Westport Swing Set Made With Love One Bolt at a Time on Labor Day

As the years pass, I find myself more determined to check off those bucket list items that have lingered in the back of my mind. This past Labor Day, on September 2nd, what was meant to be a day of rest turned into a labor of love—one that I wouldn't trade for anything.

My brother called me last minute, asking for help to set up a new swing set he had bought for his daughter, my niece. There was no way I could say no; that little girl has me wrapped around her tiny fingers, and I’d do anything for those precious “uncle points.”

The day was perfect—sunny, with the occasional warm breeze—but it was the company that made it unforgettable. My father, my brother, and I spent hours together, fastening every bolt, tightening every screw. With each assembled section, I’d give a satisfied pat, affirming, “That ain’t going anywhere.” It became a mantra, a promise to my niece that her playtime would be nothing but safe.

It’s funny how the mind works. Usually, when assembling something like an IKEA entertainment center, I focus on speed, eager to complete the task without much thought to the details. But this was different. Knowing that this swing set was for my niece flipped a switch inside me. I became meticulous, checking that every bolt was secure, that every screw was perfectly flush. I even smoothed out splinters, imagining her running barefoot on it.

The real reward, though, wasn’t just the swing set—it was the time spent with my family. Bonding with my father and brother, learning a few tricks from my old man, and simply enjoying each other’s company made the 10-hour project worth every second.

When the swing set was finally complete, there was only one thing left to do: watch my niece take her first swing. Her smile lit up the backyard, and in that moment, my heart grew a little bigger, a little fuller. That Labor Day, I didn’t just help build a swing set—I built memories that I’ll cherish forever.