By Terra Avilla
Sweet, sweet naïve teenager Terra, once thought she would be able to literally do it all. A career, kids, wife, grocery shop and take care of the house. My favorite thing when I was a teen to say was, “I can do it- I don’t need any help,” in what I am sure was a very annoying tone. I thought that in the midst of my career and life as a parent, I would have time to learn how to fix broken pipes, facets, stove tops, etc.
All I have to say to that is, “BWAHAHAHAHAHA” *Belly laughter* “HAHAHAHHAAHAHA.” * tears crying from laughing*.
I can change a tire and that’s about it.
So – it is with no reservations that I say “thank goodness” for people like Todd Hubbard. He is more than a handyman, he is literally my little plumbing angel.
Now, I met Todd through the good luck of him being my neighbor, and as far as neighbors, go, his beautiful wife Sandi and him, are pretty much as good as it gets. They always wave, are so friendly, and are the type of people that would bring up your newspaper or mail.
Todd and Sandie once told me that it was important for Peach to know that if she ever needed anything or if there was an emergency they wanted her to know she could go over there for help. And I know they mean it. When you think of everything you cherish about small towns, I definitely think of Todd. He is so hardworking, and honest.
I recently purchased my house and, as luck would have it, the following week a pipe burst under our kitchen sink. I was panicking, and poor Todd was the only person I could think of. I called him and within minutes, he came over to fix it. It was dinner time and he was most certainly “off work”, but when you are a good person, I guess it’s hard to say no to a desperate mom of two who is in hysterics.
The best part, he later asked if he could stop by to fix our door handle that was always sticking shut. He stated he noticed it was broken when he was in and out of our house fixing the broken pipe, and just wanted to fix it. While he skillfully installed a new handle, Peach (as seen in the photograph below) asked him a multitude of questions all while demanding Todd repeatedly stop what he was doing to look at her Elsa from Frozen artwork.
I tried to usher Peach away so he could work, and Todd joyfully smiled and indulged her, stating, “It’s quite alright. I have grandkids.”
Todd’s great heart goes so much further than just being so willingly to help a neighbor in need, he constantly gives back to this community. If my memory serves me correctly, Todd won the community vote for Dancing for a Brand New Me because he was so charismatic and lovable.
Mr. Hubbard is my life saver. He is funny and kind, and hospitable. He is everything I love about my neighborhood and is one of the reasons I love the place we live.
