I saw an old friend at the hardware store this afternoon. He was looking for some fix to an edging issue on his lawn. We talked for 20 minutes and we're about to go about our merry ways.
I asked him if he was headed to the grocery store or home. He said home. I said, let me come over and look at your edging issue. He said, that would be great, I'll see you there.
I spent an hour and a half over there with him. By the time I left, I'd turned off "do not disturb" on his I phone. Somehow it got turned on. I learned about his kidney stone issue and how the drain tube is held in place. Learned about his prostate causing week long periods of constipation, and I'm returning to look at a flashing issue on his chimney.
He's 93 and still has 96% of his marbles and still drives. He moves slow , but so do I.
A really nice end to the day.
I've worked for him and family members for decades. His wife passed away about 10 years ago and two of his three kids live here in town. A little company and bs is good for the sole. I had things to do, but this felt more important.
This fella started our local ship piloting business in the early 60's if I had to guess. They had two main pilot boats, both built here in town. He has three boys. Ones an architect, ones a bar pilot in Portland and the youngest is my age. He does machining software stuff for Northrupt and others.
It feels weird just popping to visit him unannounced, so seeing him at the hardware store was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.
Made my day and probably his too.
