I passed the phone to Granddad and all I heard was, "Ok ok I'll call him right away."
When Granddad came off the phone he said, "Your Grandmother says there's a strange message from Ron on our machine – I need to call him."
My heart stopped.
"Granddad," I said, "maybe we should talk."
"Not now boy," he said, "just wait."
It was too late. He had dialed the number and it was ringing.
"Ron," he said, "What! Jesus man when? What happened?" I had no idea what was going on.
The call ended with Granddad saying, "I'll be there in 10 minutes."
"Ron's wife was killed in a car accident," Granddad said, "I have to go."
"I'm coming."
"No you wait here, you hardly know him."
"No Granddad I want to come with you please?"
"Ok get dressed quick," he said.
My head was spinning. Ron. What could I do for him? I knew I had to go.
The next few days went by quickly. There was no work done. I spent a lot of time at Ron's answering calls and stuff. When we were alone he'd just look at me and say, "Baby, thanks."
It was all I could do not to run to him and hold him.
Then it was all over. Four days later the crew was coming back and so was Ron. He wanted to work.
At the end of the day not much had been accomplished. Everyone worked just a bit slower. Lunch and breaks were a little longer. Everyone tried to make Ron feel better. And, his spirits did seem to be lifting. Everyone had a couple of beer and slowly they drifted home. It was just me, Ron and Granddad.