Every generation says the same thing;
"What's the matter with these kids nowadays? They're so lazy, I could work circles around them"
Face it, our parents said the same thing about us, and for the most part, due to their help, we've become them, and that's a big plus.
While I (and others) think the current generation is more...procrastinized...than previous generations, eventually most of them will turn into fine upstanding citizens and become us.
I was taught to have a strong work ethic, and I'm proud that I put everything into my job.
That all said, I know of one man who could put pretty much all of us to shame.
His name is Italo, and he's my landlord (and no, I'm not writing this to suck up to him).
He lives next store to us and keeps an eye on the entire neighborhood.
Italo is in his early 70's, he retired a few years back after earning a living working with his hands.
If you were to see him though, you'd think he was a man (at least) half his age, based on his never ending stream of energy.
For someone who doesn't have to "work", Italo rarely knows the meaning of the word "rest".
You should see him on winter storm days, that's when Superman takes over.
It's not unusual to see him with his snow plow doing his driveway and sidewalk by 5 AM, even if it's still snowing.
Than he'll turn to my place before I have a chance to get out there.
Then down one side of the street to his daughter's place.
Then down the other end of the street to his son's place.
Then across the street to help the pretty lady who "doesn't have a man to do the work" (not my words), who gives him an occasional kiss.
As he would say in his fractured English, "that'sa nice."
(Italo came to this country in the mid 60's from "the old country", he's a welcome throwback to another age)
But he's not done, there's a couple of elderly folks on the block that get his assistance.
And after a short break he starts the routine all over again.
Put a lawn mower in his hands and it's the same thing.
When we moved in over 5 years ago, the deal was I would take care of the mowing and shoveling, as agreed upon.
However, I never get a chance! He's on it before I even start to think about it.
I say to him often "Italo, that's my job remember?"
"Thata OK, I likea doing it, and you worka hard ata you job."
Amazing.
If there's "heavy duty" work to be done, everyone in the neighborhood comes to Italo asking for his help.
For two days beforehand, his tools are gathered together, his work boots are laced up, and there's fresh tobacco for his pipe.
If/when he does relax, his favorite time is Summer, when he sits on his back yard patio, watching TV and drinking wine.
And oh my, does he likea the wine.
When he's not working, he's walking up and down the street, most times with just his pipe chatting (gossiping) with the neighbors, or walking his son's monster dog Frankie.
As in Sinatra.
If you are the type to make resolutions, perhaps it should be one like I make, to make sure as active as he is when I hit his age.
Mike Patrick
