San Antonio (210) 301-0127Picking up your junk is VERY personal
Tuesday August 30th 2011
I can't say that it wasn't a call that has happened before. A panicked homeowner was scheduled to close on their house. Due to a mix-up, the buyer showed up for a final walk-thru--a necessity in any residential or commercial real estate transaction--but the seller wasn't at all ready. They quickly made arrangements to extend the move-out until midnight yesterday. Which is exactly what prompted the call.The owner, Emily Degler, pleaded with me to make arrangements to come that afternoon, although our earliest available time was the next morning. Fortunately, my manager and I had some available time and an empty truck to help her out under the circumstances. Little did I know that WE were the ones to be blessed to serve the Deglers on this occasion.
Most moves involve at least some unwanted items. When you are de-cluttering and moving, there are bound to be some items that you want to get rid of or donate. Fortunately for Rubbish Works, we frequently get the call. Our highest ratings and consistent service record make us an ideal fit for the move-out and move-in process, with all of the timing changes and heightened stress and tension associated with such a major transition.
First, Ms. Degler pointed out some left over wood and other items. She then mentioned a piece of furniture which she hoped could be donated. Fortunately, Rubbish Works attempts to recycle or donate as much as possible--and actually has a process in place where the maximum amount is recycled. This allows us to divert a larger percentage of material from the landfill than anyone else!
We handled several other items and I found out that Ms. Degler's father was a missionary who served other pastors who needed assistance and support. Few people knew the stress and difficulties encountered by the clergy than the Deglers. That alone warrants special kudos.
The next gift from Ms. Degler was her description of the foster children she and her husband were raising. Having a wonderful, loving home where two parents (and grandparents!) cared for them is certainly a huge gift. By now, we were thinking that this was a really special family.
As we swept the garage clean, having sorted all of the recycled items, the furniture to be donated, and completed the total clean-out of the house and clean-out of the garage, Ms. Degler imparted her final gift. She had asked us to take special care of the major piece of furniture--she would love to see it donated--since it had belonged to her late son. They had already removed those pieces where he had written various notes and his name. Grant Degler had a short life in human terms, but certainly an everlasting one in spiritual terms. In fact, his sister wrote a book about it. Grant and His Great God is available on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Grant-His-Great-Elena-Degler/dp/0615409393/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314758343&sr=1-1
where Elena shares the story of her brother's life and faith. I'm sure there is a lesson for all of us in that book. I know there was a lesson for us on that job. Thank you, Ms. Degler for sharing Grant's story with us!
And for anyone else reading this note, please choose your junk company wisely...you should want someone who cares about your debris--and the stories that go with them--as much as you do!
In honor and memory of Grant Degler.
