Six broken ribs and a clogged sewer system.

The sewer system was clogged beyond what anyone could fix and Fred, the owner

of the plumbing company, wasn’t thrilled when we asked him to come out for the

emergency.  He didn’t have anyone else available, though, and he showed up to

help.  What we didn’t realize was — he had six broken ribs.  Despite his pain,

he clambered in & around the faulty pipes. up & down the ladders to the water

tank, and never let on he was suffering the entire time.  When I found out what

a good soldier he’d been, a note seemed insufficient … but it must have meant

something to him because he told my friend Gregory, who helps me with the rental property,

that his wife really appreciated it when he read it to her.