So last Saturday at 8 o’clock I dialed a number I’ve had for at
least thirty-five years, but haven’t used for about six. Would he still be
there? If so, does he still help people like me?
He
was and he does.
I heard the
familiar deep voice of my appliance repair man, Mr. R. I have been a
one-appliance-man woman for all of those thirty-five years, staying true to
only him. Mr. R has been in my kitchen since I had long hair down my back and
small children underfoot. He has visited me through three sets of cats and is himself a
cat lover, another huge selling point. Over the years, I’ve always tried to buy
only Whirlpool products because that’s the brand he recommends, although I’ve
gotta say buying appliances based on who’s going to repair them seems a little
counter-intuitive.
I’m
not sure why I’ve been so faithful. Maybe just through efficiency. He comes
when I call and when he leaves things are fixed. He also bears an uncanny (although much shorter) resemblance to Harold Reid of the long-ago Statler Brothers.
<<<<<<Harold Reid
(And by the way, our carpenter
John is a handsome version of Joe Pesci. Why I’m drawing pseudo-celebrities to
my house is probably another story.) Mr
R. also did show remarkable resiliency after that time Howard the cat leaped at him from
behind the washer.
Anyway,
even before I gave him my address last week he remembered that I live on a
cul-de-sac and the fact that I was calling him on Saturday night was no problem
at all. You don’t get that from some faceless contractor for Sears.
Unfortunately, his
days of being folded in half in back of my fridge are over, but he did send the guy who will ultimately be taking over the business.
I felt the same security you experience when
you know your doctor won’t be retiring his practice before your own parts call
it quits.
 |
| TA - DA!!!! |
Yeah for Refrigerator repair men:)
ReplyDeleteWe, too, have had the same repair company for nearly thirty years. Now we have the son. I had a stack washer/dryer for twenty five years and the dad accidentally broke a part no longer available. The dad "jury-rigged" the repair, and ever since, when it comes apart, they come put it back together for free. Apparently it's in the computer as "Big Jim says this must be repaired for free forever." I've since bought a replacement and wonder if they think of me, or will say "Gee, this isn't your old machine," when I finally make a service call. It is the third washing machine of my entire life, all MayTags.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I call legacy service!
DeleteMy 20 year old Asko washer has a "jury-rigged" soap dispenser drawer, held in place by a plastic cable tie since 2003 and still works good as new.
DeleteWe have an a/c man that will help on weekends, and that's about it. My husband fills in for all the rest..although I am usually the "go to town and get the parts lady" . I'm glad your fridge is working!
ReplyDeleteThat's some pretty impressive loyalty on your part! (And on his!)
ReplyDeleteyay for dependable service men
ReplyDeleteI have an expensive plumber who runs his business with his entire family. I have had him since we moved here. He is expensive but so reliable and expert!!
ReplyDeleteAnd as someone who taught in a system that insisted that EVERYONE should go to college, I know that our supply of repairmen is someday going to dry right up.
DeleteAfter three calls, with no reply, to our reliable (20 yr.) service man about our screaming dryer, we began to wonder why. He was always available Then one day several weeks later we got a call from his wife telling us that he had passed away. She was checking his messages at his shop and returning all the calls. That was a shock.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. It was so considerate of her to call - and how difficult for her.
DeleteWe buy the same orange juice and the same salad dressing...in a packet with the glass container?
ReplyDeleteWow. Sharp eyes, Susie. Yes, that's my Good Seasons container and it's probably as old as my relationship with my repair guy. Except years ago I figured out that I could just pour in oil, vinegar, and water up to the lines indicated, add some herbs and voila! I didn't need to buy those packets anymore.
DeleteGreat story. We've been lucky to have a good gas man and plumber. Most things I do by myself rather than put up with some goof.
ReplyDeleteTalented man, Red.
DeleteTa-Da indeed. Such a welcome sight, the light in the fridge. Nice to have someone so reliable on hand.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a good story. I have moved around so much of my life I can only imagine how cool it would be. :-)
ReplyDeleteA few weeks ago my husband kicked the kick plate at the bottom of the fridge and broke it in half. I tried to find the model number in order to buy a new one to no avail so the two halves bounced around our kitchen until this week. I went to the hardware store and purchased monster glue, highly recommended by the salesman. My husband offered to glue it together. He placed it on a piece of cardboard to protect the kitchen table. After getting the glue all over his hands he read the warning "avoid skin contact", we are hoping it will wear away. The following day after letting it set for 24 hours he lifted it up and the cardboard came with it. A piece of cardboard is now permanently on the kick plate. My husband then decided he would cover the break with duck tape for additional reinforcement! Give me a Fridge Man any day.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, Barb. His help is the kind that keeps repairmen in business, I fear.
DeleteRepair-men like that are like gold. The retired-guy likes to fix things but sometimes he just has to give in and pass the job to a professional. :) Thank you Marty for your kind words about our Lily. She will be missed. Hugs, Deb
ReplyDeleteLucky you! He is a keeper
ReplyDelete