My wife recently told me she doesn't want me to go on the roof anymore.  I kind of understand what she means. When I get out of the car, or sometimes when I stand up, I'm a little dizzy. It would not be a good idea to be on the roof.

After noticing a pretty big leak in one of my solar panels on the roof, I got in touch with our handyman.  A nice person, he does a good job. But I never can count on him arriving when he says he will be here. 

Once again the handyman didn't come when he said he would. My son was visiting us from San Francisco.  I told him about the leak and that I had a repair kit with instructions. “Dad,” he said, “I'll be glad to have a try on Monday morning.”

Saturday and Sunday nights I kept thinking about how I would repair the panel, and about how my son would follow my directions. 

Monday morning, my son donned my old work pants, took a bucket full of supplies, and climbed up on the roof.  As I watched my son work from the ground below, I vicariously felt every move he made, from cutting into the tubing, to pushing 20 plugs into the tubes.  Half an hour later, the job was finished. Time to turn on the water.

Approaching the front of the house where from where I could see the panel and my son, I honestly expected that there would be at least a small leak remaining. But there was no leak at all.  Bravo to my son!  A small bravo to me for being right there with him in spirit all the way.

Oh, yes, about the handyman.  I've turned the corner. I have no intention of calling him again. No matter how nice, how proficient, somebody who leaves you stranded over and over again, it's too much for me to handle.

I will look for someone who may not be as nice, nor as proficient, but who has the integrity to at least call to say he is not able to make it.

Thank you again for the wonderful job you did, Joe.  I love you.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com