A matter of Time

It’s a matter of time.

I met them at a Christmas party just over a year ago. The conversation was several older men discussing life and generalities and it floated to the fact that I worked at the time for a large window and door company. There were a couple more specific questions and this new gentleman asked me about a storm door. What would I get, where would I get it?

Just a couple of weeks later I found myself at his house with his wife installing the door. What I didn’t realize was he was an engineer, and that he would be watching every step of the process. Here’s the thing, I’m a creative type who went into carpentry late, not an engineer or a fully apprenticed trade school carpenter.  I know what I’m doing, I just look at it from a different perspective and often times walk-through things by having to learn. What I thought it was going to be a frustrating experience became a learning experience for me, but also what I believe was a bonding experience for us.

It took me a couple days to do that door, mainly because I had to build it out and I wanted to make sure it was done as best as possible for both my specifications and his satisfaction.

Every time I go to their house I look at that door and make sure that it hasn’t fallen apart. <cringe>  Slightly as a joke, but also because I want to make sure that the work I’ve done honors them.

Fast forward to this last weekend, after a year of visiting them when I can - always trying to stay in touch. Introducing them to my girlfriend/soon to be more… I’m at their house on a very hot day after loading a trailer to move out of state. They asked me specifically to come by and see them and of course I wanted to, but I was tired. I actually wanted to just get on the road and end a frustrating day. Sometimes when we plan things we have to depend on others and well, that’s not always the easiest thing. There had been a huge letdown earlier that morning from one of my oldest friends, and though I tried to understand, I was angry, hot, tired, spirit-drained.

I walked in and after just a few minutes this gentleman tells me he has something for me. I won’t lie and say that it wasn’t what I secretly hoped for. From the very first day I walked into their house I have been in enamored by all of the beautiful antique clocks that cover the walls, nooks and crannies, everywhere. Oh, I wanted one. But I would’ve never asked. And honestly it was a joy to always get to look at them and be fascinated. Definitely not because I’m technical, but I can appreciate them - the beauty and age and craftsmanship that comes with each.

He walked me around to the counter where underneath a small covering was one of the most beautiful little clocks. I’ve spent a couple hours since looking up information about this clock. But it really comes down to time.

Not just time that the clock registers, but time spent caring for and learning about other others.

I know a good bit about this couple, not everything. I know, Madison, Alabama, Auburn University, aircraft and clocks, medical procedures, and a little dog. I know that I have been so grateful to have been able to change some lightbulbs, move groceries, clean off a deck. And more than anything else I’ve learned to cherish a couple that I didn’t even know a year ago.

I plan on staying in touch. I also plan on cherishing that clock - making sure I take care of it. Because it isn’t about the clock. It’s about the love.

 ~ Peace 

The Burtle