"Welding with Children" is a heartwarming tale centered on Bruton, a welder grappling with the chaos in his life. With four daughters, each unmarried and each with a child, Bruton finds himself trying to mend what seems broken in his grandchildren's lives. The narrative unfolds with a blend of humor and introspection, reflecting Bruton’s journey towards self-improvement and familial responsibility.

Taking Charge of Chaos

The story begins as Bruton's wife leaves for the casino, entrusting him with their four grandchildren: Nu-Nu, Moonbeam, Tammynette, and Freddie. While attempting to weld a bed rail for one of his daughters, Bruton becomes distracted by the children playing with his tools. His surroundings—a messy yard dominated by a greasy engine hanging from a tree—compound his embarrassment. When the grandchildren clamor for an Icee, he drives them to the Gumwood Pak-a-Sak, only to be publicly shamed by an older man who derisively refers to his vehicle as the "bastardmobile." This remark stings, hinting at Bruton's past failures with his own children.

A Lesson in Language

On their way back, a child's curse prompts Bruton to pull over, admonishing them about proper language. Yet, upon returning home, another four-letter word slips out, leading Bruton to caution them against speaking "like white trash." He questions them about their knowledge of God, sparking a comically revealing exchange that exposes their ignorance of religious stories. Seizing a chance to educate, Bruton retrieves an old Bible storybook and begins narrating tales of creation, Adam, and Eve.

Confronting Reality

As the children pose questions, Bruton realizes that their understanding of spirituality is shaped by movies and television rather than genuine religious teachings. This revelation stirs a fleeting fantasy of whisking them away to the Northwest for a clean start. However, Bruton self-reflects, acknowledging that problems can't be solved by mere physical relocation and admits that his own shortcomings have contributed to the current predicament.

A Quest for Guidance

Determined to set things right, Bruton seeks advice from the man who had called his car the "bastardmobile." The solution offered is straightforward: take the children to church and Sunday school regularly and tidy up his surroundings. Bruton follows through by speaking with the Methodist preacher and embarking on a transformative mission to clean his yard. He contacts a salvage company to haul away the clutter: four derelict cars, six engines, several washing machines, and over two tons of scrap iron. "Time for a change," Bruton declares, signaling a newfound commitment to improvement.

The Winds of Change

Bruton's resolve is put to the test when his eldest daughter drops off Nu-Nu and Freddie for the night. She shares the bittersweet news that Nu-Nu's first word was "Da-da," a poignant reminder of absent fathers. Bruton, however, remains focused on creating positive experiences, promising to set up a tire swing on the oak tree. As Freddie insists that even little Nu-Nu can enjoy the swing, Bruton affectionately points out that "He can fit the circle in the middle," symbolizing hope for his grandchildren's future and the potential for healing and growth within his family.