Chris Barber wrote:
>
> Anyway, I think I may be trying to distract myself (which so far has
> failed miserably) by working on my project. Kinda hard to keep the
> tears out of the epoxy. I actually didn't know I could sob. I have
> some questions about the engine...actually Tracy's PSRU, and hope I am
> not thought crass that I may be asking some soon. It is a coping
> mechanism.
>
> 　
>
I was present when Dad passed last Thursday, Chris. He had been battling
Parkinson's Disease since the late 80's, and been in a rest home for the
past 5 years. He had always been a craftsman, carpenter, shade-tree
mechanic and all around handy-man, but the Parkinson's had taken its
toll before I started my Delta. My biggest regret is that we were never,
and will never, be able to work on this plane together. I still use the
desk and other furniture that we built together 25 years ago, and my
most cherished memories of him are when we were building things.

I spent most of 4 days at his beside. When I got home, one of the first
things I did (after getting some sleep) was to start mapping our some
muffler plumbing. I truly believe that men can't really talk to each
other, unless they're trying to figure out a mechanical problem of some
sort. The technical discussion ties up the right brain, which allows the
left brain to speak up, I guess. Ask questions if you have them. It is a
good way to cope.