Bob, the Fireplace and Perspective

My wife, Melissa, and I recently decided to have the brick on our fireplace painted to provide better fluidity in the living room motif. After hearing a […]

My wife, Melissa, and I recently decided to have the brick on our fireplace painted to provide better fluidity in the living room motif. After hearing a neighbor’s recommendation of a gentleman name Bob and the awesome work he did on their fireplace, we decided to give Bob a call. The first call went swimmingly. Bob was polite, appreciative and customer service oriented. He advised Melissa that he had some availability the following week to come bid the project so we scheduled a visit.

The day before our scheduled appointment, Bob called Melissa and stated that he was dealing with some health problems, needed to have some tests run and asked if we’d be open to rescheduling. Melissa obliged and we waited for our second scheduled appointment. This appointment would inevitably be postponed as well but with good (or horrible) reason.

Bob called the day before our scheduled appointment once again but this time his tone was different. Right away he advised that he couldn’t make it and felt remorse. Bob went on to tell Melissa that he had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and would only live an additional 6 months. Melissa’s heart sank and after some consoling Bob responded, “I’m in a tremendous place. I’ve lived a great life and have my 20th grandchild on the way.” He was appreciative of life’s experiences, family and all the memories created throughout the years. Bob even spoke of his son, Truman, who was taking over the family business and asked if he could come bid the job. This gentleman had just been told he had 6 months to live and here he was concerned with us, his customers, and the future of his son, Truman!

Truman and Bob arrived early in the morning. I had not met nor talked to either one through this whole process. As I watched both of them interact with my wife solely focused on her and appearing present in the moment, a sense of admiration came over me. I approached both of them with a smile and a handshake asking, “which one of you is Truman?” Truman smiled, shook my hand and responded, “that’s me!” I turned to the elder of the two and stated, “so that must make you Bob” with my hand extended. He just gave a slight smile and nodded his head.

I’ll never forget what happened next. As I looked into Bob’s eyes, I couldn’t let this sense of admiration go without communication. I told him that Melissa had shared his story and I was completely taken back by his perspective. I advised that as someone who works hard to help others see the great things life has to offer, I always respect when I see someone appreciating it as much as one should. I told him that I look up to him and asked if we could share a hug. Bob and I hugged for what felt like forever but most likely equated to 15 or 20 seconds. With tears in his eyes he said, “this is another moment in my life in which I’m appreciative. I don’t know your faith but this is another example of the Lord telling me that all is ok.”

Truman did a phenomenal job on our fireplace. He was polite, appreciative and customer service oriented just like his father. Bob texted Melissa after our interaction and stated, “please tell your husband he made my day. Tell him he’s a great hugger too!”

Everyone on this Earth is dealing with some kind of struggle. Heartache and the stress of life will continue to bear their ugly head. However, by focusing on the things that give you strength and gravitating towards things that lift you up, the heartache and stress of life is a little easier to overcome. So next time you’re going through the struggle just remember Bob, the fireplace and perspective because life’s ALL perspective!