Antique Cars

This is a story about a man and his fascination with his collection of antique cars. The cars were more than special to him, because he had actually built them. He had been an amazing entrepreneur, and had built an empire and fortune on his company of cars. He was an orphan at age 12, and had started on the production line at age 14. He worked there until he had reached the age of 47. He put this nut in that bolt for 33 years. He had seen different people come through the plant, and had seen many different types of cars put out by the factory, evolving over the years. He had almost wished that he had never even joined the company. On his last day, this man was called into the office of his boss and he said to the man:

                   “How long have you been working here, Howard?”

                   “Since my 14th  birthday, sir.” Howard replied.

                   “Well, I'm going to get down to the point, right here and now. I've got cancer, and I won't be here forever, so I'm naming you as my successor. Anything to say?”

                   “I'm speechless, sir.” Howard mumbled behind excited whispers.

                   “You don't have to say anything. I'm retiring on Thursday. You start then. No 'if's', 'and's', or 'but's' about it.”

                   “Thank you sir.” Howard simply said.

         Howard was not one of those men who like to pout, but when he thought he had actually thought he had escaped the clutches of the plant for the last time, his boss had roped him in once again. He couldn't say no to a promotion like this, especially after all those years watching new recruits turn into hard workers. He'd seen snot-nosed punks grow into fathers with children of their own. The plant had become his second home and second family.

         Howard is now 67, and has cancer. He had followed his boss' path and continued with the expansion with the plant. Howard single-handedly brought the company out of bankruptcy and delivered it into the green. He looks back at what he has accomplished, on his death bed, and laughs at himself for almost regretting the best decision he had ever made.