We have lived in this island home for 15 years. Lot of varibles. Hurricane Florence had the most physical impact. The massive flooding caused damage that overloaded the local work force. Getting any prompt respone was compounded by a history of surly locals who preferred fishing. Some drinking thrown in.

We have only septic tanks. This week I asked a friend who the best “honeydipper” was? Snuffy was the answer. You are kidding?

I figured he had to be the man, but when would he come, 2025? Not only the worst job I could imagine, but quick. At our first beach house I literally dug up a septic tank. And while sand is supposedly easy digging– I know there is no such thing.

Snuffy’s receptionist wasn’t enouraging. “My lord that man is busy!”

So I called his cell telling him to come anytime. Only one inevitable question.

I was startled when he called saying he was in the area, should he come now?

I blurted out the question-“So , do you check for need before it’s GO?”

“IF I COME, I PUMP”

When can you book us.?

Now.

Come and pump.

It was a friday late afternoon. hot. he was 75 years old and drenched with sweat.

I hadn’t seen any working on a Friday since we’d headed east.

I knew Margaret would be nice to this man. Pretty soon they were buddies. She asked how many tanks had he done that day? “This is my eigth!”

When he finished he cleaned up the area meticulously. We tallked and found out his real name and part of this good man’s interesting past.

As he started to leave I couldn’t resist one last question—

Sir, you have a really tough job. Tough for anybody, any age. How do you do it?

YOU’VE GOT TO BE COMMITTED TO YOUR WORK.