Jimmy knew he could make something out of the Edsel inherited from Uncle Leon.
To him it looked more functional than a ride to pick up chicks.
Daddy said Jimmy was too dumb to make anything. Those words spurred him on.
Took a whole year – and he didn’t have time to pick up anything but
his welding torch – but there it sat, his very own handmade back hoe.
Jimmy bragged about it all day in school.
Becky seemed awfully interested. Took her home to see it.
“Sold the damn thing,” Daddy said. “Looked like a sculpture gone wild sittin’ in the driveway.”
Up From the Ashes 
Poor lad. Some fathers just don’t see the possibilities in the things their sons get up to. Nice one.
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Sandra – I don’t think Jimmy comes from very good stock. But I think he’ll come out on top!
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Ahh, poor Jimmy. And it take it he didn’t get the girl either…
Claire
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I trust Jimmy will get the girl. I don’t think he takes no for an answer. Thanks for reading and commenting, Claire.
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Yeah…what Claire said…I can feel the dejection 😦
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Nope! I think Jimmy has more going for him than an old car and a welding torch.
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Once he is out of his father’s shadow he will flourish!
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That’s what happens with parents not giving proper support for being creative.. I’m sure Jimmy will come out a victor in the end..
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Me, too, Bjorn. I think is dad his a dead beat and Jimmy will race past him in life.
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Dear Alicia,
Dad’s sowing the seeds of their future estrangement. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dad’s not the sharpest pencil in the box, but I think Jimmy’s the new-age, always sharp mechanical style.. Thanks for reading and commenting, Rochelle. I always appreciate it.
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We all need a Becky sort of person in our lives – makes other people less important. Such a great story!
Ellespeth
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Yes, thank goodness for Becky. I think she’s a keeper. Enjoyed your picking her out of the group.
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I think Daddy’s pretty much of an asshole. I hope Jimmy gets the girl, makes a fortune in the used parts business, and never answers the old man’s calls.
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Right on! Perry.
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Poor chap, all that work and then he couldn’t even use it to impress the girls 🙂
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Yeah, but he’s got more tricks up his sleeve that might be even better. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Dear Alicia,
So it’s back to the drawing board for Jimmy. Perhaps Becky will hang with him until his next invention is manifested. It’s hard being a teenager.
Aloha,
Doug
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I would NEVER go back and do that again! Not unless I’m allowed to take the tiny bit of wisdom I’ve collected through the years. Thanks, Doug
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Some parents never see their kids’ potential. I hope he doesn’t give up! Well done!
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He won’t. Thanks for leaving a comment. This was a rather “weak” project on my part. Better next week – I promise!
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It was a tough prompt. I’m happy to see people (including you) have done as well as they have.
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Thanks, Caerlynn, your comment keeps me from asking Rochelle to just take “Sold” out of the cue. Have a good day.
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Hehe. I love that phrase: “sculpture gone wild.”
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Thanks, I ran it by my husband. It was a toss-up between that and “a pile of junk.”
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Ouch! That had to hurt! Poor Jimmy 🙂
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Indeed. Jimmy has a hard time with Dad, but has the upper hand.
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Despite the humor and fun here, the deflated sense of self-esteem Jimmy must have had, pervades for me. Sad tale, Alicia, well written none the less.
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Thanks, Dawn. I don’t think Jimmy takes “you can’t do it” as an answer.
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Daddy’s an a-hole.
Someone needs to take daddy out with an Edsel back hoe.
good story. Randy
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Yes, I imagine Daddy with a Bud in one hand, a cigarette in the other and a not-very-white sleeveless undershirt on. Thanks for noticing. Alicia
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If at first you don’t succeed…I think he’ll be just fine. Nicely written.
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Thank you. I think Jimmy will do more than fine.
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Nothing quite like a father’s support..
Nicely done.
KT
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I know! Somehow my last two stories have been about bad fathers. Time to change my tune. Thanks for stopping by.
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Just shoot me, he thought at the time. Funny story, Alicia!
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You know, I think he did! Embarrassed in front of Becky and all. But I think Daddy is in for a big surprise.
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Alicia, I give Becky more credit. I think she was interested in more than the car. As soon as he’s old enough, Jimmy should leave his dad and be on his own. His dad was probably jealous. Well written. 🙂 — Susan
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Becky likes more than back hoes about Jimmy, like how clever he is. And he’s leaving town ASAP. Thanks for having faith in Becky.
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Dear Alicia,
I’m with Perry on this one–Dad is an asshole. Thankfully, Becky was impressed without even seeing the sculpture gone wild. Well written tale of woe-be-gone.
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Thank you. Dad IS a pretty rotten fellow. Appreciate your thoughts.
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I reckon Jimmy would’ve welded Daddy to the nearest metal post, and darn right too. Hope Becky understood.
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Whoa! I think he just might do that, can of Bud and all. Thanks for the suggestion.
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It is a rare son and father who see eye to eye. Good take.
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Indeed! Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I appreciate it.
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Welcome.
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Poor boy. A whole year of work! Good story.
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That’s the joy of some youths! He’ll bounce back. Thanks. Alicia
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Dear Alicia, Poor Jimmy, “Worst Father in the World” awarded to Jimmy’s dad. This is so sad. Good story! Nan 🙂
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Really! What a perfect award for Jimmy’s dad. Thanks!
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Jimmy is like my live-in. Not sure whether it’s good or bad. 🙂 He’s always welding something.
Lily
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I have two brother-in-laws that do the same thing, plus they both have snowplows. Maybe that’s why I came up with this idea.
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That dad is horrid. Poor guy!
(I really enjoyed your story!)
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He is a bit of a snark! Thanks for leaving a comment.
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