Page 59 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2018 - Online Magazine

tools, there to serve a purpose. just liked he loved to build up little
boys, to show them how to build for
The batteries of the flashlight did themselves, to show them how to be
not die in vain. They powered many a man.
late-night discussions between
boys who should have been asleep, Everything he did was a gift. The
illuminating smiling faces still material things of course, but also
marked by wonder, innocence, the lessons, the love, and the legend
and baby fat. The knife taught me he left behind. He didn’t have to
responsibility and represented teach me anything; all I did was
endless adventure to a little boy. It’s live next to him. He didn’t have to
waiting on a shelf for another boy love me like a grandfather; I wasn’t
now, to serve its purpose again. his blood. But, he did and left me a
legend, something to aspire to be.
The catapult launched many assaults He never would have said it or even
on enemy forts, until it finally known it. He was a good man, and
succumbed to time. The fence kept that is exactly why he wouldn’t have
us safe in the backyard, until we thought that he was some great hero
grew up, and that was no longer our - but, he was.
world.
I spent my childhood thinking about
He loved tools; they lined every who I wanted be when I grew up,
without much fanfare. He knew they wall of his shop. But, they were just who I wanted to be like. Now, I ask
would give joy, and it was his joy to tools, things. They were there for a myself the same question but find
give them. purpose. They were meant to carry it pointless. I have grown up. There
out a task, to help people. In the isn’t room for when or what. The
I still have the flashlight, though end, it was all about people for him. time has come. If I want to be like
the batteries have long died, and I Tools just helped him along. They someone, it has to be today. There
haven’t had the presence of mind to weren’t valuable because of what will always be new things to aspire
pick up replacements. I still have the they were but because of what they to, new goals to reach for. But, even
knife, with the two blades and the could do. When the time came, he though I now know that he wasn’t
white handle with “Barlow” carved gave a wistful smile and let them go. really a constant, that he was only
in the side, even though I now own People were different. People were here for a little while, I can draw
far more expensive and flashier ones. intrinsically precious - even if they one constant from the life of my old
The catapult has long since fallen couldn’t do anything, even if they neighbor and friend: wherever I am,
into disrepair under the strain of were just little boys with scraped whatever I’m doing, I can always try
continuous use and little care. The knees and missing front teeth who to be more like Frank Davis - a giver
lock on the gate is still there, even would get in the way more than of gifts, a teacher of lessons, but most
though I don’t live at that house any anything else. People were worth importantly, a friend of people.
more. it to him - his money, his effort,

He wouldn’t mind. They were just his time. He loved building things,

SOUTHCREST
Article Submitted by
Brandt Von Atzigen

Brandt attends Southcrest Christian School. He is involved in Musical Theatre, Debate, and
is the Student Council President. His hobbies include reading, writing, and martial arts.
He will be attending Oral Roberts University in Tulsa to major in Government. He plans
to join the Air Force after college and eventually wishes to become a district attorney.

Lubbock Senior Link 59