February 25th, 2011 
judowolf When I saw the oil, appear on my garage floor it was time to visit my mechanic, Jerry. He is the only person for the past fifteen years who has worked on my car – because he is honest, guarantees his work, and has become my friend.
Growing up, mechanics like Jerry worked out of their garages, driveways, front lawns, and backyards. They are some of the best in the country, work in all weather conditions, have no set work hours, and are easy to spot by their oil and grease stained hands and fingernails.
Jerry started out in his backyard and moved to a single bay in an old industrial park. He worked for a dealer, but disagreed with the way they treated customers. The computer age has cut into his business leaving him fixing older model cars, which will keep him busy till retirement. Unlike computers, Jerry listens to the customer, uses trouble shooting, and his vast knowledge and experience to locate the problem.
Modern automobiles are technological marvels half computer, half engine, and the new mechanics are computer technicians who follow the computer’s diagnosis, but have no idea how to trouble shot or diagnosis a problem. Soon, mechanics will vanish; leaving computer technicians at a loss as the engine runs the automobile not the computer.
The job has taken its toll on him and he is slowing down physically, but his experience compensates for his lack of energy. The sad part is when he closes his door there is no one he can pass this knowledge too.
I will miss Jerry because he is dependable, keeps the old car running, but mostly the times we stood in his bay laughing and joking, which no computer can replace.
