Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Birdhouse Love


My Dad's hobby was making birdhouses. He used to surprise me with his little creations, like the one above. In fact, one day in the spring of 2001, he visited me and gave me his entire collection of birdhouses that he had been making in his workshop.

I think he knew he didn't have much time left and he wanted me to have them.

For twelve years, the entire birdhouse collection has been stored in the garage.

Except for one, a bird feeder that he mounted on a pole in my backyard that day.
A few weeks later, he passed away.
I haven't touched it since.

After nearly 12 years of weathering the elements, there is not much left of it.
Still, I can't take it down.

But somebody did.
Little did I know that our new son-in-law took it down and completely rebuilt it!
On Saturday, he surprised me with the same bird feeder that my Dad made, completely reconstructed and preserved for hopefully another 12 years.

I feel like my Dad is "up there" with a big grin on his face!
He would have loved our son-in-law.
I know I sure do!


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36 comments:

Tretswelt said...

haloli,oh wie schön ist dein häuschen...ich liebe es!Schöne Woche meine liebe.Bussi.Lu.

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

Awwww! This post just kept getting better and better. First seeing all those adorable birdhouses made by your father, then learning he gave them all to you right before he passed, and then finding out your son-in-law restored the one that bared the brunt of 12 harsh years of exposure.... my eyes are filling with tears. So, so sweet!!!

a quiet life said...

What a beautiful touching story...

Cfycup said...

What a testament to the thoughtful people who have come through your life over the years! Thanks for sharing, it was such a sweet story!

Rhonda said...

What a precious story!

Komali Nunna said...

Very sweet story, Delores.

Victoria said...

I love your son-in-law too. What a sweetheart. Now you have to find a place to display the rest of the birdhouses. They are so charming. How about above the cabinets in which you plan to store your dishes in the laundry room/butler's pantry?
All the best,
Victoria

vignette design said...

Great idea Victoria!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Oh that choked me up! What a sweet and loving gesture on your SIL's part! Bless his heart! What a nice treasure your Dad shared with you. He's always with you! :-)

Cyndia said...

What a great son-in-law! You (and your daughter!) have a great treasure in him!

Sian said...

Both your dad and your son-in-law sound like great guys :-) Thanks for sharing this!

Jennifer said...

Oh, this actually made me cry. Wonderul story, wonderful treasures from your father and a wonderful son-in-law!

Sarah said...

What a sweet story, Delores. Your dad built some wonderful structures. I think I'd enjoy them on a shelf inside since they were built by your dad.
Happy Day! ~ Sarah

Sonia said...

Such a thoughtful and touching gift. I have a few things my father handmade and I cherish them. The view of your backyard is so gorgeous! Love all the birdhouses your father made.
Miss Bloomers

Joan said...

You know, I bet your dad is ecstatic that you have such a thoughtful and talented son-in-law. I hope you find a special place to enjoy the rest of his-your collection!

Kathysue said...

Hi D! I have big tears in my eyes! I am so touched by Ceebass(sp?) and his sweet giving spirit. What a wonderful man and what a wonderful gift from your Dad! I love this, thank you so much for telling us. xo Kathysue

Unknown said...

What a beautiful memory of your father! Isn't it awesome that your so-in-law knew just how to tug the heart strings! Enjoy your gifts dear Delores! Have a delicious week! xoxoxo

Tricia Rose Rough Linen said...

This brought tears to my eyes Delores, and I can see I'm not alone! Your family has a precious heritage, continuing.

Nutbird said...

so sweet. My dad didn't make anything, but took a lot of pictures. I love old bird houses. Ann

Nothing But Blue Skies... said...

This brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful gesture, first by your father for lovingly crafting it, then by your amazing new son in law for beautifully restoring it!

Thanks for sharing! Very uplifting!
xo
-Lisa

Karena said...

Delores there is so much love and tenderness in this story. I just love it! Your Father was a very special man!

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

A Runner's Mind said...

Sigh...... xo

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Well, how sweet was that!!! What a wonderful SIL! (I have one too)!!! LOve the "new" birdhouse. Hope you find a place for all of them. XO, Pinky

Lucas' Mom said...

How proud you must be of your daughter for choosing a husband with such fine character and Love of family. Your hard work has been rewarded. You are repaid in Love and respect. Well deserved. Brava!

Rose H (UK) said...

What a sweet and caring thing to do for you.

Evelyn said...

How sweet...aren't you lucky to have such a dear son-in-law.

On Crooked Creek said...

Delores,
You have instilled the close "family ties" within the heart of your son~in~law. What a true blessing. Even more is the outward expression of his gratitude for acceptance in your (his new) family! A precious gift, indeed!
Fondly,
Pat

Vickie H. said...

What a tender, thoughtful and completely loving gesture by your SIL! Definitely a KEEPER if there EVER was one! God has blessed you ALL! Thank you for sharing.

Bonnie said...

How special of your son-in-law. What great treasures to have the bird houses your father made! Happy Bird Watching!

Kathy said...

Delores that is a beautiful story, I just did a post a week ago about my brother-n-law who made birdhouses for us and just did a very special one that was the replica of the home I grew up in and I gave it to my mom for Christmas this year, less than a week later Brother Bill died and I know everytime I see a birdhouse I will think so very fondly of my hubs big brother bill.

All That Glitters said...

What a sweet post! My dad is not one to spend a lot of money on you(lol!), but he will make you something in a heart beat. He makes bird houses, too. Some really crazy ones at that. He's a character I tell ya!

Take care and enjoy your birdhouse!
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

I love your story. You made my day. So jealous of such a sweetheart of a son n law.

kristin said...

Oh wow, what a wonderful man to suprise you like that! :)
All of the birdhouses are beautiful!! My dad passed away 12 years ago also and he was big into woodworking and would always be making something.. he sold a lot of his work to make extra money on the side but we kept a good bit also, I have the dining room table he built and a coffee table and a bunch of other big items and also a lot of craft items. We were also building a dollhouse together since I was a weeee little girl.. the thing is just MASSIVE and we never did get to finish the inside. I have it at my moms right now since it is SO super heavy and I really didnt want to move it all around house to house but I told her when we move this year I plan on taking it and finishing up the inside with my fiance finally. I miss him so much but I love having his work around to remind me of him everyday.

Debbie said...

What a wonderful thing to do for you! That SIL is clearly a keeper. I love birdhouses. Your father's talent for making them is obvious. You have some treasure.

summersoul said...

THAT is your backyard?! Wow! It is heavenly. I am from Northern Cal as well and live in a tiny apt. I am happy to have found your blog this morning. It made me smile (and drool a little, I'll admit) But mostly smile.

MC

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Delores, what a beautiful story. How endearing of your s-i-l, and how special that you have your father's special bird houses. laurie

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