So, I’m sure my associate and my grandson thought I forgot about them.  Because I didn’t wish them the happiest of birthdays yesterday.  Well, I did so in real life.  And, today I’ll share some facts about them- or not.

Happy Birthday! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

I met Sam 41 years ago in Ann Arbor. He was interviewing me for a position.  My first impressions of Sam was he was really Southern.  From his drawl to the cadence of his speech.  (Sam is from a little yown in Georgia.)

Sam’s first impression of me?  Well, at the time, he told the division manager that “Y’all better hire this fella.   I never saw someone eat faster than you before- and he keeps on talking, too.”   I don’t think he knows I remember that. (Or his ubiquitous question: Can a Southern Baptist and a New York Jew find happiness together in a pile of …   Well, it was more than ….- and we certainly have!)

And, admittedly, I was a young know-it-all.  Thankfully, it was backed up with real facts and actions.  But, my knowledge was technical and theoretical, not functional at the time.  (I have told you that I am the first person in my family to own a hammer and a screwdriver- and, now, a pretty full tool kit.  But, my ability to use most of them came about through my interactions with Sam.)

Sam was setting me up.   For months, as we were installing our new prototypes around the country, he always told me that we had to put the glue seal around the pipe first- and then insert the PVC pipe into the fitting.  He corrected me if I failed to follow his directive.  I was a believer.

Until we were installing some new units in Northern Virginia.  And, we were setting up a series of units, when Carlos (the plumbing contractor) began using the glue the “wrong way”.  And, I corrected him.  I still hear Sam’s laughter- and the look of incredulity of Carlos’ face when I blurted out what Sam had told me as gospel.

It’s been a great 41 years, Sam.  Here’s to 41 more….

I’ve only known my grandson for 6 years- since that’s how old he is.  Conceived in Alabama, born in Ohio… my son and I got to meet and hold him when he was 8 days old- at his brit mila (covenant of circumcision)- and the day he received his name.  He’s as smart as a whip, a happy and outgoing kid, with a smile a mile wide.  For what more can a Saba ask?

I look forward to seeing great things from him.  But, I’m betting he’ll be able to show the world a lot more long after I’m gone.

Yom Huledet Sameach, Eli…