Monumentality
Two ladders stacked one on top another. I thought about how I could craft a seatbelt at one point; to hold me down to the ladders. A bungee-cord maybe. Funny that I even thought about it.
Phone rings; half second later an eager electrician answers:
YEAH? OK, NO PROBLEM YOU GOT IT ILL SEE YOU SOON.
Breaks hit; wheels turn; ladder slides back. I reach out and grab onto the shelf. 1000 different tools, all rattling from the uneven asphalt we just banked on.
I remember sitting on the tool bags in the back of that E350. From Harbor drive to Oceanside, 7-7. Everyone knew my dad, loved him, joked with him, complained to him, paid respects to him. Gave random gifts to him. Received unexpected visits from him. Asked for insight from him. Made false or golden promises to him. That was the secret. You don’t make people advocates by selling them a service. You do the job right, once. Again & again. You’re dependable & you finish things the right way. You garner laughs; trust; respect, & make them advocate for you. Nvm I remember something more now.
Brakes hit hard; I slide; Door slams; I jump out & catch up to my dad; he’s standing motionless at the door as if he already rung the bell.
ROBBIE!
How ya doing Mrs. Sheryl?
Oh it’s not great, but I’m always happy when you show up. How’re you doing?! And who’s this lil man?!”,
I can’t complain, Life is good. Oh yeah this is my son…
I remember the smiles. That is the heaviest thing in my mind when I recall the past. The smiles other people had & the things they would say to me about how thankful they are to know my dad. So many fucking people; shared their story about 'Robbie coming to save the day.' It was cool to hear see. He could make anyone laugh.
Driving now, he threw his hand up to another truck driving past; as if to say “thanks". Moments after he rolled down the window, stops the truck & start talking to the guy. As if he spotted a lost friend, laughter started. So did the horns behind us. Later on I asked who that was & he said,
Wes, ya seems nice.
Wait, do you know him
No I wanted to ask him about…
Nonchalantly.
That was cool as hell. He could make anyone laugh in under 90sec.