Old memory

I just read the thread about Chico and it reminded me of many moons ago. I worked in a shop for several years long ago and we had a few Mexicans working there. One fine man was a very quiet man and I got to know both him and his brother. When I got into supervision, they both worked in my department. His name was Tony and he was one of my best workers. It was fun at times when I wasn't too busy and Tony would ask me if I wanted to race. We had 2 tables set side by side and they were for some assembly. I could beat anyone in that shop except for Tony and it was always fun trying to win.

Fast forward about 20 years. I had an accident and really screwed up my back. Was in hospital and there were 2 beds but the curtain was always drawn. One day the phone rang and suddenly a hand reached through the curtain to hand me the phone and the guy said, "It's for you." I could have sworn I knew that voice so after hanging up the phone I said, "Tony, is that you?" Bingo! It was. We had many good talks and it surely was great except for the fact that Tony no longer had any legs. That was a sad story about how one night he got shot. They never found out who the shooter was.

One evening one of his daughters came for a visit and Tony was so proud to introduce me as his old boss. He was a bit flattering to say the least. Sadly, Tony and his brother are no longer with us. We were about the same age and I will be 81 very soon so I am at the age where old friends are mostly gone now, but I will always remember Tony and his brother John.