Thursday, February 02, 2017

A Good Man #rememberingmyfriend #handyman #homerepairs #MFRWorg

A Good Man


When my family was young and Handsome was in the early days of starting our business and too busy to do much around the house, a friend told me about her uncle, Handyman Bob. I called him and booked an appointment for the many little things that needed to be fixed in my 1929 Tudor home
.
Bob arrived promptly. He was about my height, thin, gray headed, quiet with a great twinkle in his blue eyes. He looked at my projects, quoted me a price, and got to work. I had never been so relieved. Pleased with the job he'd done, I hired him for many more, including building a huge deck off the back of my house and redoing an entry coat closet. When I moved into my current home, he helped hang Elfa shelving, painted with me, and lots more projects, even helping when I went to the company conventions.


Bob and I removed the shelving when we remodeled, reinstalled it, and added more after move in. We did yard work, touch ups, and more. I truly cherished our time. Both of us loved hamburgers.
We'd take a break and go to a local drive-in across from the Catholic High School. We talked about everything-family, hobbies, politics, etc.


Several years ago, I had a strange phone call from him. He told me he'd had a stroke and wouldn't be able to help me anymore. My heart broke as I loved our time together. I told him when he felt better to call and we would go out for lunch.


In the years following, we went to our favorite drive-in and ordered the same hamburgers, fries, and
drinks. We still chatted about everything. Sometimes, we drove around and treated ourselves to frozen yogurt too.


A few weeks ago, his friend, Carole, phoned and told me he'd passed. She'd held his hand and his weak heart stopped. Mine ached. Memories we shared surfaced in my head-- #2 helping him repair a window he'd broken. #1 saying Bob was the strongest man he knew. Friends come to us in many different ways.


I will always be grateful to this man for the many things he did for me and my family. I lost a friend who was truly a Good Man.

12 comments:

Angela Adams said...

As soon as I saw the title of this post, I knew where we were headed. Hold on to those good memories...they'll help you smile through your tears.

Sheila Seabrook said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend, Vicki. You were so fortunate to have Bob in your life...and he was fortunate to have you in his life too. Sending you hugs. You and Bob are in my heart today.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Angela! Everyone said Bob was a Good Man. I regret we won't be able to fix things together any more. :)

Hi, Sheila! Thank you for holding us in your heart. I definitely was the fortunate one. Hugs to you!

Linda Tillis said...

It is always sad to lose a friend, but it is the re-living a good friendship through warm memories that help us over the pain. It sounds like you many of those to fall back on. Prayers for you and him.

Melissa Keir said...

I'm sorry for your loss. It's hard when you lose someone who you are close to. I am glad you had so many wonderful memories of him and your times together. Maybe he'll be watching over your home now and nothing major will ever need to be done! :)

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Linda! It is sad to a lose a friend. I saw Bob last fall and although he couldn't walk so great, he talked clearly. Knowing he had Parkinson's, I was aware time would not last. Hugs.

Hi, Melissa! Oh if only Bob watching over me and nothing major would happen would come true. Thank you.

Liese said...

Thanks for sharing, Vicki. How often people come into our lives in different ways. So glad you have such good memories of the man.

Liese

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Liese! I know!!! Think of how you and I became critique partners. I'm fortunate there. ox

Unknown said...

So sorry for your loss, Vicki. It seems God puts those special people in our lives when we need them most. You thought you were getting a handyman, and got so much more...a friend who will remain in your heart forever. They are such a gift and blessing.

Hugs,
Mia

jbiggar said...

Hi Vicki,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, he sounds like a special man {{hugs}}

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Mia! And thank you for stopping. I love how you wrote about friendship. Thank you.

Hi, Jacquie! He was special. And had an incredible blue eyed twinkle.

Laurel Wanrow said...

A lovely tribute. I'm sorry for your loss.