by Cristo
My father was diagnosed with one of the meanest cancers back in 2007. On top of the unbearable pain from the soon-to-come loss, I also felt that an incredible “know-how” was going to disappear because he had this amazing talent for designing and building things when I had hardly held a screwdriver.
That is when and why I decided to test myself. I started drawing plans and building my tiny house. It was the only way I found to put an end to my mourning. The whole process, from beginning up to today putting everything together, was my way of re-connecting with my father. My body and my mind had to function the same way his had when he worked before getting sick. While doing my work I often felt his presence next to me.
Today I still miss him a whole lot. But every time I go spend some time in my tiny house my heart is full of joy, because I know he would have loved to see it up and finished. So long Frantz.
Regards
Cristo
So sorry about your dad’s passing… Is your tiny house self contained ? Any interior pictures ? Does it have bathroom facilities? I like what the outside of it looks like and the size…
Thank you so much for sharing this.
I love your creative framing on the walls.
I began to hear voices in 2004 and I began to see spirits in 2008. Your father is more alive than ever. You say that you sensed his presence during your construction project…he was there. Rest assured that he has seen your finished tiny house and will visit with you often until you are re-united. Be prepared for him to look very young.
Same thing happened to me, John. They are never truly “gone.” I can’t even begin to tell of the PEACE I get from this! Beautiful tiny house Cristo! It is a wonderful place for you and your father to connect. 🙂
I know where you’re coming from on this Cristo. Lost my dad to a massive, brain tumour 4 years ago and he was the guy who could work with his hands and build anything while I had trouble holding the right end of a hammer. Wish I’d thought of something like this before he’d gone. Got some space to try it now so maybe I will.
Thank you for this. I did a lot of things to feel the presence of and honor the memory of my father when he passed away. They still give me comfort and I am so glad your pain and love for him fueled you in this project and not away from it.
Yes, indeed he is still with you in many ways.
Your tiny house is beautiful and a wonderful memorial to your father.
Please accept my condolences on your loss.
Do you have pictures of the inside?
What a wonderful story. I think you did a great job on your tiny house and in honoring your father.
I would also love to see the inside. This is a wonderful testiment to your dad. God Bless. MsDawn
Your Dad is proud of you Cristo. I can see his love for you in what you built.
Here’s to the amazing builders that are now working in the ‘other’ shop. Reminds me of my grandpa, great-grandpa…
I like that: “the other shop”.Cristo
A beautiful story and a beautiful home. My your father rest in peace. I’m so sorry for your loss.
always dug this place- ‘hope you’re well Cristo! -Deek
Wonderful story and great house.
Sorry to hear about your dad. I really like the tiny house and the way you built it. Great job.
What a great way to celebrate the life of your father.
Cabins are often passed from father to son in this country, mainly hunting families, but also as vacation cabins…perhaps this could be a new legacy for your children, and their children to pass on to future generations.
I would add to that legacy by making improvements each year, not just to the structure, but to the lands by planting hardwoods, berry bushes, fruit tree’s, make this a piece of land that produces and encourages wildlife…that would make an incredible legacy, one future generations will love, and reap the rewards from the efforts of previous generations.
Lost my dad 15 years ago to lung cancer. Never really heard of any nice cancers. Sorry about your loss.
Wonderful! Your father would be very proud! I worked with my own father for about four years. He taught me so much. My most important lesson was the first day on the job. I have unloaded 2×4’s and stacked them up. Not wearing work gloves, I had acquired some splinters and was trying to get them out of the palms of my hands. Dad looked over my shoulder, grabbed my hand and started circling the splinters with his pen. “What are you doing?” I wanted to know. “Marking the splinters, so you can take them out on your own time!”
No time should be wasted getting splinters out of your palm when you’re lucky enough to be working with your father.Good lesson!
I get a heavy heart every time I release the kenetic energy of every screw my father drove into his projects. I rest my tools in respect for your loss.
I lost someone I love yesterday and read your moving story today. Thank you for sharing it with us. Your monument to your father’s love is perfect. Peace.
12-8-12 9:40am Portland, OR Your story is bringing tears to my eyes. I had that kind of connection with my parents. I ended up buying my brother’s portion of my childhood home so I could stay in this house of memories. I love the small house idea and any idea from this website. I may put a small house type structure in my back yard or if I can find a small piece of land. I’m on a tight budget. Your house looks good. Keep up the good work! Linda
That was a warm and beautiful story. Thanks for sharing!
