working together

Thirteen years ago when we were looking for houses in Greenville, I felt the realtor was trying to discourage us from this one. But we were attracted to it from the street, liked it even more once we saw the inside, and could picture how it would more than meet our needs at the time. In short, we were in love with it. I remember she sort of winced and cited the wood exterior as a concern, and several times asked, "Are you sure?" We were sure and we haven't been sorry. However...that wood exterior has caused a few problems and expenses from time to time. When Jacob was here last month and helping clear some leaves off the roof, he noticed the chimney had some rotten boards around the flashing. O darn...$$$. It had to be fixed.

Yesterday and today two nice guys who have been friends for decades and have done some work for us before have come to repair it. The spokesman for the duo seems to do the bulk of the work. He took off all the boards around the chimney yesterday and now is the one who is fitting and nailing the new ones in place. Quieter Joe seems more of a helper, handing the cut 2x6 pieces to Harold, holding the ladder when needed, following directions, and watching for safety, but Harold doesn't make a decision without consulting him. Watching them work together is a study on cooperation and mutual respect. Neither is more important than the other. The one who holds the ladder is as essential as the one who puts the pieces together.