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Friday, April 30, 2010

Great Grandpa's Eagle

My Dad celebrates his 60th Birthday on May 1, and I wanted to make something special for him for the big day. I come from a large family on my Dads side, all rooted in Christ, with a heritage that begins with two little Swedish people who came over to this country on a boat as teenagers. These two people, Arvid and Clara, brought us our faith, and became the cornerstones for this great Family I am a part of. My Great Grandpa became an avid wood worker, and I still remember a trip out to Minnesota to visit them, and going down to his wood shop to watch him turn wood into candlesticks. I was young when he and my Great Grandma passed away, but the legacy they left behind has been amazing to behold. My Great Grandpa in his 80's began to carve many eagles...one for each of his children I believe. I remember one of the eagles he made for his son (my Grandpa) hanging on the fireplace in my Grandma and Grandpa's home. This eagle became the symbol for much of their life, and with it the verse from which it was inspired.

Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.



These eagles are few, and I suspect a very desired family heirloom. So in lieu of getting an original for my Dad for his big birthday, I decided to try my hand at some carving. I think it turned out pretty great. Best thing, my Dad wondered how I got one of Great Grandpa's Eagles when he opened it tonight...only until he turned it over to see my inscription on the back wishing him Happy Birthday did he know that it was from me! Happy Birthday Dad...I love you!

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my eagle on top...Great Grandpa's on bottom...













7 comments:

  1. wendyMay 1, 2010 at 7:38 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. wendyMay 1, 2010 at 7:41 AM

    Erin ~ thanks for posting this story.....
    you are one amazing gifted gal and we love
    to hear about your creations and what comes next ..
    Carving Grandpa Swanson's eagle was
    not one that I ever thought I would see duplicated...but to have Arvid's great granddaughter do something like this is sooooo wonderful!!
    What an amazing birthday gift to your 60 year old dad!!
    Life is one creative project after another!!
    I just look at the eagles and can't believe my eyes!!
    Anderson love ~ Wendy and Jay

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  3. Sharon R. MikelMay 1, 2010 at 7:46 AM

    Erin, you are carrying on your family's legacy in everything you do. How proud your GG Arvid Swanson would be to see you soaring in the way you use your God given gifts. Bless you for sharing.

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  4. sharonMay 1, 2010 at 12:55 PM

    You did it! Are you taking orders? I want one as I don't know I'll get an Arvid original. Seriously, let me know if you want to do some more.
    Aunt Sharon

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  5. UnknownMay 1, 2010 at 2:18 PM

    Love it Erin!! Your artistic talents never cease to amaze me. They are so varied...you will try anything!!

    Sheri

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  6. John AhlquistMay 3, 2010 at 1:17 PM

    Hi Erin!

    It looks GREAT! I wish I could do it! What kind of wood did you use? I am looking forward to visiting with you about the whole process this summer at the reunion. We are very proud of you!

    John Ahlquist

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  7. Erin McGoldrickMay 3, 2010 at 7:37 PM

    Rats John...I don't think we're able to go to the reunion. Costly to fly a family of four out there. I used basswood...I think Great Grandpa used butternut wood, but I couldn't get a sizeable piece of it, so this was the direction I was pointed. It carved beautifully:) Would love to catch up though!
    Erin

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