We walked inside and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Before me was the largest and most elaborate metal work shop I had ever seen. Shelves stocked to the ceiling with all types of metals, metal lathes, torches, rig welders, high-pressure metal presses, and other heavy tools I have no idea what to even call. One of these tools had the ability to punch squares or round holes through any thickness of metal with one touch of a button.

“You know why I got this machine?” Asked the man as he demonstrated by punching a hole through a thick piece of metal. “Because drilling holes through metal is a boring job… Ha ha ha ha…” He laughed without the slightest concern that he had forgotten to put on his teeth for the day.

This was Doug Black, a true old school master of metal work. Doug brought out a dusty old album and proceeded to show me many pictures of his creations. Back in his day, Doug specialized in designing spiral stair cases. He was also a pioneer in mountain climbing rescue , and was instrumental in the design of climbing hardware now widely used.

I was amazed. Not only did he do incredible work but he even invented and designed tools to facilitate and install his beautiful artwork. Although it was clear that Doug was battling with dementia or perhaps Alzheimer’s, in his element, Doug’s mind was beautiful and sharp, and his memory was perfect.

From that day on, we became friends. Then we became friends again the next day, and the following as well… I laughed at the “screw and paper clip” joke each time he told it, as if it was the first time I heard it.

Eventually, all the elaborate metalwork I needed done was complete, but far more important then that, I made a wonderful new friend.

It makes me wonder: Can anyone ever be fairly judged?…

When Passover came, we invited Doug and his wife, along with several other friends to come celebrate with us on Aleph Tav.

Doug could not remember what the celebration was, but every day after, he would say: “Hey, that thing we did the other night on that guys boat… wow… that was the greatest thing I have ever done. I will never forget it…”

As the days passed, we neared our departure date with great anticipation and excitement.

“Rabbi!!! It’s My daughter!!!” Called Captain on the phone; his voice sounded concerned and excited, “My daughter has been found!!! Praise Adanaya! We have to go to Texas right away…”

To be continued