THIS I BELIVE

I believe in engines.
Derek van Veldhuisen

I believe in engines and the machines they are attached to. I believe that engines are
more than just metal and plastic; I believe they are also memories and stories. I got
the belief when I got into antique cars and machinery such as tractors. My grandfather
is an amateur mechanic and he has a friend who is really into cars. With that backing
I started getting into cars. Then when I joined FFA, I started getting into tractors,
and with 500 years of farming history behind me, It was only natural for me to get
into farm equipment. When working on machinery it takes patience, skill, dedication,
responsibility and a little know how.
It was a warm summer Saturday in August and I was spending it as usual working with
my dad in our old dairy barn when i looked at the large shape in the back of the barn
and asked “Hey dad what is that?” “What is what?” he asked. “The thing under the
blue cloth back there.” He replied, “ That is my Cadillac.” He then proceeded to tell
me that it was a 1964 Cadillac Coupe De-Ville. Then I asked him if it ran, he said “No”.
Then I asked if we could get it running; he said you should talk to your grandfather, but
I am happy for the help always.
My belief was then strengthened when for my 13th birthday my grandfather gave me a
1948 Standard Engine Company Standard Twin Convertible. My grandfather got the
tractor when his neighbor passed away across the street. My grandfather gave me the
tractor to clean up because it has been a lawn ornament since 1982. My grandfather
came over with a desk for my dad then My grandfather pulled to the back and we off
loaded the tractor from the trailer. when we were off loading the tractor one of the ramps
slipped causing the tractor to fall. We finally got it in to our barn and out of the elements
after nearly 30 years. I have a special almost unnatural love to machinery, just like a
person might love a dog. That is why I think they are more than just metal. I believe in
engines.