God Bless
Great story, awesome house. Well done Cristo!
Love the tribute you have created. Is there a way to view this post without all the ads? I’d love to post it to a memoirs writing group where I can pose the question if others have constructed something as a tribute to a loved one? If I post all of this with the ads, some of those on the list will get distracted by all the ads, or be unable to open it due to all the ads, and they’ll miss the beauty of the story and the photos that are related. Ideas?
Sorry.No idea.Cristo
What a wonderful way to honor your dad’s memory
Now, take the next step, Cristo: Be the connection between your father’s love and talent for design and connect with all of us. It is the Eternal Caravan of Life (Santana: Caravan Serai). Finish the circle, make the connection, for we were all meant to be connected and now you and your Dad have a meaning and purpose in our lives, too; the family of man (and girls, too 🙂
Sorry to hear about your dad/father. Your tribute to your father, his memory, and his deeds is appreciated. You, I and your readers all heal by the reading. Another cloudy day in Portland Oregon made brighter. Thank you.
Hi Cristo,
I am sorry about your father. One can leave us, but will never leave our heart. I like what you are doing. Do you mind if I ask why you have the wall framed as diamond instead of just vertical stud? Is that for diamond window later?
Thanks,
Candice
Practical reason Candice.Triangles are the strongest and steadiest geometrical shapes.That’s why I used them to re enforce my walls.Hope this helps.
Yes, that helps. Thanks!
Candice
I never would have thought a story about a tiny house would get me misty eyed. A beautiful tribute to your father.
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father. I love the way your put your grief to work by building your tiny home, I like it!
Thank you!
Tack för att du delade med oss!
Your short story brought tears to my eyes. My father is still alive, but I often wonder what my life will be like without him because I can’t truly imagine it. He is the one person I go to if I have a problem with anything. In addition to being financially smart and very knowledgeable, he can fix anything, build anything, wire, tile, frame – you name it, he can do it. He is currently building an airplane – yes, an actual airplane. I can only imagine how you must feel, but your story made me think of something I could embark on with him now while he is still here.
Thank you for your heartwarming story. Your tiny house is beautiful in more ways than one.
MarieG LifeSimplyBalanced.com
Cristo, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I love your tiny home, how it’s arranged on the property,
how it’s arranged on the property and the landscape. Again, thank you for sharing 🙂
What a wonderful tribute to your father, and to you! It’s comforting to use the lessons our folks taught us, a continuity thing we ourselves pass on. Your tiny house looks wonderful! I’m sure your father would be proud.
Great story and a great tribute. My 11-year old son and I are currently building a tiny house together, partly so I can pass on skills my own father taught me. My dad died 8 years ago — I think of him a lot as we work — especially since he salvaged some of the wood we’re using and we’re using some of his old tools, as well as many that he gave me over the years. I think he would have been pleased with the results.
What a wonderful way to honor your father. It is a beautiful tiny house, I’m sure he’s proud. : ) Sending you the light and warmth of much love.
Namaste
Hi Cristo, I am so sorry for your loss but you did a great job on your tiny house. Not only is it a tribute to your father but it can also be the same for your children. I too have a tiny house I’m working on but unlike you I bought my house already built and just delivered to my lot but I have to finish the inside myself. We have 2 newly adopted girls I want to finish it for. They are 4 and 6 now so it will be a great rememberance someday for them to pass down to their children. I hope to start work on it this spring. Planning the inside is half the fun and doing it will be even more chalenging. But I plan on letting them help me decorate it too.
First, so sorry about your Dad. I lost my own two years ago and it sure leaves a void. Do you have construction plans for this little cabin?
I sympathize with your loss. I also lost my dad and his amazing skills to a virulent cancer. I have remodeled several of my own homes and am now working on an old single-wide trailer on 5 acres of pinon-juniper forest. Your dad will always be with you the same way mine is with me. I learned knitting and crocheting from my mom, who also passed away from a very painful cancer. On cold winter evenings, I drink hot tea and knit with my mom still. Yep, that’s dad sitting in the corner with his tea and a good book. We never really lose those we love. I am lucky to have a close relationship with my son and grandchildren… and hope they keep me with them when I am gone.
Hej Kent….I do not know if it is a visual effect or your columns are too high and the floor is not leveled….
Such a fine creative tribute. You have touched so many hearts…!