Several months back my Mom’s and Dad’s house received storm damage on the roof, from hail, and wind. Thankfully their insurance covered most of the cost of the damage, and Mom and Dad decided they wanted to put a metal roof on the house, but needed to save some money, and asked the kids, and their spouses if we would all help put it on.
I went with my Dad and brother to pick up the metal roofing materials, and we brought it back to the house to await the day to put it on; hopefully a day that would be cooler than the heat of July or August. We waited for my sister’s husband to make the call, because he had some experience in putting on metal roofing, and none of the rest of us did. He called for Saturday August 30 to be that day.
He called for 8:00 a.m as a start time, and after getting some things on the roof lined out, and measuring made which needed made, lines drawn and that; we finally about 8:30 we were underway. There were three on the roof, eventually four, and working both sides of the house. Allen, my brother in law, their son Toby, and their son in law Justin putting down the metal. While they stayed on the roof, my son Timothy, Sam our son in law, and Paul our son in law drilled holes in the metal for the screws, which sped up the process.
Our wives were all around and prepared lunch. We barbecued hamburgers, hotdogs, and had sweet iced tea, and sodas to drink. Would you believe that by lunch time the roof was finished; at least we had the main roofing material down. Dad had forgotten to order the edging, and so we wait to put on the ridge cap until that is gotten.
From 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. we all stayed busy preparing the metal for application, and those on the roof applying it. It is amazing what people can do when they get together and work together, without anyone trying to be boss, but those who don’t know what to do listen and learn, and then do.
I am not saying we are a perfect family. We are far from that; but we do all get along fairly well. At least when we really try.
It is always great to get together with family, and accomplish a good work. Mom and Dad are really appreciative. I thank the Lord for giving me such a great set of parents and the wife and children and grandchildren He has give us.
-Tim A. Blankenship
