Quite an Accomplishment!

So one of the things on Dad's "to do" list before he dies or gets too old to do is to learn to make a saddle. A good friend, Tom Brough, owns a boot and shoe repair shop and decided that he wanted to make Jared a saddle to show their family appreciation for Jared's service in the Marine Corp. Dad decided that he would like to make one also so him and Tom set out on this great big huge task of making saddles. I  always wondered why places charged so dang much for a saddle. We're talking several thousand dollars per saddle, people! I now understand that big price tag! TONS of work go into those babies! Anyway, Terry and Tom started back in March working 4 or 5 evenings each week. Some nights, an hour or two; some nights only 20 to 30 minutes depending on the task. Most Saturdays involved 2 to 4 hours working at the store or here at home. Tom has built numerous saddles in the past and finished his for Jared back in July sometime but Terry lagged behind due to work travel and responsibilities at home or date nights or church things, etc. BUT today was the day! He finished! It is such a great accomplishment to finish a project this big. There were times when he wanted to quit but he didn't! There were times when he forced himself to go and was glad in the end that he went each time. It is a beautiful saddle and he learned many skills while building it. Terry and Tom grew closer while they worked along side each other and swapped stories of growing up and experiences that each had in their lives. Terry also learned patience as he had to break this huge job down into small sizeable tasks. We learned better time management  as a family as we supported him being gone each night and still trying to feed and work the horses, mow the lawn, fix and eat dinner, home teach, do home repairs and maintenance, etc. The smile on Terry's face today when he FINALLY finished his saddle was worth EVERY and I mean E-V-E-R-Y minute and hour that he was gone working on it. As we left the store today, I felt a little sad that the saddle is done and we won't be spending as much time visiting with Tom. He is a great guy and we can never repay him for all his time and effort and encouragement on this project. I'm soooooo proud of you, Terry! It's BEAUTIFUL! Job well done! Thanks for sticking to it and finishing this project--you are ALWAYS such a good example in life to me. Check out his gorgeous saddle and talents. We're both proud as peacocks!!! And you can officially check saddle making off your "to do" list, hon!