The Cowboy pulled us aside this morning.
“Did you want that last bit of work done?” he asked, pointing to the front of the house. Yes, we wanted it done. The truth is, though, that our Building Fund had run dry. He knows this. We’ve told him that we’ve busted the limit and we have to wrap it up from here.
“Yes, but we know it won’t get done,” Angus replied.
“Well, I had a talk with the lads. You two have been brilliant. And as you two have been so good to us, we’re going to do that work for free.”
We are speechless.
“It won’t take us more than a day to do,” the Cowboy continues. And he explains what he’s going to do, and that his team, the carpenter, and the bricklayer are donating their services to finish the last part of the outside of our house.
I want to cry.
Instead I impulsively hug him, and he gruffly tells me that wasn’t necessary, that he’s not receptive to a hug while hungover. I don’t care. Angus and I will arrange for a curry for the lot of them, as a thank you.
The Cowboy also tells me that Americans, well, they’re ok. He likes them.
And I think: I’ll take that. Baby steps and all that.
If you’ll excuse me, I now have to find a way to thank the universe for a finished house.
-H.
Go on – just watch this for the NSPCC!
Make me feel loved! Go on! Sign the Guest Map!
It’s not only the internet that loves you:-)
Lily
You deserve that and so much more!
oh thats wonderful. I am so happy for you both!
That’s really very wonderful of them. Beacause you ARE brilliant, you know.
Wow!! That’s got to be pretty unusual … cool guys!
Wow!! I hope you’ll do a “tour” of the house when it’s finished. I know we’ve seen parts here and there but look forward to seeing the finished product.
By the way, did you guys move the kids to the new, closer, less expensive nursery? How’s that working out?
WOW. That crew turned out to be really something, didn’t they? That’s wonderful.
Wow. As if being done weren’t going to be exciting enough! This post brought a big smile to my face.
Pretty soon you’ll have so much time on your hands that you’ll be back to blogging about your meals and sharing recipes again. Ok, maybe I got carried away…
Looking forward to the house photo tour!
That is just brilliant…it restores your faith in human nature and shows that if you treat people right, it comes back to you in spades. You obviously know how to make people feel good and treat them well.
You deserve it! Now, I can’t wait to see the finished product!
That’s awesome! And “that Americans, well, they’re ok. He likes them” is a great thing too… back to your past post about the skins, looks like you handled it well.
I’m happy for you, and your house :-)
It’s refreshing to know that people can still prove their decency. Despite appearances.
Wow, that’s incredible! You guys really picked the right team!
My favorite phrase is “assume positive intent.” And you doing that earlier in the game has paid off dividends. Congrats! Can’t wait to see some pictures of the finished product.
Karie
Wow. Sometimes it floors me how kind and giving people can be. This must be some of your karmic pay back :)
Happy tears here! Congratulations on making it through the build!
How wonderful! You, Angus and the babies deserve all the happiness that the universe holds!
Well holy crap. What a wonderful thing. Can’t wait to see how it all turned out.
What fabulous news on all fronts!
Well, for whatever reason I appear not to be allowed to post today. Tried three times now and nothing is showing up. Bummer.
Yah sure, NOW it’s working. Gah!
Helen, would you kindly delete my grumblings?
that’s pretty awesome. I’m so glad they turned out to be decent folks.
Good to hear that there is finally light at the end of the (house) tunnel, and it’s not another train coming (hopefully). And that was a nice gesture by the Cowboy and his crew, I don’t know how many contractors here would’ve done such a thing. They definitely should be rewarded well for their efforts. Wish you & Angus peace, happiness, and wild, screaming, drunken sex in a finally complete home.
EXCELLENT!! I am so happy for you!!
That is excellent!!!!! You must be beyond happy!!!
*marvels at the wonder that is karma* Good on them! And on you!!! I think this is the best thing I’ve read all weekend (including weekend recovery Monday).
I think that makes it clear that you made the right decision. You managed to change a few minds…and that is an amazing thing. Also–you are getting everything finished!!! Yay!!
Wow, I would love to say that restores my faith in contractors but I have had some really shitty ones at my house. Nevertheless, wonder how the Cowboy feels about coming over the pond and doing some work in the US?
My 96 year old grandfather used to say “At the end of the day what you remember most is the kindnesses, big and small”. Here’s to an act of kindness you’ll be talking about for many years to come.
What a wonderful way to add a postive karma to your home! :-)