This was truly beautiful to read. I feel like they are some of the kindest men in Wisconsin. And I’m intrigued by the preparation of Dave’s pedestal, still looking forward to seeing Dave in place, hoping I haven’t missed it, as life here has been mad between “work”, puppies and being a bit under the weather.
Everything about this resonates with me. My Stepdad was a man who had to overcome polio as a child. He built a successful business, took on the responsibility of helping to raise me, treated everyone fairly, and was an incredible influence on me. He was quiet and unassuming, but a leader. I’ve lost track of the life lessons he taught me. He was/is still my absolute hero. He sounds a lot like the men you wrote about.
I appreciated this article. It made me think of my dad. His infectious laugh. His work ethic , NY union guy loaded freight near the docks. Decent imperfect proud. Still waters run deep. Cheers to those decent guys. 🌞✌️
Hahahahahaha!!! Love it. Have my house right now filled with plumbers and carpenters, and I feel truly blessed that I have access to so much knowledge and skill and KINDNESS.
I am so grateful for this piece. These are the kind of men I have been surrounded by. And the women who also have those qualities. Truly a gift to know them. Your family teaches me so much…. All four of you. Thank you.
My husband is the reason I became one of your many readers. He discovered you first and introduced be to your work. He too is a good man with simple needs and integrity beyond measure.
I loved every word today. Thank you for your thoughtful, gifted writing! You made me ponder the "men" in my life today. Photos of Auggie and Eli always welcome. Have the best day available to you.
These decent men are to be celebrated - quietly, and with much love. Those who seek the spotlight are not heroes; they are narcissists. These ordinary men are the true heroes. 🏆🏅
Such lovely stories about wonderful men. Perhaps these men will reappear in books to come? We try to thank the "invisible" men and women who make our lives possible, like Bill on the recycling truck that comes around before anyone is awake and who always piles up empty blue boxes neatly so they don't blow away, and Patti the Postal Lady (as she called herself) who always brought our mail to the door to save us a trip to the mail boxes, even during Covid lockdowns, and stayed a few minutes to love up our dogs who loved her up right back! Thanks for brightening my day again!
I am 20 years older than my lovely wife, and sometimes when I am repairing this or that that is broken or not working properly, like an adjustable hinge on a kitchen cabinet, I wonder, “What will she do when I am gone?” I expressed that gnawing concern to her one day after fixing something. “Honey, what will you do when I’m gone?” She put her hand on my shoulder, looked me in my eyes, smiled and softly said, “Why, Kerry, don’t worry. I’ll be fine ; I’ll hire a handyman. My prayer is that she will indeed find handymen-and handywomen- who will not only fix what’s broken, but also offer a hand in friendship.
Really beautiful read ❤️
This was truly beautiful to read. I feel like they are some of the kindest men in Wisconsin. And I’m intrigued by the preparation of Dave’s pedestal, still looking forward to seeing Dave in place, hoping I haven’t missed it, as life here has been mad between “work”, puppies and being a bit under the weather.
I hope you feel better soon. Big reveal planned for tomorrow.
Looking forward to that!!
Everything about this resonates with me. My Stepdad was a man who had to overcome polio as a child. He built a successful business, took on the responsibility of helping to raise me, treated everyone fairly, and was an incredible influence on me. He was quiet and unassuming, but a leader. I’ve lost track of the life lessons he taught me. He was/is still my absolute hero. He sounds a lot like the men you wrote about.
And possibly like you.
I appreciated this article. It made me think of my dad. His infectious laugh. His work ethic , NY union guy loaded freight near the docks. Decent imperfect proud. Still waters run deep. Cheers to those decent guys. 🌞✌️
Frances, I also thought of my dad with the introduction of these extraordinary men. I’m lucky to have grown up with men like these.
What a nice reflection on people who make our lives better and enrich our communities....I hope Joe, Phil, and Steve are all Substack readers!
Love, love, love this!
Hahahahahaha!!! Love it. Have my house right now filled with plumbers and carpenters, and I feel truly blessed that I have access to so much knowledge and skill and KINDNESS.
Also: Baby Eli. Nuff said
You are lucky to know such people who are pleasant, honest and have integrity. Often it seems those are rare qualities these days, unfortunately.
You have a unique view on celebrity though, since all 4 beings living in your home are famous! 😉😊😎🐾
😎🐶🐶❤️
lol
I am so grateful for this piece. These are the kind of men I have been surrounded by. And the women who also have those qualities. Truly a gift to know them. Your family teaches me so much…. All four of you. Thank you.
My husband is the reason I became one of your many readers. He discovered you first and introduced be to your work. He too is a good man with simple needs and integrity beyond measure.
I loved every word today. Thank you for your thoughtful, gifted writing! You made me ponder the "men" in my life today. Photos of Auggie and Eli always welcome. Have the best day available to you.
This was lovely and so true.
These decent men are to be celebrated - quietly, and with much love. Those who seek the spotlight are not heroes; they are narcissists. These ordinary men are the true heroes. 🏆🏅
Such lovely stories about wonderful men. Perhaps these men will reappear in books to come? We try to thank the "invisible" men and women who make our lives possible, like Bill on the recycling truck that comes around before anyone is awake and who always piles up empty blue boxes neatly so they don't blow away, and Patti the Postal Lady (as she called herself) who always brought our mail to the door to save us a trip to the mail boxes, even during Covid lockdowns, and stayed a few minutes to love up our dogs who loved her up right back! Thanks for brightening my day again!
I am 20 years older than my lovely wife, and sometimes when I am repairing this or that that is broken or not working properly, like an adjustable hinge on a kitchen cabinet, I wonder, “What will she do when I am gone?” I expressed that gnawing concern to her one day after fixing something. “Honey, what will you do when I’m gone?” She put her hand on my shoulder, looked me in my eyes, smiled and softly said, “Why, Kerry, don’t worry. I’ll be fine ; I’ll hire a handyman. My prayer is that she will indeed find handymen-and handywomen- who will not only fix what’s broken, but also offer a hand in friendship.
.
She’s a lucky woman.
You have described my precious son-in-law who dropped out of high school but is an accomplished finish carpenter. ❤️
What a wonderful piece. in my heart, I hope and believe there are more of these type of people out there than the alternative and that is a comfort.
Ordinary is what makes the world go round.
Wish Joe was my neighbor.
He’s awesome.