I still remember my first toolbox. It was by Simmonds of Simmonds Industries Inc., Grant Park, Illinois.
The outside was charcoal gray with a comfort fit stainless steel reinforced handle, a stainless steel
safety latch, also reinforced, and a place to install a lock if I so desired.I was only thirteen years old
when I bought that toolbox with my very own money. And you’re probably wondering how something I
bought over thirty years ago could be remembered so well. You see, I still have it today. And if you
looked at it I bet you’d say it looks brand new. Over the years I may have put more tools in than I’ve
taken out and I’ve even misplaced a tool here or there,but it’s the only toolbox I’ve ever had in
my life. It’s a good one. Funny thing is I almost didn’t get it. I remember being at Sears, opening up
the box and noting that it didn’t come with any tools. I asked the salesman, why should I buy an empty
toolbox when some toolboxes already came with tools? He said, ‘Son, a good toolbox is kinda like life.
When you’re born everyone gets a toolbox; as you go on and encounter different tasks that have to be
accomplished, it’s your decision to buy the right tool for the job. Sure I could sell you that shiny cheap
toolbox with its metric ratchet and miniature hammer and screwdriver set. But how do you know those
are the right tools for a job that hasn’t even come up yet? No son, the only thing for sale today
is a good toolbox, but you can come back tomorrow when you face your first major job and I’ll
tell you which tool to use and how to use it.’ I said, ‘You promise you’ll be here tomorrow if I
need you and you’ll tell me which tools to get?’ He said, ‘I’m not going anywhere, I’ll always be here
to show you the way.’ I said, ‘I got a lot of jobs to do.’ ‘I understand,you better get going and don’t
forget your toolbox; this one’s on the house!!’
Until next time,
Fred
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