way.
Certainly the small boy wasn't working on the truck alone, was he?
Beside the photograph in the album is a similar snapshot. In this one the same blonde-headed child is sitting on the ground clutching a screwdriver in one hand. A little patch of dirt clings to the boy's small, chubby knee.
That the boy liked being in the middle of everything is pretty clear. Curiously, though, just off camera was the real reason the small boy liked being into everything -- his hero was nearby.
This was no ordinary hero, mind you. This guy was pretty special. He could fix almost any problem that arose. Car broken? Give him a call? Need a new ceiling fan installed? He'll be there in a few minutes. Broken toilet? Sick dog? Malfunctioning clothes dryer?
Come on; think of something tough for him to tackle. Superman had nothing on this behind-the-scenes man, absent from a few of the embarrassing snapshots.
Decades after those images were captured, relatives said I stood just like that man. I guess I should since he's my father.
The fact that -- along with some genes -- we share the same mannerisms made me a bit uncomfortable as a teenager.
What teenager would want to be his Dad? I mean he worked at a seemingly dull job. He was married to the same woman (my mother) for decades. They never fought or did anything the characters on the TV show "Dallas" (popular at the time) did. In fact, nothing terribly exciting happened at our house.
Now that I am considered similar to Dad makes me proud. If I am ever half the man Dad is, I'd consider my life a success. Last year, after working for more than 30 years for the same company, Dad retired. Some relaxation time was long overdue. Now he and my mother have the house to themselves.
Thanks for everything, Dad. And Happy Father's Day!
Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445 ext. 12 or by e-mail to kevin.cooper@irontontribune.com