Tales From the Road: The Kentucky Farmer
“What happened to the air conditioner on top your RV?”
“What do you mean, Roger?”
“Oh, I just drove by your RV and saw the compartment of the AC unit was opened up. It looks like you ran into something.”
“I don’t think I hit anything.”
“Well, you sure enough hit something. You better take a look.”
We walked over to the RV, and I saw the damage.
I take pictures everywhere we go, so I reviewed them for the past two days. The RV was OK up until we reached the resort in Young Harris, Ga., — our conference’s location.
I figured out what happened. When I drove under the portico to check into the hotel, a utility pickup was also there, but was taking up a lot of room.
Leaving, I drove as closely as I could to the pickup to stay off the curb. However, the RV wheels climbed the curb and the AC box hit the overhead.
But the 6.2 liter, V-8 engine with 8-speed automatic transmission and 420 horsepower never felt the resistance and I moved right on through.
“Well, Roger, I need to find an RV dealer to repair this AC unit.”
“Not if you let me look at it. I think I can fix it OK. On the farm, we have to fix everything ourselves or we’d go broke.”
Inside I was shaking my head, but I tried not to let my rejection of his offer show in my face. My silent prayer was, “Lord, I need help.”
I was the chaplain of the USS Yorktown Survivor’s Club, and Roger Cunningham is on the board of directors. Both our fathers were on the Yorktown at the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. I have known Roger since 2006 when I attended the USS Yorktown reunion in Albuquerque, N.M., with my father. Roger is a bright and intelligent man, but I didn’t know his vocational background.
“Thank you, Brother Roger; but it’s a new RV and I think it might be better to let the dealer do the job. After all, it is 92 degrees out here.”
“They’ll take the easy way out and charge you for a new AC unit; but I think I can fix it for you and it won’t cost you a dime. Well, maybe it’ll cost you something, but you can get whatever I need at the local hardware store. This farmer will get his tools and be back in 15 minutes.”
How do I politely tell my friend that I want the job to be done right — not just glued back together? And I want it to work correctly! I don’t want Roger to think he can fix it; I want someone to work on it who knows he can fix it. But I also don’t want to lose a friend over this incident. What do I do? “Lord, show me what to do.”
“Go to that shed over there and borrow a ladder. I think we can fix this thing.”
Believe it or not, in a little over three hours, this sweating, tired farmer had the thing repaired, and it worked like brand new!
“Roger, what was your vocation when you were in the Navy?”
This former Navy man — now farmer — grinned from ear to ear! He must have been waiting for this.
“Well, I’ve had a lot of jobs in the Navy, but I’ve installed, tuned up, and repaired a lot of air conditioning systems of all sizes and shapes — mostly commercial.”
My mouth dropped open; but I quickly shut it to keep out the flies.
“You didn’t know that about this Kentucky farmer, did you?” “No sir, I didn’t.” “I knew you didn’t, but I didn’t let that bother me. You needed help and you’re my friend. Now, let’s get cleaned up and go eat something.”
Roger Cunningham is laid-back and easygoing, but he is very competent and knowledgeable.
I am thrilled that he pushed past my doubts and ignorance of his qualifications, for he saved me about $1,200. I love and highly respect him, and I have a new respect for farmers.
Roger was the answer to my prayer that day. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Thank you Lord for Your blessings, and thank you Roger for your friendship.