The last years of my dad’s life was made more enjoyable, I believe, since I had introduced him to metal detecting. He was growing frail at the time and wanted to accompany me on my (usually quick) hunts. He, on the other hand, was very slow and carried a small stool along with his detector and digging tool. Therefore, there were many times I would not ask him along. This usually did not sit very well and this one time he got so pissed, he decided to head off into the ‘wilds’ of Houston’s East End alone. This part of Houston he chose is almost 100% blue collar Latino so it was a minor miracle that he was not bothered. Especially since he had pulled up to a building, not knowing if it was vacant and started metal detecting the muddy driveway. (Later he told me that no one had even approached him, perhaps because of the 10” carving knife he was using as a digging tool.) Later that day after I had returned from my hunt I was checking in with my parents and espied this piece setting conspicuously out on the den’s dining table. He had uncovered it in the muddy driveway of the only property he hunted & had definitely the last laugh with finding such an excellent piece of Mexican silver. I proudly framed the find for him. Hanging it over the commode in his bathroom where he could admire it each time he had to go! (He was taking diuretic pills at the time so he visited his BR 4-5 times daily) Thus endeth this tale: J.T.
What a great story! All of us dads are heartfelt grateful for such meaningful mementos like you did for your pop..... My youngest son worked two solid weekends when he was in grade school at a flea market sweeping and emptying garbage to earn enough to buy me three beautiful shiny gorgeous Morgan dollars.... What my boy didn't know (and still doesn't 25 years later) is that those three Morgans are phony as a three dollar bill.... But I cherish them.
Great story, but what you did with his find (the proudly framing) really was a great gesture. I'm sure that made him very happy, and made feel proud of you also
I love the story @J.T. Parker , absolutely priceless. After many years of wanting to get into metal detecting, I finally bought one in 2020. Unfortunately my dad passed away in 2018, so we never had the opportunity to go detecting together. I know he would have loved it. More importantly, I know he would have loved doing it with me. Your story, J.T., was one that made me well up from wishing I had the chance to do what you did with your dad. Savor and cherish those memories. And the medal, a beautiful find and an awesome display. Kudos to both of you.
