Acts of Kindness
Crane operator strikes a deal with elderly man in wheelchair
Shawn Beveridge decided to find out why the elderly man watched him and his construction buddies work daily. But what he was about to find out took him by complete surprise.
D.G. Sciortino
09.18.19

Many of us have passion for the work we do.

It allows us to express ourselves, our creativity, and gives us purpose.

But unfortunately for some, the day will come where they are no longer able to physically engage in their passions or line of work.

Shawn Beveridge
Source:
Shawn Beveridge

That’s what happened to Harold. Unfortunately, he found himself no longer able to work as a crane operator because of health issues.

Thanks to the kindness of a stranger, Harold was able to relive his days of working on the job site.

It all started when crane operator Shawn Beveridge of Ohio kept noticing a man in a wheelchair sitting outside of a nursing home. Day after day the man would sit there watching the job site and the cranes move about for hours.

Shawn Beveridge
Source:
Shawn Beveridge

Beveridge couldn’t imagine why this man would show up every day and finally became curious enough to introduce himself.

“Since day one when I arrived on this job site I’ve noticed him sitting there every morning from 7 a.m., he takes lunch when we do and doesn’t leave until I shut the crane down and head out,” Beveridge wrote in a Facebook post. “I originally had thought to myself, ‘He’s just a curious old man and wanting to enjoy his days outside vs being cooped up in his room.’ Well after a couple days, I myself got curious, so I walked over and introduced myself to him.”

Shawn Beveridge
Source:
Shawn Beveridge

Beveridge learned that the man’s name was Harold and the two ended up conversing for about two and a half hours.

Beveridge also learned that Harold was once a crane operator but had to quit for his health.

Harold had clogged heart valves and a disease that’s been eating away at him for years. Harold explained to Beveridge that he was nearing the end of his life and that he was overjoyed to be in the presence of a crane again.

Shawn Beveridge
Source:
Shawn Beveridge

“He said he enjoys seeing what he use to love to do for a living and never thought he’d ever be able to see or be around a crane again. Let alone be so close to see one in action,” Beveridge wrote.

Beveridge was saddened to learn that though Harold has two daughters and a son, they haven’t visited him for the last seven years he has been in a nursing home.

So, he decided that he would make a deal with Harold. Beveridge told Harold that he would come sit and chat with him everyday after his shift was over so Harold could critique and judge Beveridge on how his crane work was that day.

Shawn Beveridge
Source:
Shawn Beveridge

That way Beveridge could learn from Harold.

In return, Beveridge would bring Harold a black coffee every morning and lunch twice a week from wherever Harold wanted.

“He didn’t skip a beat before ABSOLUTELY! came out of his mouth. I guess I’m writing this post because if I would have never walked over to him Iwould have never gotten to know him. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to make this man’s last days enjoyable. Filled with purpose and to be able to help him smile again,” Beveridge wrote.

He also encouraged others to make the effort to brighten someone’s day when you can.

“When God chooses to take this man home I’m happy knowing that I’ve been placed here at this location to make his days better. I’m happy with that.”

Beveridge’s post ended up going viral and was shared more than 194,000 times on Facebook. You can check out the original post below.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

This is my friend Harold! Not the guy in the man lift but the one behind him in the wheelchair on the sidewalk. He stays…

Posted by Shawn Beveridge onWednesday, September 11, 2019

Article Sources:
To learn more read our Editorial Standards.

Advertisement