go dig a ditch!

I dug a 60 foot trench 9 inches deep in rocky soil. I did it sitting in a chair with a grubnhoe. Now to many that would be a so what, but to me, it was excitement. I haven't been able to work like that in almost a year, I felt young again, for in my youth. I dug a lot of ditches for Dad.
My back is getting better and the pain in my leg has decreased significantly. The sunny weather is invigorating memories of working for Dad putting in lawns and landscaping, it was all that character building stuff ya hear people talk so fondly about when you really wish you were out playing.
My father was a contractor with 7 kids and going out to work was as natural as breathing to him.
I don't recall him complaining, but I do recall him being frustrated over problems in his own (keep it to himself manner).
He has beaten the rest of us to heaven, it's been a number of years now, but I miss him.
Digging my trench, sitting at church, at my moms house in the living room, up in Pelican Alaska and just outside in general brings to life the part of him that I carry in my heart.
I live life apart from my Dad, life without him is not the same, it is more insecure, it seems wrong in a sort of subconscious way. However, who he was is still in me, and I hold that as a treasured gift.
The giver of all good gifts left us himself, and there will come a day that all we hold in part in our heart will be fulfilled in front of us.
Until then he gives us memories and his spirit that keeps our hearts connected to those we love, and he cherishes.
So go dig a ditch in memory lane because you can!!!!