It made me cry. It was a present at Christmastime from a good friend of mine.
This is The Lunchbox.
Why would a lunchbox make me cry? Because it's just like the one that my dad carried to work with him all through my childhood years.
Dad was a construction worker. 
Actually some would have called him a "ditch digger" but he was so much more than that. He could run a backhoe like nobody's business. That and a grader and a power shovel. He loved big equipment. And he ran them with a finesse that amazed most of those who worked with him. 
He took on the big jobs. If you see the terracing that is on the mountains above Provo you've seen some of my dad's handiwork.
Every morning my dad would get up early. Usually before dawn. He had chores to do before he left for work. Milking the cow before my brothers got old enough to do it. Mom would get up make him a hot breakfast, fix him lunch and pack it up in a lunchbox that looked like the one pictured above.
Then dad would take that lunchbox and head off to work. He worked hard.
It takes me back to my childhood.
Today is Dad's birthday. The first one since he died in October. I've been keeping myself busy much of the day with walking and gardening and a little bit of shopping.
We're having a family party tonight. Memorial Day was usually the day that we would celebrate dad's birthday because his birthday so often fell around this weekend. After the party we will all head down to the cemetery for a balloon launch with Happy Birthday Balloons.
I miss dad. But I know that where he is he's taking on the big jobs and getting them done. Working with the big machinery, as it were. I hope he'll be able to look in on our family tonight and know that we are missing him.
I wonder if he has a lunchbox?
If not, dad, I've got one here for you.
30 comments:
Shanna, I'm sure your dad is looking down on you and is very proud.
This sounds so much like my dad. He even had a lunchbox just like that. What a sweet memory you shared.
What a sweet post. There is just something special between dads and their little girls. Sorry your Dad is no longer with you. Aren't we glad there is a plan?
What a neat lunchbox. It sounds like you had a great dad. And I know he has a great daughter.
So tender and wonderful to read. Sounds like you are all honoring his memory with happiness.
You made me cry too. What a wonderful tribute.
I am all teary eyed. What a lucky dad to be so loved and so missed. He was blessed to have you as his daughter.
What a beautiful post! Daddy's are the best aren't they? Hoping the rest of your day was wonderful!
{{HUGS}}
What a heart-warming post! Your dad would be very pleased with the way you remember him, I think.
Sweet memories of your father.
As soon as I saw that lunch box I recognized it! My Daddy, a cabinet maker, had that lunch box too!
I'm so sorry about the loss of your Daddy. A girl can never be too old to not need her Dad- if she was lucky enough to have a good one and it sounds like you did.
That was so sweet Shanna, you are a good daughter!! I am sorry it is a tough day for you.
What a great tribute to your dad! Isn't it always true that the good ones go first? My Dad was a jerk and still is, and will probably live to be 100.
Thanks for your memory---you had your own Memory Monday....
What a beautiful post Shanna!! I know that your Dad is with you and watching you and I am POSITIVE that he is extremely proud!!
What a tough day for you. Wish I could give you a hug. I love that you have such great memories of your Dad. ♥♥
What sweet memories! I love the lunch box. I have my grandfathers thermos. I will always think of him and my grandmother and camping with them!
How sweet and touching! I lost my dad in 1993, so I feel your pain. It's nice to have these days to remember our loved ones. He sounds like a wonderful man.
How sweet...
I love when little things carry such sentimental value.
what a touching post.
i am sure your dad is aware of you and your family today along with many days in your life....
also, very busy.
we need more men like that in the world today, don't you think?
yes.
What a sweet friend to give you something to help anchor you to your past. I enjoyed hearing about your dad and your sweet relationship with him!
Oh, my friend. I have crying as I write this comment. What an utterly beautiful tribute to your father.
Your words are so lovely. I am sure that your Dad feels the same.
My best to you on your Dad's birthday.
-Francesca
that was such a beatuiful and moving post Shanna!!!!
thanks for sharing. I love that lunch box, it looks just like the one that my gpa had.
(((hugs))). So sweet. Thank you for sharing.
I got a little teary-eyed while reading this post! I'm so sorry about the loss of your dad. Mine died 9 years ago (only 4 months before I got married), and I still miss him tons today. I loved this post. Thank you so much for sharing!
What a wonderful friend to have gotten you something so meaningful.
ouch, that brought a tear to my eye---thinking of my dad (and luckily he is still alive, turns 80 this year) My grandpa had a lunchbox just like that one too. Aren't memories like that just the best!!!
great memories...its amazing to think how a father's role has changed so much in today's society.
Oh how sweet! What a nice tribute. Happy Birthday to a wonderful father! May he rest in peace.
That was such a beautiful tribute to your Dad. I have no doubt that he's very proud and you and your wonderful family.
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