The smartest man I ever knew was Bill, a 75 year old delivery driver who worked with me at the first shop I ever worked for, in 1989. He taught me the skills I attribute to being able to do anything I want - to look at something and be able to take it apart and put it together again, to always ask questions and not feel stupid for doing so, to never feel that something is unattainable, or that I can't achieve something, just because I haven't done it yet. And most importantly, to always keep learning. His theory was that when you stopped learning, you died. I remember when he called me several years ago - at 85 years old - to give me his new e-mail address and cell phone number. He just always found wonder in new things, always tried to keep up with what was going on in the world around him. He tried to get me to start a business 15 years ago, telling me don't be afraid, you can do it.
He passed away several years ago, before I even dreamed of taking on this shop. But I did always tell him that he was such a source of learning for me, that I gave credit to him for the way I think.His picture is right above my desk, so I never forget to keep learning & I can hear his voice saying that the only stupid questions are those that are unasked.
He would have loved this place, a place to share knowledge, to ask questions, to be frank with one another... so right on Tom, with all that you do to keep learning & striving. Whether everyone agrees with you or not, you've found a place to turn for input. Lord knows we all need it!
tracy
