An homage to the dirt men --

People who move dirt for us are to be thanked for making the path before us smoother and more direct. We take their work for granted as we speed along superhighways or turn into our own driveways. We forget how much we depend on their work to make our lives easier and better.

The two dirt men in my life are my brother and my youngest son. My brother builds roads and my son finishes building lots. My brother works in the country and my son works in the city. They both played in the dirt as boys, building roads or mountains or forts. Now they can run all the machines in the yard.

From both come invaluable contributions to the greater good. They are careful and exacting workers, who move and smooth the earth so we can build something or go somewhere. Both are hard workers, finishing their deadlined projects in overtime or on the weekends. They rise early and stay late if necessary.

Dirt men face danger at times. They drive their big growling machines close to the edge. They dodge traffic, they avoid buried cables, and they tolerate irritated foremen or demanding inspectors. Their work on heavy equipment puts bones and joints and lungs at risk. One has good health insurance and the other has none.

My dirtmen are trustworthy. They can be left alone to do the job without supervision. After years and years of experience, however, neither wants to be a supervisor or foreman. "Been there; done that. No thanks." But each will give instructions, if asked or if necessary.

My dirtmen are self sufficient. Each knows how to cook and do laundry and repair their own vehicles. And my dirtmen are generous and thoughtful, often giving the best gifts under the Christmas tree.

Our families are lucky to have them in our lives. Today I honor them both. Thanks for everything.

Blogs: My news and political blog is at South by Southwest. My general purpose/southwest focus blog is at Southwest Progressive. And Carol Gee - Online Universe is the all-in-one home page for my websites.
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