Of course now that I’m leaving tomorrow I finally found a fast, alcohol-free wireless connection – at Von’s Supermarket, open until midnight, hooray. That was yesterday’s success, along with convincing my parents to go out to dinner. We went late so their volume wouldn’t annoy other diners. The restaurant supplied free birthday desserts, everyone was happy.
This morning we had another visit from Terry, the contractor who came yesterday to fix the kitchen florescent lights held together with scotch tape. He returned to unclog the shower drain and leaky toilet that I discovered – Dad was oblivious to water pooling at his toes. Terry is a miracle worker. He created a word-of-mouth market niche for his services among the elderly ladies attending water aerobics classes at the Y. My mother used to attend when she was more mobile – and now, the women have all died except for her. Anyway, Terry developed a reputation for fast, honest repairs at a fair price – no advertising needed. He comes on holidays and weekends at no extra fee. He’s licensed. He’s the only guy my Dad trusts to come into the house to help with projects.
I watched Terry in action – he spoke slowly and loudly, he asked my father’s opinion even though he clearly didn’t need it, and he respected Dad’s knowledge about tools. He told me he fully understands the hoarding instinct, and he knows when to back off to avoid offending folks. His own father, now deceased, had traits similar to my Dad’s quirks. He helps the geriatric set, below cost, because he feels it’s giving back. He even let me throw decaying plastic pots into his truck (while he distracted Dad with chit chat).
Terry refused payment today – however but he did want something. He wanted the never-worn pith helmet. He was eyeing it yesterday when all the men were bonding in the garage, but knew my mother was getting upset about the upheaval in her world so he backed off. My father was more than happy to gift it to him – along with an ancient battery charger (yes, it still works).
I thought about Terry while wandering the beach roads this afternoon. I am humbled by his attitude, and hope that his karma will help me deal with this increasingly stressful situation with more grace. Many of you have commented that reading my blog brings on laughter along with tears. Thank you for recognizing my writing efforts and my need to smile through the pain. Attached is a picture of Terry and Sidney – kindred spirits.
This morning we had another visit from Terry, the contractor who came yesterday to fix the kitchen florescent lights held together with scotch tape. He returned to unclog the shower drain and leaky toilet that I discovered – Dad was oblivious to water pooling at his toes. Terry is a miracle worker. He created a word-of-mouth market niche for his services among the elderly ladies attending water aerobics classes at the Y. My mother used to attend when she was more mobile – and now, the women have all died except for her. Anyway, Terry developed a reputation for fast, honest repairs at a fair price – no advertising needed. He comes on holidays and weekends at no extra fee. He’s licensed. He’s the only guy my Dad trusts to come into the house to help with projects.
I watched Terry in action – he spoke slowly and loudly, he asked my father’s opinion even though he clearly didn’t need it, and he respected Dad’s knowledge about tools. He told me he fully understands the hoarding instinct, and he knows when to back off to avoid offending folks. His own father, now deceased, had traits similar to my Dad’s quirks. He helps the geriatric set, below cost, because he feels it’s giving back. He even let me throw decaying plastic pots into his truck (while he distracted Dad with chit chat).
Terry refused payment today – however but he did want something. He wanted the never-worn pith helmet. He was eyeing it yesterday when all the men were bonding in the garage, but knew my mother was getting upset about the upheaval in her world so he backed off. My father was more than happy to gift it to him – along with an ancient battery charger (yes, it still works).
I thought about Terry while wandering the beach roads this afternoon. I am humbled by his attitude, and hope that his karma will help me deal with this increasingly stressful situation with more grace. Many of you have commented that reading my blog brings on laughter along with tears. Thank you for recognizing my writing efforts and my need to smile through the pain. Attached is a picture of Terry and Sidney – kindred spirits.
