We sell used books to make a living. Every now and then we sell a book with an interesting story behind it.
We have sold a few used books to really famous people; or, at least they had famous names. Some did seem unmistakable though, like when we sent a book to John D. Rockefeller, IV in West Virginia; or, Paul Tagliabue in New York City.
We have sold books to universities, government agencies, courts and movie studios; one was ordered to be used in a movie. People are often looking for a cherished book as a child, or occasionally, one that their grandparents wrote or illustrated.
Today “Carol” called. In grief, she was on an unusual mission. She wanted to order a book to place in her father’s casket. The book was, My Father Can Fix Anything by Mabel Watts (Whitman, 1965). She shared how her father had read this book to them when they were little. It was a children’s book with sweet pictures, about a father who repaired all the broken things in his child’s little world. The reading of this book so many years ago was such a lasting and tender memory that she wanted to have this book in her father’s coffin with him when he was buried.
My son Clyde III took the order, and my son Nathan packaged it. We shipped it out overnight to her. Needless to say, it was a touching moment for us here; our eyes were getting misty. A father now still and silent; surely to be missed. A family in loss and sorrow; a hole left that could not be easily mended. All parts of the course of this earthly life.
How appropriately was the title of the book, though: My Father Can Fix Anything. Though “Carol’s” father may have fixed many things in her childhood, he could not fix this. How cold and final death seems; but my own heart was encouraged that, indeed, My Father Can Fix Anything.
“Is any thing too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14).
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)
Our Father can fix anything – even death, the greatest of all man’s problems – the last great enemy of mankind.
“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (I Corinthians 15:26).
The only way to destroy death is by resurrection!
“The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice” (John 5:28)
The ultimate result is that our Father will fix even death and,
“And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be All in all” (I Corinthians 15:28).
For surely, My Father Can Fix Anything!
Subscribe to The Great Adventure of Faith by Email
Hello. I am the Carol in the story–Carol Craig. You shipped the book to me at my parent’s home in time for my father’s funeral. I sent a thank you note out to you (I hope you got it) after the funeral was over. I was telling a friend about the book and the story of my desperate search for it. I “Googled” the book name so that I could show my friend a picture of it and found this story. At first, I didn’t realize it was about me. I started reading it because I was shocked that someone else had the same idea. And then I saw the date and made the realization. I wanted to thank you once again for your help and to let you know what the other members of my family put in. My mother put in an an eagle feather . My father was Native American and very proud of it. In the NA culture, to give someone an eagle feather is the highest honor you can pay to them. It signifies that the recipient is a warrior and held in great respect. My sister placed a harmonica in the casket. When she was a baby (she was the first born), if she cried, Daddy would pick her up in his lap and start playing the harmonica. She would stop crying instantly. My brother placed a wrench in the casket. My father was a mechanic and he taught my brother to be one too. My brother said dad “gave him a living” and the wrench was a symbol of that. Thank you for turning my search into a means of having others find what they may be searching for in their lives.
Carol
Carol, Thanks for your post. What a joy to see a note from you. I have your “Thank You” card on my desk. I have been meaning to send my blog to you, but you made it to it anyway. Isn’t the internet so amazing! I appreciate hearing more about your father and family. It was very touching. I lost my father a few years back, my prayers are with you. Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Carol- I read your story this evening after looking for this book myself. My nephew turned four yesterday and told me his train was missing, but “His Daddy could fix anything” and he would find it. My Daddy and MaMa both read to me as a child. This was one of my favorite books as well. I am going to find it and send it to my nephew. Sorry for the loss of your Father.
I hope you found the book and that your nephew enjoys it.