So, the neighbor kids and I have developed a solid working relationship ever since we put the tree house up for the really cool tree (see previous blog). Now, they go to the local corner store, pick up some icy beverages and snacks, and relax under the really cool tree. Some littering has occurred, but has been minimized after I spoke with the children under the tree. Now, when I am in the backyard, watering or what have you, they send me kind pleasantries.
They are continually asking for upgrades and remodels. They want a second floor and a storage area under the first level...a basement to speak of. I find all of these things a little out of my abilities as a carpenter and a little outside of my paycheck.
Estaban, however, did ask me to build him a ladder so that he could have it for the tree in his front yard.
"Come knock on the front door at 9am this Saturday," I said, "and I will help build you a ladder."
Estaban's eyes perked up. Attempting to contain the smile that wanted to explode on his face, he questioned, "Really? You will build me a ladder, just like this one, for my tree?"
I assured him I would do it. And if there is one thing I have learned in this life, it's that you better stay true to your word. I told him if he came to my house Saturday morning I would build him that ladder.
I woke up fairly early Saturday, thinking about Estaban and his excitement for his new ladder. I didn't want to miss the sound of him knocking. Children in this neighborhood don't have a whole lot of people they can depend on in their lives. I wasn't about to be just another person who disappointed them. So, I got up.
Well, Estaban didn't show that morning. I went on about my day. I probably enjoyed the water on Lake Travis or Barton Springs. I am sure I ran some errands and did chores around the house.
I found myself in the backyard again that evening. And Estaban found himself perched in the tree. He saw me and asked if I was ready to build him the ladder. Being a man of my word, I asked him where he was that morning.
He responded, "My dad needed me to do some work with him."
I don't know his father or his family, but Estaban leads me to believe they make the best of what they have and that they are dedicated hardworking citizens who are trying to do the best in this life. So, I believed him. Plus, Estaban has trouble with lying.
So, I asked him to come to the front of the house where the tools are kept. Once again, his eyes grew larger and he began to smile. With a not-so-subtle hint of disbelief, he asked, "Really?"
He went on to tell me that he had the wood I would need to build him his ladder.
I asked him to bring it. I told him I would supply the nails.
Worried that I would go inside and forget him, he told me to, "stay right there". He promised he would, "be right back with the wood." And I stayed there waiting.
Three minutes went by and there was Estaban balancing the wood on his bike.
The wood Estaban brought was rotting and spent a good deal of it's life infested with termites. This wood was in no shape to become a magnificent ladder. I told him I would keep this wood and that we would use some of my wood to build the ladder as my wood appeared, "more suited for the job."
I did assure him that I appreciated what he offered and that I was definitely going to use it on a later project.
So, with our nails, wood, and hammer we began to build his ladder. He is only in 2nd grade, but his desire to assist in the project was more than I had seen in most older kids. Obviously, I was careful. I gave him certain tasks. He was able to line up the wood exactly where he wanted it to make the rungs. He was able to hold the wood steady as I hammered in the nails. And when we were finished, the huge smile he was containing finally did explode on his face. He had his very own ladder.
There was a dilemma. At first, he tried to balance the ladder on his bike to take it home, but that didn't work. The ladder was too heavy. He didn't know if he should leave his bike there and walk the ladder or vice versa. I offered to store his bike in the garage while he walked his ladder home. Then, he could retrieve his bike. He liked this suggestion.
Kids in this neighborhood have to be very protective of their things. Bikes in this neighborhood are precious gold. If you leave them out of your sight for a second, another kid or even a thief looking for a buck at the pawn shop, will take it. Kids in this neighborhood lock their bikes up at school, unlike kids in nicer areas. Estaban knew this quite well.
He came back for his bike. He thanked me and I thanked him for his wood and help.
I drive by his house several times a day. There in the front yard, leaning against the tree, sits his ladder. I often see his family and neighbors sitting on ice chests or folding chairs in that front yard. And typically, there I will also see Estaban climbing his ladder with his bike parked very close to it.
