Blinded by the Sight of Big Machinery


I know that statistically speaking the majority of my "friends I've never met" on this list are women, over 40.

I'm not complaining! (smile)

Today, for the first time ever, I am writing a story for the men. In particular, those over 60.

Oh, yes and the women who love them.

I was ready to record my messages for my friend Nathaniel Bronner. I do "Power Minutes" for him.

In return he keeps me alive.

I had also planned on writing.

But then my body began to tremble. My ears perked up and I wandered out of my office to the window over looking my drive way.

"Beep, beep, beep, beep" I heard the call.

There was a huge truck backing up my driveway.

It was followed by a small bull dozer.

"Oh, my!" I whispered.

My heart raced.

I quickly took my shower and headed outside.

The man in charge came over to introduce himself.

"We're here to clear the land behind the building," he said in a deep, manly voice.

"Great!" I said with a big smile.

Sure I had other things to do, but this was important.

This is my new "coming of age."

"You know I just turned 63 last month and I automatically feel like I must now stand here and watch you guys. I believe it's genetic." I told him.

He laughed and patted me on the shoulder like he understood.

It was an amazing thing to watch. He drove up the hill clearing a small roadway to the back.

They revved up the chipper and began feeding branches into the monster. Tiny bits and pieces flew into the back of the truck.

It was so loud that the crew had to wear ear plugs to prevent long term damage to their ears.

I was in a band. I have hearing loss and a very high pitched ring that is constant.

This noise actually was a relief.

Now, if you are a guy, I know you understand this. If you are over 60, I bet you wish your were here with me.

If you are female and don't quite get it. It's okay.

The next time you pass by a construction site, or a crew digging up the road, take notice of the people nearby.

Most of them are older. Most of them stay until their old legs can't stand it any longer. They have a dazed look on their face and a longing to help or offer suggestions.

There's machinery there that they'd love to get their hands on.

There are tractors and bulldozers they'd give anything to ride.

They want a hard hat with their name on it.

They want to eat sandwiches at lunch without washing their hands and drink from a thermos until the foreman calls them back.

I filled a small cooler with bottle of water and kept it full all day. Then early in the evening as they were about to call it quits, I upped the deal with ice cold beer.

They deserved it. I needed to do it.

I didn't stay there all day. I did have things to do. But that's okay. He told me they will be back next week.

Getting old isn't so bad after all!

Bob Perks

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