Our first trip to Europe occurred in 1983 when our son was studying law at the University of Munich. On the day of our departure, I had just finished washing the breakfast dishes when I noticed a puddle of water on the kitchen floor by the sink. Investigation showed it was not water but bleach! The gallon plastic jug beneath the sink had a puncture, resulting in a slow leak.
Harry was urging me to hurry so we wouldn’t miss our flight. I couldn’t take time to find another jug to transfer the bleach, so I picked up the bottle and deposited it in the sink. Now the bleach could run harmlessly down the drain while we were gone.
Wrong!
When we returned home after three wonderful weeks, I discovered the bleach had eaten a hole in our brand new stainless steel sink! I shuddered to think of the expense — and inconvenience — facing me while it was replaced. But Harry, the veritable “Mr. Fix-It”, had other thoughts. He simply filled the holes with epoxy resin.
Harry enjoys a challenge, although he certainly does not encourage carelessness to create one. His first reaction to a problem might be perceived as indifference. He says nothing, does nothing – just walks around with a serious expression on his face. I used to think he was angry, but I’ve gradually learned he is mulling the problem over in his mind, anticipating what needs to be done and the best way to accomplish it. When he decides what to do, he gets his tools and goes to work — in silence. I’ve learned to stay out of his way unless I’m summoned to be a “go-for” or assist in some other menial way.
We had been married only four years when we moved into our house, which had a dishwasher and garbage disposal. One evening I accidentally dropped the baby’s silver spoon in the garbage disposal. I immediately flipped the switch and retrieved the spoon, cringing to see the ugly nicks and bent handle. I told Harry I had dropped the spoon in the disposal, but said nothing about its condition. Without saying a word, he brought his tool box from the garage and proceeded to dismantle the disposal.
Now I was really worried! Not only had I ruined the spoon, but had I also damaged the disposal?
I watched silently as he examined it carefully, then turned to me with a puzzled expression and said, “It must have ground it up completely!”
“No, it didn’t!” I said, handing him the damaged implement. “Here it is.”
Whereupon he silently proceeded to replace the disposal unit. I think I would have had a few words – and not nice ones — to say
During our 53 years of marriage Harry has done all the maintenance on our home, — plumbing, painting, and electrical. He spent three years building a family room addition, complete with bookshelves, built-in cabinets with drawers for storage, and a Formica-topped table large enough for our family and two or three guests.
Harry especially enjoyed designing and building camping equipment. First, he made a carrier for the top of our car to haul the tent and other essentials. Then, as our family increased, he constructed a trailer to hitch to the car. Next, he designed and built an elaborate chest with compartments the exact size to accommodate two plastic dishpans, cooking utensils, salt, pepper sugar and coffee — all the necessities for a successful camping experience. The hinged lid dropped down to create a Formica-topped space for preparing meals and washing dishes.
Perhaps his being a child of the Great Depression is the root of this resourcefulness. Or it could be because he enjoys the thrill of accomplishment. Or maybe he’s frugal and unwilling to discard something that can be fixed. Now our grown children consult him for advice as they face situations in their homes.
Harry can fix almost anything except electronic equipment. The television, computer, and modern cars are for another generation and are off limits for him. But the epoxy resin in the kitchen sink is still holding after 27 years!
By Mary Jo Shannon [email protected]
