Back O' The Page Stories 11/03
By Heather RossAs a new CHRPA volunteer with no previous home repair experience under my belt, I've been learning a lot over the last couple of months-proper uses for Channel Locks and Crescent wrenches, that a snake is something you put into a clogged sink, that a cookie sheet is something you stick inside a cooler. My fingers have become calloused; my jeans are now dotted with splotches of tar, dirt, paint and grease. But although I enjoy learning new things-and carrying home remnants of the days' work on my hands and clothing-I've decided that the best part of my job involves interacting with clients. Through my work at CHRPA, I met a woman who once killed a rattlesnake in her home in the middle of the night. I met a couple who traveled with their motor home all across the United States-even visiting Alaska. I've sampled tacos and Spanish rice in one home and chocolate chip cookies in another. I've admired collections of plates and dolls; I've examined family photographs and listened to grandmas brag about their grandchildren. I've heard proud stories about husbands and fathers who constructed sturdy front porches and storage sheds that still stand. In the months ahead, I look forward to patching leaky roofs and constructing wheelchair ramps. But even more than that, I look forward to meeting new people and sharing in their stories.
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