Dell and the best thing he ever made.

Dell and his daughter, Jennifer.

Dell was a master craftsman.  As such he was skilled at creating things.  Often the media of choice was concrete or wood, but he was equally deft with pencil and paper, a variety of construction materials, and the manipulation of tools.  His hands were large, strong, and rough - something you might expect of one whose chosen craft was making cement structures.  He was very focused when he was creating; an intensity born of personality and dedication to excellence.

Everything he made was constructed with purpose and plan.  Rough drawings, blueprints, or sometimes just an idea he ruminated on were the basis of what was to be.  His will brought it into fruition, and afterwards, he would look upon his creation with a sense of pride and benevolence; he had made the world a better place.  It was always this way with Dell.  Plan, gather, complete, reflect.  The irony is that his greatest creation did not involve following a carefully conceived plan, and was born by accident, not intention.

Of course, I am talking about his daughter, Jennifer.  What was at first surprise and possibly remorse was followed by decision and action.  Delight, the mother of the new life stirring within her, was equally surprised and concerned about what the future was going to hold.  The passion for life and the joy of reckless youth succumbed to the realities placed before them.  Deciding to make a go of it, Dell and Delight were married and Jennifer was brought into the world.

Although their marriage would not last, Dell and Delight had a common bond; they both loved Jennifer and worked hard to ensure that she never wanted and was well cared for.  Between them both and with the support of extended families on both sides, Jennifer grew up to be an amazing young lady.  She had the vivacity of her mother and the drive of her father; she knew what hard work was and wasn't afraid to face the challenges of the world.  Dell had taught her independence and self reliance.

Every minute that Dell spent with Jennifer was a gift to both of them.  She spent much of her time with Delight in Edmonton but had many opportunities to be with her dad too.  What came into the world without planning or preparation became the greatest gift either parent could ever hope for.  Although Dell had created many things in his lifetime, his greatest achievement was the creation and raising of Jennifer.  I think the same is true for Delight.  It wasn't just her birth, it was the way she turned out.  Jennifer was the product of love and determination.  Of all the legacies Dell left in his passing, Jennifer is by far the greatest.

Thanks for reading.   www.ericspix.com   Eric Svendsen