Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Kailyn’s Jewel ~~ My Harley Davidson Makeover
Current mood: sad
Category: Blogging

   Today is April 15th, 2008.  A sad day for our family.  It was 2 years ago today that my wife Robbie and I lost out first Grandchild.  I'm gonna try and write this, but it's gonna be a little hard.  My friends know I have been spending the last months painting my Harley.  I finished the painting, sanding and polishing today.  Today was supposd to be the unvieling of my 17 yr old HD makeover.  It's all painted, but just a few things to do before it's really on the road. 
    First off, let me tell you a little about my bike.  I obtained it last year.  In 1998, My Big Brother Mike passed away at the age of 43.  Danny Davis, my brothers best friend loaned me his 91 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Tour Glide to pick up my brothers ashes and bring him home.  It was Mike's last ride.  From that point on, the bike earned it's title The Hearse....  I wanted the bike from that point on.  9 years later, it was mine.
    April 15th, 2006, I hand buried my granddaughter Kailyn Jewel.  From that point on,   I could not go into my shop because of depression.  I was spending my time trying once again to understand life.  Mine has not been easy.  Holding a family together during this time was the most important thing.  Kevin and Linzi and Grandma Robbie.  The kids put their faith in God and let Kailyn decide when they were to have another child.  She most have known the need for this  March 22nd, 2007, Gavin James was born.  We just celebrated his first birthday.  Up until this winter, I let my hobbies and crafts just sit.  I decided it was time to go back to it.  I wanted to do something special.  So after a long thought, and my friend Kevin's advice, I decided to paint my Harley.
    So the adventure began.  I had never attempted to do anything remotely close to such a large project.  But I felt Kailyn telling Grandpa to get off his ass.  I spent weeks trying to decide a paint scheme.  I was going to keep the nickname The Hearse.  But then it occurred to me.  Change the color completely and re name her.  So I chose a beautiful color called Lingenberry Red.  After painting the first few parts, I knew the new name.  Kailyn's Jewel.  LB Red, Silver and Pearl White.  After almost 3 months, I was planning to unviel her today.  But I had to spend my weekend down at the river getting ready fo the tennants to return.  I won't be riding her today, but I will be putting her back together, tomorrow.  Today I will watch Gavin so Mommy and Daddy can spend Kailyns birthday reflecting back on the last 2 years.  It has been hard, but all is ok.
    God has choosen a path for us all, we just don't know what.  So in memory of my Big Brother Mike, and our Granddaughter Kailyn.  My bike is painted and being put back together.  I hope to ride this weekend........
    So, happy 2nd birthday Kailyn Jewel, we miss you and love you.  And I'll know I have two angels on my shoulder when I'm riding "Kailyn's Jewel". 
  I want to thank Robbie, for being patient with me for the last 3 months.  I know it don't take the normal person so long to do a project like this, but then again, who said I was normal.  I have come home tired, soar and in pain.  This has been the most work I have been able to do in 5 years.  I need about a years rest now.  I want to thank my friend Kevin Mullis (KVMcustoms), man, your the best.  Without him, this would have not been possible.  TJ, for the food and encouragement.  God for letting my old broke down body complete this.  Vicodin and Pepsi.  Dupont paints. 
   I'll post some new pictures today of Kailyn's Jewel.
As always,
Pray for Peace...........................
Grandpa Mark

Tags: HD Paint Refinish Blogging

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