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"Uncle Adam said I should take my time," replied Mike. "He wanted me to stick around and make sure you're OK."

"Are you learning anything from the Master Plumber?" asked Ruth, in an effort to change the subject.

"Adam really knows what he's doing," said Mike, with admiration. "He says I show promise, but I think he's just saying that because he's my uncle and he hates to admit that he has a knucklehead for a nephew," he laughed.

"If Adam says you show promise, then he means it. In no time, you'll be a Journeyman," said Ruth. "Your grandfather would be so pleased."

"I still have a long way to go before I get my license," warned Mike. "I first have to get enough on-the-job hours and I hear the California Journeyman Plumber License exam is difficult."

"Well, Adam has been there. You just learn from him. Someday, you'll become a Master Plumber like Adam and your grandpa," Ruth encouraged. "My Matthew was the greatest Master Plumber there ever was," reminisced Ruth. "And such dedication-- people would call in the middle of the night because of some plumbing emergency, and your grandpa would go, not giving a single complaint. He would say, 'it's more blessed to give than to receive.' That was my Matthew," finished Ruth, proudly.

"I better go so you can eat," said Mike, pointing to the untouched ball of saran. He kissed his grandma and left.


Lunch was better than breakfast, for Nancy, after perceiving her oatmeal error, tried doubly hard to make the lunch meal as appetizing as she could (taking into consideration the ingredients she had available to her). Jerome had cut back the budget for the meals, making it difficult for Nancy to do her job with any satisfaction. Nancy was a licensed dietitian, but, just like she would constantly say when someone complained about the quality of the food, "I'm no miracle worker!"

Jerome "beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was."
~ James 1:24 ~

end of chapter

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