Most Valuable Pliers in the World!
/One of my most valued possession is a very old pair of Channellock 12-inch grooved pliers, a tool that belonged to my father. They are pretty beat up, no monetary value to them, and you could buy a new pair for $25. I’ve always know where they are and had them stashed away in my garage, hidden. For me, these pliers, weathered by years of use, serve as a link to my father's work and serve as a reminder of his dedication and exceptional craftsmanship.
It’s weird when things tend to show up when you need them. Until now, never really told anyone how important the old tool was to me, just sat in a tool box in the garage. Almost as if it knew it was waiting to be rediscovered.
Think at this stage of my life, I needed to remember where I came from, who I am. Recently, I rediscover them as we were clearing out things in the garage. Holding them in my hands again, I am transported back to the memories of his hard work and the lessons he imparted.
I would often go to work with my dad when I was younger, cannot recall when my father did not have those pliers by his side when he was working. They were always in the back pocket of his work pants. It seemed as though the tool was an extension of his fingers when he took it out, as if it possessed an innate connection to his skill and expertise. Even now, I can almost feel the impressions left by his fingers on the worn handles. A testament to decades of labor and building a life with his hands - literally!
My father was a plumber. He was not only one of the hardest working individuals I've had the privilege of ever knowing, but he was also a true master of his trade. Standing at five feet nothing…he was built like a brick house and as strong as an ox. I learned the hard way how strong he was. When I was an immature teenager who thought I was a tough guy, you do the thing a boy eventually does to his father – test him. Well…lesson learned! Don't mess with your father, especially one as solid and strong as he was. That life lesson was a reminder to approach life with humility and respect.
The man was born in Poland in 1934. Remember what happened in Poland in 1939, well he was five years old. He was born and lived in a rural area before making the way to the United States. A strong man in many ways.
Though my father has been gone for some time now, these grooved pliers I keep serve as a physical connection to him and his memory. As I hold them in my hands, they bear the marks of his hard work, a testimony to the countless decades he dedicated to his craft. The worn grooves and scratches tell stories of pipes repaired, leaks fixed, problems solved, and communities served. I’m sure that is where my value of service to others was cultured – it’s his legacy.
These pliers also encapsulate my father's work ethic. Every time I hold them, I am reminded of his unwavering commitment to his work and the pride he took in doing it well. He NEVER gave up and kept working. Another life lesson for me to embrace. Even if, a lot of the time, I feel I can’t do it.
No doubt I’m facing challenging times right now, probably the most ever faced in my life. Feels like every turn is a punch in the gut with no relief in sight, just as many others are probably facing now. I’m also reminded that no matter how difficult I have it, it’s nothing compared to what a five-year-old boy faced in Poland at a certain point in history. So, the world will keep punching, but I’m not going to be outworked. Those that are smart enough to work with me - get all of me and they know my commitment to serve others. You’re going to get value, there is NO question! Life continues to challenge, don’t count me out. There is too much passion in my blood and inspiration from a simple pair of old pliers to let that happen.
I believe everyone has a set of their own “pliers” in their lives. We just have to be reminded to not keep them hidden in a box in the garage.
