Woodworking is a joy for me and I always feel more whole when I’m working on a project.  But I’m the type of person who likes to work on one thing at a time, otherwise I tend to make those stupid little mistakes that most woodworkers know all too well.  I’m in the process of making a piece of furniture, a sofa table that has a large decorative-support arch.  It’s a wonderful design (not mine) and I’m making it out of walnut.  It requires about 50+ board feet of 5/4 and 8/4 material so this is an expensive project.  In order to avoid making mistakes I’ve been going slower than usual, focussed only on on this piece, and so far it is going really well. 

About half-way through the project I received an email through my web site.  The wife (Anna) of my ex brother-in-law (Dee), whom I’ve had no contact with in approx 20 years or so, wrote me with news that Dee had passed away.  This was very sad even though we were no longer close.  She was writing to ask if I would make something to honor Dee’s memory.  Wow, I was blown away, just totally humbled by her request.  I agreed to do it immediately, even though I was quite anxious to complete my table project.

After exchanging a few emails for ideas, Anna saw an image on the internet of some luminaries that she found to be inspirational.  We also decided to add a brass engraving to each luminary with a quote that resonated with Anna and her two children, Lauren and John.  The result is shown in the photo above and these are made out of Figured Maple and Bocote.

This was one of the most fulfilling projects that I’ve ever worked on.  Woodworking is a joy, but sometimes can feel a bit selfish.  Even though I sell my work on Etsy and the occasional craft show, and I know that my work is appreciated by my customers, I rarely get any feedback that it has any real meaning beyond people buying “nice stuff.”  This project is one that Anna’s family will always treasure as a way to memorialize Dee.  I am truly grateful that they asked me to be part of their healing process.