EVERYTHING YOU THINK

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A more evolved person would say:  “What’s the big deal?  It’s only a load of lumber.  He’ll probably bring it tomorrow.”

Except, it feels like a big deal.

I put my life on hold to accommodate his schedule.  “Thursday morning before 11:00″, he confirmed on the phone two days ago.  It is now after 6:30 p.m. and the appointed length of lumber has not been delivered as promised.

The spot for storage is cleared.  The prepared dumping site is barren.

Tomorrow is no good.  I have appointments and he has other commitments.  That’s why we agreed that he’d come today.

Good grief, here’s a mature man who is a member of a stalwart island family and he has not kept his word.  He is supposedly trustworthy.

Come to think of it, I have noticed subtle gestures from his wife when I saw them together.  She usually leaves a group setting when he joins the conversation.  He sort of takes over the conversation.

Once she said it was their anniversary.  “Congratulations.  How long have you two been married?” I asked.

“Oh, I’ve only been married to him for 15 years”, she said.  “I was married before.  My first husband died.  The children are from my first marriage.”

The absence of enthusiasm was as good as a confessional.

She continued, “He’s a good man, though.  Been a good father to my children.  But, you know…at times, I find myself wishing he’d talk about something other than his antique cars and farm machinery.  He’s always looking for more information or parts.  I know he wishes the kids would show a little more interest…”

Yes, I’ve noticed that little ‘something’ whenever we’ve talked.

Let’s face it.  He’s a great hulk of a man who talks too much.  He is not a man of his word.  He bores his wife to death and most people just want to avoid him.  He’s like all the rest of the people who never do what they say.  If anyone asks me about his service, I’m going to be honest.  People like him should not get away with this kind of nonsense.  Look at this!  It’s 7:30 p.m.  No truck, no phone call and no lumber.  And even worse, I did no writing today until now.  I couldn’t concentrate with one ear at the door.  He’s really screwed up my day.

The phone rings.  7:47 p.m.  Why does that time appear on clocks so frequently in my life?  What does it mean?

“Hi, I’ll swing by now and bring your lumber.  I promised I’d call first.”

“Thanks.  See you in a few minutes.”

The poor man.  He’s still working!  It’s going to be dark before he finishes unloading the lumber.  He’s had a hip replacement in his retirement and he’s still working so hard.  He must be starving.  I’ll offer him something to munch on.  I should have told him to not bother tonight.

Suddenly his white truck backs into my driveway.  He parks perfectly by the prepared spot.  He jumps out of the truck and cheerfully sets up the rigging for unloading the lumber all by himself.

“You’re working awfully late, aren’t you?”

“Well, I was doing a little fix-it job for the local Kids Klub and it took a little longer ’cause when I gave one of the young fellas a ride home, turned out his mother needed her washer fixed.  Then, when I got to the lumber yard, some guy had jimmied his loader so I gave him a hand, you know, just so he could get out of my way.  Then Old Rex Thornton drove in and wanted to know what he could do with his old ’49 Chevy.  He figures he’s ripe for the old folk’s home.  So after we had a little chat about it, I suggested we go and have a look at it.  It’s in great shape.  By gar, I think I’ll buy it.  Then he got to showin’ me some of the other stuff that he wants to get rid of.  I know lots of people who will be interested.  Turns out his wife was having trouble with an old clothes line that she still wants to use – you know how women like the bedding to smell fresh…”

Link HERE  and scroll down to read the guided commentary that follows this story on Amy’s site.