I found out a few minutes ago that an old retired work friend had died. He is 82 and had been retired for 16 years. He developed Alzheimer's disease about 5 years ago. He had good days and bad days up until this year when most days had turned bad- he did not know anyone and had to be placed in a special retire-alzheimers facility. He was extremely strong and would become agitated and confused and his wife could not handle him. When I was a young kid - I got a job for small contractor. I got a work permit to work on a union job as a laborer and met this man. I was his helper - he was a bricklayer and cement finisher. It was my job to mix sand, water, and dry cement and other materials for brick laying, concrete finishing, and installing epoxy grout. As a young man this was my first real job. This man treated me very formally, clear cut rules, almost military manner. He had a very simple view of the world and took great pride in his work. He shaped my perspective on life--on how work should be done, proper respect to others on the job, getting to work on time, how to dress and eat for hot weather, and how to save money. Hopefully you all have worked with someone like this. Later in life after I was out of college and had a good job, I was able to hook him up with a good job - doing inspection and quality control -less strenuous as he got older - for better money with insurance and benefits. We kept in touch over the years and never lost contact. He was there for me on almost every special occasion in my life. My high school graduation, wedding, my Dad's funeral, and my son's birth. I will never forget him..
You were lucky to have known him. By the respect with which you speak of him, i can safely say he was lucky to have known you.
TBar, Great story and thanks for sharing. Sorry to hear your loss. I know that your friend is proud of you and your family. Without question, he is looking down from Heaven right now with a huge smile on his face.
