We remember my father at his first desk, a small, oak, mission-style slant top probably built in the early 1900s. He would work settling his accounts, preparing his sales reports and paying our family bills. Dad is gone, his accounts long closed, his reports long ago finished and the bills all paid. The desk is now sitting in my sister and brother-in-law’s house, holding papers, knick knacks and memories.

That desk was the inspiration for my latest woodworking project, pictured here (along with a photo of Dad's desk). I made it for Madeline’s birthday. It is solid cherry with accents, inlays and drawer/top pulls made of walnut. The drawers are smaller (hand cut dovetails), the legs are tapered, the pulls are wooden and the top is pegged – but the dimensions are the same as Dad’s.

The source of inspiration, the beautiful wood and the hand rubbed tung oil finish made the 4 ½ month project a pleasure.

Happy birthday, Madeline.

Rest in peace, Dad.