DAD, 9/17/1927-1/25/2008, AGE 80: I REMEMBERED (published 1-25-2021)

My father, Earl Ferrell, was the youngest child of his parents, Marion Ferrell and Molly Gertrude Archer Ferrell. Dad was born on 9/17/1927. Born on 7/17/1960, I am the oldest of the four sons of Earl and Betty (Wood) Ferrell.

My father joined my mother in heaven thirteen years ago today, on 1/25/2008. Today, I remembered. I recall every detail that involved his passing. I do not want to dwell on them in this article. They are not pleasant. I still remember.

Dad, with his eighth-grade education, did well enough in life. He provided for the six of us by continuing Ferrell's Well Drilling, the business that Papaw Ferrell started in 1901. The image below is a business advertisement that my father had placed in The Rogersville Review. I do not know the year, but I do have the clipped-out image.

By the way, the phone number is no longer active. If you need a well drilled, please don't call my father. He is no longer in the business.

The next image is an invoice that my father wrote on 1/18/1958. That was before my mother and father were married, on 9/3/1959, and before I was born. I thought that you would like to see the image.

Dad was always thankful. He had a hard life. Many of us do. I do. Today, Monday, 1/25/2021, I worked from home. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman drove to and from the school where she teaches. We endured this rainy day.

In the midst of my work insanity, I thought that I heard my father say, “At least you didn't have to work outside at the well machine in the rain, son!” Yes, Dad, I know. You did it more times than you could have counted. I was at home, trying to work through the insanity of my job. I have it easier than you ever did. Still, I don't care for what I do. You enjoyed your self-employed job. I remember.

Dad would say in reply, “It's life, such as it is, son.” He would be right. I know. At 5:45 PM, as the evening falls, my wife is busy with supper leftovers. I hear her. It is still cloudy and rainy.

Dad, I know that men don't drop the “L” word, so I'll just say that I miss you! You were and still are a fine father. Tell Mom and so many others that I will see them again in time once I am with you in our heavenly home!