In summer 2009 I drove from BC all the way to Saskatchewan to help my father and brother build a cabin deck. Ya, if you read this blog frequently you will know that I’m not a machine and tool type dude. I prefer handling plants through pruning and installs. Soft stuff. You’re probably worried about me.
But I couldn’t say no; this was a rare chance for the three of us to get together for a week. There was work and rest with beer and bonfires. I also survived with sketchy cell reception and without Wi-Fi. I even skirted some trees on the property.
Getting to the cabin was an adventure in itself. When I finally turned off the highway the sign read 85km. What? I didn’t express myself intelligently at this very moment and pressed on. Since I was completely tired I eventually stopped in some village and slept in the car. I distinctly remembered a dog running in the middle of the road; or was it a dream?
Red Seal prep
I would sit the Red Seal Journeyman Horticulturist exam five years later and one third of the test would cover construction. In 2009 I had no clue; I was the reluctant helper. So I moved wood and used a nail gun. For one week. And at the end we took an epic picture with the three of us sitting on the new deck. And it didn’t collapse. This was summer 2009.
Denial
My father passed away on this day, October 16, 2009 and his ashes would eventually be scattered at the cabin. In summer I wondered if this would be our last family project but inside I was sure my father was immortal. Unfortunately, he wasn’t. He was very ill. And finishing the deck made him happy. We had a fun week. And I learned that I could use tools with appropriate guidance; while ignoring inappropriate feedback from my older brother.
Rested and fired
Since I was a full-time landscaper with two little kids at home life was hectic. Having one week off was exactly what my body needed. When I returned home my mechanic told me that my brakes were barely holding together. I was extremely lucky to get home.
Then I opened my mail only to discover that my strata where I lived and worked had fired me. The manager’s letter didn’t say why and it didn’t matter. I had to leave for one week to see my sick father. Whatever.
Skimmia japonica comedy
Allow me to digress with a strata council story. One of the council members had planted Skimmia japonicas in pots by the main entrance. I told her that having male and female plants helped greatly. She then froze and gave me one of those ‘as if’ looks. Oh shit, then it hit me, I totally forgot that she was a lesbian. Lecturing a lesbian on having male and female plants for success was a bad idea. No wonder they fired me as their strata landscaper.
Learning
I learned a lot during that week in 2009. I could use tools and life was OK without Wi-Fi and appointments. Also spending time with my father and brother was awesome.
Additionally, we were all mortal beings.
If you ever struggle with treating people well, try this. I learned it from James Altucher. Treat every single person you encounter as if it was THEIR last day on Earth.
Rest in Peace Dad!
