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The Widow - Part 8

By Phil Leng

Industry Observer with Retired

August 03, 2010 02:49 AM

The Widow - Part 8

I love this story because it is full of so many heroes.

jason doing insulation

Jason, the Code Enforcement Officer, for following his heart instead of imposing multiple fines and walking away. He stayed with the project to the end, often bringing his beautiful boy along to play as he worked.

John the Chief of Police. He had transferred to another local city for his work, but lives in Woodinville. He used his considerable drive, clout and organizational ability to keep the project driving forward to completion.

John’s father-in-law Gary. Gary had been a pastor. Retired as a contractor. Now nearly the same age as Annie, he was on site working John

virtually every day. Annie the widow has become one of the family. She was at their place for Thanksgiving. Goes to church with them now.

Months ago we had the roof on. A local roofer came himself to tear off and install. His crew volunteered beside him. Two local suppliers donated all materials.

The yard had been attacked by 80 volunteers from our church. (“Take a 10 foot by 10 foot square of the mountainside. Dominate it. Cut the blackberries up. Pull up the roots. Put it all in the dumpster.” That is what I had said. And it had happened.)

A landscaper had dropped by during the huge work party. “What’s going on here?” he had said. Soon he came back with his back hoe and was carrying blackberries to the dumpster.
Another landscaper had dropped in. How can I help? He came back later with the netting to preserve the hill, and the hay roll at the bottom of the hill to catch the water and prevent erosion.

The rough electrical was completed in two week ends. All materials installed and paid for.

We were worried about the sheet rock. It was a huge job. Somewhat expensive. And not ferns