Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Paybacks are sometimes good

Cliff and I have been making phone calls and asking around, finding out the costs of stuff like pouring concrete, running a new electric line, and other things for which we'll be shelling out money.  Today Cliff left a message with a local fellow asking the approximate costs of putting in a septic tank.

The man called back just after Cliff left for work, asking me if I lived on such-and-such road.  "Yes, that's the place," I answered.

"I know you," he said.  "You saved a calf for me one time."

Even after his telling me all the details, I can't remember this particular calf for the life of me.  He said it was a huge calf and he'd had to pull it, and it was weak.  He couldn't get it to nurse.  It was getting weaker and weaker, and another farmer told him about me, and how I'd saved a calf of his by tube-feeding it.  Back then it surprised me... actually, it still does... that real, full-time farmers were afraid to try this procedure that I, a housewife, did routinely on problem calves here at home.  I don't drive, so they'd come and pick me up, take me to get food into their sick calf, and bring me home. 

Anyway, this guy is still so thankful for my saving his calf back around 1990 that he promised he'd put in our septic tank as cheaply as possible.  Oh, and he does the "perk test" the county requires, and he said he'd give us a break on that, too.  Although it's hard to believe $250 for a perk test is cheap.  Good grief, things are expensive!

So I had a nice conversation with a fellow who seemed to consider me a long-lost friend.  Just one of those surprise things that can make my day.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

IT IS CALLED "WHAT YOU SEND AROUND COMES BACK AROUND" AND I KNOW YOU SEND OUT ALL GOOD !
LOVE YA,
CARLENE

Anonymous said...

This kind of thing brings tears to my eyes (I'm such a softie).  I'm so glad you and Cliff are WELL ESTABLISHED in your area.  All costs are out of sight, but God's got your back and it's beginning to show!

Anonymous said...

Sounds as if you should have made a vet. I hope the man helps you out a lot on the price of putting one in. Helen

Anonymous said...

I think that is great that he remembers you~!   It sure does pay to do something nice for someone that's for sure!  Pay it forward he is!  

Anonymous said...

See, one good turn deserves another!  Linda

Anonymous said...

What a great story!  It certainly speaks of your character and how well you are respected in your area.  One never knows how one will impact the lives of others.  I love the concept of paying it forward.

Anonymous said...

All that we give away in life comes back in time.  Nice to know that people remember.

Anonymous said...

nice to know that the old saying...."one good turn...deserves another"....glad you found someone to give some dollars off....not usually the case....and anything you have to do for the gov't...city or otherwise is gonna be expensive LOL...hugs to ya from KY....Ora

Anonymous said...

Such a neat story. What goes around definitely comes around! (And if I ever do get my little patch of land, it'll be you and Fern I'll be asking about all things bovine.)

-Mel

Anonymous said...

Including all the tests required by law, my aerobic septic system which was required by law based on soil, $5,000!!!---and that was in 1999.
And the pump failed after 5 years---another $500.
Glad we are on private sewer system now.
Shane

Anonymous said...

WOW MOSIE I WOULD SAY THAT IS AN ANGEL AT YOUR SIDE THE WAY IT SOUNDS TO ME :0))AND WHAT A BLESSING FOR YOU AND CLIFF AND THAT IS A SURE WAY OF SHOWING OTHERS WHEN YOU DO GOOD FOR MANKIND IT WILL ALWAYS COME BACK TO YOU ONE DAY AND IT SURE IS FOR YOU AND CLIFF GOD BLESS YOU BOTH AND LOTS OF BLESSINGS FOR YOUR NEW HOME   MARIA:0))))))

Anonymous said...

You paid that one WAY ahead! Aren't you pleased? I bet you will find out that his price really is good! How cool ;-)

xoxo

Anonymous said...

YOu are so nice that you cant remember being nice. It is because you are nice all the time.

Anonymous said...

That is great!  

Hollie

Anonymous said...

Heh. You paid it so far forward, it came back around to you again! LOL excellent.

Anonymous said...

It's great when something you did out of the kindness of your heart returns to you.... Karma!

Anonymous said...

Great news!!!!  Hope all the improvements work out!!!  Hope you both had a wonderful Easter.
Lisa