Dad

Dad trained as a carpenter. I think it's pretty accurate to say that he loved working with wood and took a lot of pride in his work. He was the first to admit he was not a finishing carpenter but he loved making things. I can remember him making a beautiful desk (where did it end up, by the way?); when it came to the finishing, he asked me to help. I did the sanding, staining, and varnishing. It made me so proud to be trusted to help Dad "finish" a beautiful project.

One thing I remember as a child was being allowed to "play" with his ruler. It came with him from Holland and it was like nothing I'd ever seen here. By the way, when I say "play", we were allowed to examine it, under close supervision, opening it up and closing it repeatedly. I always had a feeling that it was one of his prized possessions. If his report card (below) is any indication, I would guess that he'd had the ruler since about 1946.

This meter stick (NL used the metric system while Canada, at that time, still used the Imperial system), folded in half and then in half again, with brass fittings and hinges. When I told my son it would end up in his hands, he remembered Grandpa allowing him to "play" with it as well.

Included in all the paperwork that came home with me after Mom's passing was also Dad's report card from the Ambachtschool (Trade School) he attended. Also in with the papers was his graduation certificate (which I will post another day). His report card covered what looks like three years of school. I'm not sure of all the categories but it shows that he was a pretty decent student, even doing well in Algebra! 

Honestly, a lot of what Mom saved doesn't really have much relevance anymore but I'm really pleased that things like this ruler, their report cards (yes, Mom's too), and other papers relevant to their early lives, and not just their memories, were saved.