In fall, we add a petition to our prayer intentions. It deals with a prayer to our community for enough food, warm clothes and a safe/warm place to live. Last March a warm place was on my mind: Our heat went out.
I woke up to a “cool” house. I instinctively turned up the radiator and went downstairs to see if the boiler clicked on. Nothing. The pipes from the boiler were cold. Something was wrong. “Why me?” I thought. Another voice chimed in: “Call the boiler guys.”
They were polite but noted that many boilers stopped working. Perhaps, a person could get there by late evening. I asked to be put on the list and keep me updated.
As I was building a fire in the fireplace, I remembered a family run business on Selby Avenue that put in our split-level air-conditioning units. I called and they noted that they do not work on our type of boiler. We talked for a few minutes more and she said she could send someone over to at least diagnose the problem. He will be there after lunch.
At one o’clock he arrived at the back door. I took him to our cold boiler. He noted that he was a family member and thanked me for calling. I went upstairs and he started to work. A few minutes later he called for me.
“I gotta call my grandfather. Want to check on something.”
He went to his truck and a few minutes later he returned.
“We got a solution. All boilers have a similar device and yours is broken. It needs to be replaced. My granddad noticed this was becoming more usual than other years. Last Saturday he bought four of them. We just put one of them in a home yesterday. I am going back to the shop and pick it up. (A five-minute drive.)
“Great!!!”
Off he went. 15 minutes later he was back, with a smile on his face. I had to think that granddad gave a few words of encouragement.
“Shouldn’t take long to install.”
I went upstairs and waited. And then: CLICK. To a homeowner I knew that sound. I went downstairs and declared: “It works!”
“Well, it fired up. But we need to see if it catches and stays on. Needs about 20 minutes.” Granddad must have also taught him a great poker face. “You know, I see I could adjust a section of your boiler. Make it more efficient. Takes about 20 minutes. No charge. Want to make sure it all works.”
20 minutes later I could hear him coming up the stairs. His smile and cheerful voice told me “All is well.”
“Yup, all works. Shouldn’t give you any more problems.”
I cheerfully paid the invoice. I also called the other firm and told them to take me off their list.
That night I was sitting in a “Warm Living Room” reflecting on the day. I was so grateful for:
· The family business who kept me calm and offered me “something”
· The Grandson who took a bit more time testing and finding a “Common problem”
· Granddad for working with the grandson confirming the solution and giving support
· Granddad for having the foresight in buying extra parts (they were a bit pricey)
· My fireplace and having wood to burn
I am fortunate. But I am aware that not all are like me. There are homeless and poor people in our community. In winter, warmth is key to wellbeing.
Each fall we have a “warmth fair.” It consists of giving hats, gloves, blankets, boots sox, and financial support. I always participate. But this year my gift will have an extra special prayer attached.
Author: John Murphy – johnmurphy901@gmail.com