Making Yourself Relevant, A Story

Up until a couple of years ago, the street I live on had its own Mayor. George, Major of Harwood St. The only major scandal during his tenure was the discovery that he had been feeding our dog an egg McMuffin, EVERY DAY.

My husband and I live on a Live Oak lined, brick paved street where neighbors know one other in no small part because of what George brought to our ‘hood.

There are still conversations about George as neighbor greets neighbor taking in our own recycle bins. “If George were here our bins would have already been back at the side of my houses” we say.   Even a couple years after his passing we are still saying,  “that truck would not be parked there If the Major were around.  Anne wouldn’t have to find someone to collect her mail while she’s gone, and  that cat would have already been fed if George were here.”

We all still miss him and feel his absence. The 90 something year old man form Skenektady,NY who moved to Harwood St. and made himself, kept himself, relevant. Most mornings I would spot George peddling  past our house ridding his three wheeler on his way up to the closest McDonald’s. About a mile and half round trip.  The rest of the day would be dappled with George sightings and sounds that indicated he was around and doing his thing.

Major George’s General Job Description:
Know everyones business
Take in everyone’s recycling bins
Sweep walk ways
rake leaves
take in mail
turn on front porch lights
Bring around trash cans
feed stray animals
Get cars towed
Keep an eye out for everyone!

Once when Matthew was out of town I had walked up to the market for a few items. George, of course saw me as I passed by his house so stepped outside to ask “where you going missy?”
“To the store George, do need anything?” He says he’s fine and I walk on.
He of course knows that my husband is out of town, cause, well, he knows everything. I’m pretty sure that he keeps a closer eye on me than most because of my white cane.

At the market I turn to see a disheveled old man. He doesn’t look at me, just says to himself, “there she is”. I smile at George even though he still has not looked at me. He leaves the store.

I finish my shopping, and of course, right outside I see George. He’s standing by his three wheeler and without a word he grabbing my bags, (looks around in them a little) and then settles them into the basket. “You took the long way” he says to me, “I’ll show you the short cut home” that’s all he says as we head back to Harwood St.

The Major got payed with lots of gratitude, conversation (when HE was in the mood) leftovers and baked goods. He got rides when he needed them. He was thrown an annual bowling parties for his birthday and he was loved.

George made his life relevant!!!