Life
Crane operator strikes up a deal with wheelchair-bound elderly man that watches him work daily
The elderly man, who was a local nursing home resident, would sit outside and watch the men work. That's when Shawn got the idea to make him a deal he couldn't refuse.
Sasha Alonzo
01.04.23

The majority of people look forward to retiring after decades of working.

But there are some who love their work so much that it’s difficult for them to walk away from it.

For years their identity has very much revolved around their work.

Depending on the career, it could be possible to continue working if one really wants to.

That is unless health issues arise and leave the person no choice but to walk away.

Pixabay - Free-Photos
Source:
Pixabay - Free-Photos

Sadly, this is what happened to a man named Harold.

Unfortunately, he found himself no longer able to work as a crane operator because of his health.

Thanks to the kindness of a stranger, Harold was able to relive his days of working on the job site.

Facebook - Shawn Beveridge
Source:
Facebook - Shawn Beveridge

It all started when crane operator Shawn Beveridge of Ohio kept noticing a man in a wheelchair sitting outside of a nursing home.

Day after day the man would sit there watching the job site and the cranes move about for hours.

Antti Leppänen - Flickr
Source:
Antti Leppänen - Flickr

Shawn was confused why the elderly gentleman showed up every day, and finally became curious enough to introduce himself.

“Since day one when I arrived on this job site I’ve noticed him sitting there every morning from 7 a.m., he takes lunch when we do and doesn’t leave until I shut the crane down and head out,” Beveridge wrote in a Facebook post. “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.”

Savvas Stavrinos - Pexels
Source:
Savvas Stavrinos - Pexels

Shawn learned that the man’s name was Harold and the two ended up conversing for about two and a half hours.

Another thing he found out was that Harold was previously a crane operator, but had to quit due to his health.

Turns out, Harold had clogged heart valves and a disease that’s been eating away at him for years.

Harold explained to Shawn that he was nearing the end of his life and that he was overjoyed to be in the presence of a crane again.

Pixabay - Stefano Ferrario
Source:
Pixabay - Stefano Ferrario

“He said he enjoys seeing what he use to love to do for a living and never thought he’d ever be able to see or be around a crane again. Let alone be so close to see one in action,” Shawn wrote.

Shawn was saddened to learn that though Harold has two daughters and a son, they haven’t visited him for the last seven years he has been in a nursing home.

Pixabay - StockSnap
Source:
Pixabay - StockSnap

So, he decided that he would make a deal with Harold.

Shawn told Harold that he would come sit and chat with him every day after his shift was over so Harold could critique and judge him on how his crane work was that day.

That way Shawn could learn from Harold.

Jaroslav A. Polák
Source:
Jaroslav A. Polák

In exchange, Shawn would get the senior a black coffee each morning and lunch twice a week from wherever Harold wanted.

“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 Iwould have never gotten to know him. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to make this man’s last days enjoyable. Filled with purpose and to be able to help him smile again,” Shawn wrote.

Facebook - Shawn Beveridge
Source:
Facebook - Shawn Beveridge

In his post, Shawn encouraged people to help bring joy to others as well.

“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.”

Pixabay - brigachtal
Source:
Pixabay - brigachtal

People all over the internet have fallen in love with Shawn’s heartwarming post, which has been shared over 200K times.

It doesn’t take much to make another person’s day and there’s nothing more rewarding than being a bright light for someone that needs it.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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