IN PRAISE OF THE APARTMENT MAINTENANCE CREW

About two years ago, I retired from active Priestly ministry and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, a place I really enjoy living.  I reside in an upper floor apartment in a complex in Kierland Commons, very near the Westin Resort.

Last Friday afternoon around 4 PM local time here in Scottsdale, Arizona, with no warning, I discovered that the water heater to my apartment stopped working.

Not only that, but when it died, it leaked all of its contents, as water heaters are want to do when they expire.  Fortunately for me, the heater and the leak was located in a closet accessed by way of the outside porch.  No water leaked into my apartment or the one below.

I had just returned from running some errands in the desert heat of the afternoon and was preparing to shower when I discovered that the hot water was not hot, simply tepid, almost cold.

So, quickly dressing, I dutifully presented myself at the Leasing Office of the complex and reported the problem. 

The Manager told me she would notify the maintenance crew on duty immediately and that they would inspect the water heater and replace it, if necessary.

Truly, in a matter of a few minutes, the doorbell to my apartment rang and two of the workmen entered, took a look at the leaking heater and announced that they would be replacing the broken water heater within the hour. 

Keeping in mind that I reported the problem to the Manager at around 4:05 PM,  it was around
5:10 PM when the workmen left having installed a brand new water heater.  By around 6PM or so, I was enjoying a hot, refreshing shower.

Now, why in the world would I possibly write of such things in a patently obvious Catholic blog?

I do so in praise the wonderful people who go about responsibly doing their work largely unnoticed and unappreciated until we need them, often urgently so.  So many good and decent human beings who take pride in their work and carry out their jobs cheerfully and enthusiastically, as these men did.

I see them often around the complex and have always said hello, thanking them for being so diligent in caring for the property and in responding to our calls for service.  I do so for no other reason than to express my sincere gratitude for that service. 

The same applies to the postal workers who deliver my mail; the cable company employees that provide me with phone service, the internet and television; the utility companies, the grocers and retail clerks; public safety personnel and police officers. 

The broken water heater reminded me that I am the beneficiary of so much service and attention by so many folks.  True, I am responsible in paying for these services and am conscientious in expressing my gratitude for jobs well done, but the folks who provide this care do so most of the time efficiently and happily. 

Just another reason I am grateful to them and to the Lord who has blessed my life with good people such as these.

Of course, it’s no fun when things break and inconveniences occur, but even then God has a way of invading our lives and touching them with goodness.

Thanks, guys, for taking care of my hot water issue.  As always, a job well done. 

And thanks, God, as usual for taking care of me. 

He always has and always does.  I will remember that the next time something breaks and good people come to my rescue!