My parents came for a quick visit on their way out to their winter home in Utah. As is typical when my dad visits, I had made up a “Daddy-Do” list. I’m pretty handy around the house– I think I get it from him– but there are some things, usually dealing with electricity, that I won’t try alone. My dad is an electrician– but, he can pretty much fix anything. Growing up we never called a repairman. Dad just fixed stuff. So, when our furnace quit working on Friday night, I was glad he was coming the next Monday.
I had the “furnace guy” come to diagnose the problem and was told that the part I needed would cost me around $440. (The price without labor, mind you.) My dad told me to forget that and to wait until he got there. After a few phone calls he found the part locally for only $230. He replaced it and that was that. All of this spurred a discussion of how certain businesses seem geared to rip people off. I ended up calling the heating/cooling company and expressed my “frustration” at the difference in price. The woman on the phone even had the nerve to ask if I wanted one of their “experts” to come and make sure my dad installed the part properly. My reply was a terse “no thank you”.
After the furnace, my dad and I proceeded to replace the aging ’70s era, shell-shaped sink in our downstairs bathroom. (Blech!) The best part was taking a hammer and smashing it to pieces. Or maybe the best part for me was going to the hardware store with my dad. I have such fond memories of tagging along to pick up parts, tools, etc. with my dad. Even now when I head into Menard’s or Home Depot, I think of him and all he can do. His attitude is, “You can fix it– just try.” I’ve called him over the years with various house issues and he’s talked me through most of them. A few years ago I replaced our sump pump by myself with his help over the phone.
I know I’ll never be as handy as he is, but I know that I can try things– and that I just might fix what is broken.
