The smell of small engines

I have heard it said that certain smells can trigger a memory. For me the smell of small engine exhaust will always remind me of my dad. Not any one particular memory, just that is the smell I will always associate with him from my childhood. It seams that for every season their was a small engine that was in need of repair. For summer, my brothers mini bike, grandpa’s motor for his fishing boat,or the lawnmower. In winter it was a series of second hand snow mobiles that were constantly in need of repair.

I have just come in from snow blowing. My snow blower is second hand, ridiculously hard to start, and really too small for Michigan winters, this storm in particular. Once I finally got that first puff of black smoke to raise, and the engine to turn, it was almost like dad was standing over my shoulder. He is not, he is in Texas enjoying his retirement as it should be. His is the generation where a man desired a son to follow his footsteps. My dad didn’t get that, instead he got me and today I think he would be proud.