Labor of Love

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My husband, Billy, was a floor covering installer for forty years. He installed carpeting, vinyl, plank flooring and later worked almost exclusively with ceramic tile. He had his own business, and dealt with all the headaches, and I dealt with all the paperwork and filings. His work was incredibly labor-intensive and hard on his body, but he loved it.

He built these beautiful walk-in showers with seats and places to put your toiletries. They were made of ceramic tile ceiling to floor with a special drainage system. Some had jets, which were very fancy. He was so proud of the beautiful work he did, he really was a craftsman.

Sometimes he did large, commercial jobs. He and his crew laid the floor covering for the local Sears store. He laid carpeting in multiple schools in our county. He did the work in new construction homes, and was sought after by multiple builders.

I was so proud of him. He was very talented, and his work ethic was perfect. I believe our children have their wonderful work ethic because of him. He was very dedicated to his trade, sometimes working 6-7 days a week, 12 hours a day, but would still make time for his family when he could. We all miss him incredibly much.

swift running river
bringing life, forging a way,
unyielding in strength

Photo by Baskin Creative Co. on Pexels.com
Haibun Monday 9-1-25: Labor
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Published by lisaapaul

I’m a paralegal, a widow, mother and grandmother.

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31 thoughts on “Labor of Love”

  3. Your Billy sounds like he was a talented man, Lisa, and devoted to his work. I would love a walk-in shower like the one you describe. Children need a good role model like your husband to develop their own work ethic, and he did a great job there too, by the sound of it. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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  6. Taking time from their hard work to share with their children is high on that list. We both live with fond memories of just that kind of person. God bless you with his memory.

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  7. This is a beautiful haibun, Lisa. Hard physical work takes its toll on the body. You husband sounds like a great man. A person who loves his work never works a day in his life! So sorry for your loss.

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  8. What a wonderful tribute to a man who knew that his labor was a reflection of who he was. I think that art is in the process of disappearing- so I am thrilled to hear your children have incorporated the same pride in their accomplishments in this modern world.

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  10. My late husband was a contractor, started as a roofer and small construction jobs then went on to run big jobs like Mohegan Sun Casino in CT. He was a hard worker and his work was impeccable. He never cut corners or did anything less than perfect. I do miss him every day.

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    1. When we had put our children through college, he was able to back off from the long hours. When he started just doing ceramic tile, he went to a 5 day work week and left off work at 4:00. It was so wonderful for him. He was very dedicated.

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