Yesterday I shared the chapter I wrote about the City Dump with Ralph and John, the two guys who work there. And as I always do, I sent the complete chapter to a whoe slew of friends, include Rene, in Paris. Rene responded with a wonderful e-mail, which I shared with Ralph and John, and everyone is grinning from ear to ear. Me too. Here's what I added to the chapter:

The Other Shoe
        This morning I took my first load of sand to the dump. I was trying to get it in before it started rain. Sand weighs enough without being wet. Yesterday I gave copies of this chapter to Ralph and John and when I pulled up in front of the check in booth, Ralph called out with a big grin, "You're some kind of writer!" I got out of the car and walked over and we were both excited. Ralph wanted to tell me that he's going to take the chapter over for the Mayor to read after the dump closes. I wanted to tell him about the e-mail I received from my friend Rene in Paris. I e-mailed this chapter to Rene yesterday and there was a response waiting for me when I came down to my office this morning. Rene was as enthusiastic as Ralph. He particularly responded to the comments about people who only do the bare minimum at work to get their paycheck. Like many people, Rene doesn't enjoy his work. When he talks to his brother about
work, neither of them enjoy their work because they see all the political aspects of it. It's the same all over. Then Rene wrote:
"Still, yesterday I realized this sort of thinking makes me sad while my intellect tells me it's a good thing to be "aware".
Every once in a while, still, I'll go and do a little more than what I'm being paid for, just because it will help a co-worker or two. And that makes me feel good.
    "Last month I received my retirement results and it showed I
    still have 10 more years of work ahead of me before I can
    retire. On one hand I can't wait, on the other hand, I believe
    I'd better make the best out of these 10 years. Because my life
    is taking place now, not 10 years ahead."
When I told Ralph about this, his face really lit up. He wanted to talk about how good it feels to be helpful and treat people with respect. I told him:
        "So, here you are Ralph, trying to do the best job you can
    at the Derby Dump, and you've caused my friend Rene over in
    Paris to re-think how he approaches his work. That's the
    way it works." In God there is no East or West.

Jerry