The Absent Uncle: Reflections of an age

Earlier today I was sitting on my front porch glider. It is a regular feature of my day. I can see what is going on in the neighborhood, and have some contact with neighbors that I think enjoy contact with me (?).

So today, I noted the newest homebuyer on my block. He was out diligently mowing his lawn with a push mower. He is at the end of the cul-de-sac and has probably the largest lot to tend to.

This began what was to be quite a reflection for me.

I admired his efforts.  

The heat of the day and he was out there. Mowing that grass. Edging, sweeping, and I thought, 40 years ago that would have been me. Just got to get it done.

I truly loved taking care of our earlier property. At one point we had five acres of lawn, pond and trees. The work was never done. And I did the best I could, as did all of our neighbors. But times change and age has a way of catching up to you. When we relocated all of that changed.

Today, I have a service that shows up every Saturday to mow, edge, and blow the cuttings into a bag. I’m totally satisfied with price, the service, and the result.

But you know, I envied that young homeowner. Sweating in the heat, feeling the responsibility to take care of his property and emulate most of the rest of us on the block that pays for our service. (No sweat required on our part.)

But watching that young new homeowner diligently mowing his lawn – it so brought back memories and I wish him nothing but the best going forward.