Know How

Thankless job, I think watching as Thurman tries to teach the young man The lad sitting up on the tractor like a proud young pup is full of piss and vinegar half the time not listening and half the time telling Thurman how much he already knows... As Thurman patiently slumps his still-sturdy but ungainly frame against the tractor fingers strumming his red suspenders a good-natured grin slowly spreading across his grizzled face gleaming behind think glasses I see a glint of soft amusement at this grandiose greenhorn Thurman has lived through the Great Depression, and then the horror of hand-combat in World War II one of three from his unit to make it through- so there is nothing this little ingrate can possibly do or say to break Thurman's composure today he remains uncommonly calm and utterly unflappable a small chuckle slipping out every now and then And while the young man boasts and blusters on about his plans for next week Thurman is mostly quiet, until at length, asked about his plans “Lord willing- and the creek don't rise...” he begins, knowing how much could change by then