Today was a very humbling day for me.

It was nothing traumatic. It wasn't even

noticeable to most people around me. But

to me it was the end of an era, and it truly

bothered me.

I wasn't always the perfect husband,

father, employee, fisherman, cross country

skier or part time brain surgeon, but I always

prided myself in being able to dig myself

out of a hole whether it be a mechanical

repair, a home improvement problem or

even a emotional hole I sometimes dig

myself into.

This week I failed on all counts. Every-

thing from cabinet alignment..tractor repair

to yanking myself up by the bootstraps.

I had a glimmer of hope yesterday when I

taught my son how to change the brakes on

his car. But alas it was a flash in the pan.

Tomorrow a friend will help me finish up

the cabinets and the tractor is already loaded

in the truck for a trip to the repair shop.

I'm just glad that my children are grown and

on there own so they don't have to witness this.

Yes.. today is the day I came to the

realization that I am no longer 'Superman'

Maybe there was kryptonite in the old drywall

or possibly in the oil of the tractor..I may never

know. I do know that I sat down in the

overgrown grass in the yard today and just

stared at the sky...well the clouds anyway...and

beat myself up for my recent shortcomings.

But even as I pounded on myself a voice came

to and seem to say..Silly man..there was never

anything 'Super' about you. Now quit your

whining and get back to work...oh yea..and

while your at it do a bit of my work too.

At one point I swear I saw a cloud in the

shape of a smile.

We have a kinda special relationship ya know.

Tough day is over...I'll be better tomorrow : )))