Many years ago when I was stationed in Germany, I recieved word that both of my grandfathers we not expected to live much longer. Sadly to say; I wasn't able to make it home before my grandfather on my fathers side passed however I was able to make it home before my grandfather on my mothers side did.

He chose to die at home so that is where I went to visit him at.

As I sat there in my dress greens; he and I were looking out at my two cousins who were outside in the blowing cold and snow trying to get an old pickup running.

I remember the words my grandfather said to me till this very day. He said " Butch, I never thought I would see the day that I couldn't get out and do what those two kids are doing ".

At that very second my grandfather taught me the most important thing I would ever learn in my life. He taught me that no matter what the job is that you are doing; whether it's digging a ditch, cleaning out a septic tank, scrubbing an oven or the worse possible job in the world, you should smile and do the best you can do because someday you may be sitting in a wheelchair wishing you could do that job just one more time.

I really wasn't sure what to say to to my grandfather so I replied with " Don't worry grandpa, you'll be tinkering again someday " and I'm pretty sure he is.

I know for a fact that I've never been properly compensated for the loyalty and dedication I've given some of my employers but thats just the way things are.