Over the course of about a week, Mr. Troutbend managed to replace the driver's side door latch on the old pickup.

It broke last year right before the flood, and I'd had it up at the body shop for them to diagnose it. They took off the inside door panel in order to get the door to open. It required a replacement part to be ordered, and that was the day before the flood. I left the door panel there in the guy's office, expecting to be back in a few days when the part was delivered so he could install it.

It was there for a month before I was able to get back, but by that time my truck was trapped at the house because the driveway and bridge approach were washed out, so all I could do was pick up the panel and the part and store them until this summer.



Just think about all the important functions that are contained in our automobile doors: power locks, power windows, radio speakers. Reconnecting all the electrical and mechanical stuff inside that door was like reattaching someone's amputated hand. Mr. Troutbend is extremely patient and stubborn, and that's the secret to his success.

You should hear him when someone asks me about what went on during the flood - he describes it as if he was here with me. This is based on pictures and my descriptions, but it always surprises me, since he seldom has much to say. He has gotten a lot done this summer, and will be here only about 10 more days.