When ‘Humpty Dumpty’ Is Put Back Together

Zach A & Zach R

 Though times spent together were no where near as often as I would have desired … nonetheless, there are memories in which I will always cherish.

Da Boyz

There were lessons while loading firewood into our trailer. Lessons of hard work, diligence, teamwork and relationship. There was watching the ‘Soap Box Derby’ in Salem, Oregon. Or, playing in the water at Virginia Beach. A unique young man, with special gifts of voice … and of kindness.

Of all the memories … the one that ALWAYS reminds me of Zach Ryan, is likely one, in which he doesn’t even remember. We were working together on a project to beautify our woodshed. Only moments before, we had departed from Home Depot. Having just purchased a six by eight foot fence panel, we were returning home along State Street, east of Salem. I still remember the salesman questioning whether I wanted to purchase both panels now, for some reason, I said, “Not at this time”.

His dad a fish ... He, a Starfish

As we headed south, sitting in the Red 95’ Ford Explorer, from my rear-view mirror, I caught a glimpse of something moving from the trailer. As a firefighter, I know the utter importance of “securing” a load. But these are heavy panels. Surely, they don’t require to be secured! Immediately, I thought, “Oh, no!” Looking ahead for any oncoming traffic, I was relieved that the closest vehicle was more than a half mile away. Less than a second later, my next glance was to my side mirror. When, like ‘Mary Poppins’, I saw ‘Humpty Dumpty’ lift itself out of the trailer and come crashing to the ground.

What seemed like minutes, were but a mere couple seconds. The entire panel, now torn completely apart, slid rapidly into the ditch, north of the road.

With not a vehicle behind, and the one ahead around a curve, no one … other than Zach and myself ... knew what had just occurred. Well, no one, other than the hundreds of whom I’ve shared this story with. And now … you!

~ Humpty Dumpty ~

I pulled the Explorer and trailer to the side of the road. Breathed a sigh of relief. Thanked God, that timing was such, that there was litterally no harm, no foul. Well … except of course of my pride! Zach assisted as we placed ‘Humpty Dumpty’ back into the trailer and returned to Home Depot. The salesman, was quite surprised that we returned so soon. I offered no explanations, as we carried the new panel to the trailer. “Securing” our load, once again we headed home.

Upon our arrival, Zach and I, together, we installed the panel. And the next day … well, surprisingly, I was able to put ‘Humpty Dumpty’ back together again. Only one very small piece of wood was missing. Today, he continues his place along side his fellow panels. Just last week, receiving a much needed facelift, in order to survive another decade. And you know … it didn’t even take all the Kings horses and all the Kings men.

Ten days from today … Zach Ryan … you graduate with your Bachelor’s of Biological Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. What an accomplishment grandson! There are more chapters remaining in your life. Might you continue to take each with the same continued diligence. And as the Creator has so blessed you with a beautiful physical heart, I know that your heart of kindness will make an amazing impression to wherever life leads.

With love, Gpa & Gma Williams

So, go out and 'Do Something' young man :) ~ Ephesians 2:10 …