Iris Underwood: The indispensable handy man

I met Andy twenty-some years ago in a financial program sponsored by local adult education. 

A builder, Andy needed to gain proficiency with business management and finance. 

And I needed the same tools to develop the dream of a small lavender farm on my property.

The program provided practical direction and financial materials for us both. 

Meanwhile, class by class, Andy became a trusted friend who connected me with reliable and experienced people who helped build my dream. 

On occasion, in the early years of developing the farm, I’d see Andy walking down the valley toward the pavilion. 

He carried a small bag in his hand including two McDonald’s chocolate chip cookies.

The man loved sweets.

Thus, I’d set aside my project in the gift shop and scoop two dishes of Yule Love It Lavender Farm lavender lemon honey ice cream. 

Andy and I sat outside the gift shop overlooking the valley of lavender, catching up on business and what our mates and kids were up to.

Sometimes, Andy left with a container of ice cream to enjoy at home with his family. 

One unsuspecting visit, he shared with me the tragic news of his diagnosis of a brain tumor. 

The hunter, fisherman, and builder who became like a brother passed away June 9, 2015, at home.

How he desired to depart.

2016, the farm’s final year open to the public, felt strange and lonely without Andy’s spontaneous companionship. 

Furthermore, my late husband and I had become dependent upon Andy’s skill and eagerness to maintain our home and out buildings.  

I’ve since muddled my way through repairs and various handymen, wondering if Andy’s equal existed.

Well, I do believe God is good and loves those who put their trust in Him. 

Therefore, my youngest daughter recommended a handyman she’s hired for repairs and projects on her home.

He showed up on my doorstep last Saturday with a printed list of my household/property projects in hand.

“Power washing the house is a priority. Then power washing and scraping peeling paint from the pavilion,” we agreed. 

Although this tall, young man does not resemble Andy physically, he seems to possess my late friend’s passion for projects. 

For instance, one item on my list is to remove the old Coachman camper Andy nestled into the back of my property. 

Years ago, I transformed the former hunter’s hideaway into a playhouse for girls during the years I operated the lavender farm.

I named the camper “Happy,” and painted the name on a boulder that Andy placed in a little garden I planted in front of the camper. 

Lo and behold, my new handyman said, “I’d like a camper for my daughters.” 

“Wonderful! Yet I must keep the Happy boulder,” I replied.

He promptly retrieved my late husband’s dolly from the shed and rolled Happy uphill and placed the rock under a redbud tree in the backyard. 

Yes, dear Reader, Saturdays and a completed list will tell if this new handyman possesses Andy’s steadfast passion for projects.

Meanwhile, I view my Happy rock from my kitchen windows. 

A good sign.