All Good News

Crane Operator Makes A Deal With A Dying Man Who Comes Outside To Watch Him Every Day

September 16, 2019

Shawn Beveridge, a crane operator, posted this wonderful story about taking a moment to make a new friend -- because you never know what you might find.

This is what Shawn wrote on his Facebook page:

"This is my friend Harold!

Not the guy in the lift but the one behind him in the wheelchair."

Credit: Shawn Beveridge

"He stays in the nursing home across the street from where we're building.

Since day 1 when I arrived on this job site I've noticed him sitting there every morning from 7am.

He takes lunch when we do and doesn't leave until I shut the crane down and head out.

I originally had thought to myself, 'he's just a curious old man and wanting to enjoy his days outside vs being cooped up in his room.'

Well after a couple days, I myself got curious, so I walked over and introduced myself to him.

We had a long conversation, 2 and a half hours worth, but long story short Harold is nearing the end. His heart valves are clogged and some disease has been eating at him for years.

He used to be a crane operator.

He said he enjoys seeing what he used to love to do for a living and never thought he'd ever be able to see or be around a crane again and let alone be so close to see one in action.

He has family, 2 daughters and a son who haven't seen him for the last 7 years he's been in a nursing home.

So I made Harold an a deal!

He originally wanted to be put on payroll. As I explained to him that wasn't possible I quickly came to what I thought was a fair agreement.

Our deal is this: Harold ran cranes for over 50 years and no matter how good you think you are at something there's always more to learn.

So I told Harold every day after work I'll sit with him for a little bit so he can critique me and judge me on how I did for that day (give him something to talk about that he enjoys)

While I also get to learn from him and In return I would bring him a black coffee every morning for as long as I'm here and buy him lunch twice a week from wherever he chooses. He didn't skip a beat before ABSOLUTELY! came out of his mouth.

I guess I'm writing this post because if i would have never walked over to him i would have never gotten to know him. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to make this mans last days enjoyable.

Filled with purpose and to be able to help him smile again. I challenge any of you on here to not be like I was in the beginning and don't be afraid to make someone else's day better.

Always try to enlighten someone's spirits. When God chooses to take this man home I'm happy knowing that I've been placed here at this location to make his days better.

I'm happy with that."