Welding with Children

On a surface level, “Welding With Children” addresses the hardships associated with raising children both in poverty and alongside modern technology, and how the generational gap between grandchild and grandparent affects that relationship. Bruton is frustrated that his grandchildren are being raised without affection for the outdoors, religion, or a sense of respect for elders. Bruton’s eventual solution for this is to raise the children himself whenever they are in his care, reading them Bible stories and instilling a love for activities beyond watching television. This process involves character growth Bruton’s part, as he must change his lifestyle to center around their well-being. Bruton cleans up the yard and resolves to take the children to church weekly, taking initiative rather than letting life pass him by, as was his habit. In the end, he has a sense of direction and feels accomplished with what he has contributed to his family, which is otherwise notorious in the small-town community for not accomplishing much and being perceived as distasteful.

The story’s language and setting reflect the South, a place very familiar to the author. Tim Gautreaux has reclaimed Southern stereotypes and repurposed them for an endearing yet satirical story.