The recognition MUST go on. Fear not, young soldier.
In case you missed it, Part 1.
He doesn’t allow his repetitious job seep into his life outside the factory, something best illustrated by his self-made meals. Never will an identical course be eaten within a given week, from pork lasagna to pasta and cottage cheese. A second full-sized refrigerator has escaped his kitchen and happily holds all of the beverages and condiments while the kitchen fridge is as stuffed as its owner after the day’s consumption. The kitchen is his art room, the counter, his easel.
I appreciate the humanity of this man, since he is still able to dream, despite his age. When most men are looking into younger generations of cars and women, he keeps his eyes set on the felt of the poker table among the greats. He understands that each part of life is just a step towards an ultimate goal, whether it’s a satisfying death or a pile of money. Just because he is behind according to the standards of society, he fears nothing.
The first few months were rough, as his coworkers said it would be, but he got through it and broke into the industry. No joke, there actually is a corporate ladder of assembly men and David Skal climbed it successfully. In a world where a man is defined by his hands, he took ambidextrousness to the next level. This is the amazing part, to be involved in an insanity-producing environment and actually succeed through one’s own talent. Skal was able to brush off the laughter at his last high school reunion and then smile while he was promoted. David Skal is a rock, a quick moving, talented rock and for this, I salute him.
