I'm almost 47 years old. The last two days I've been onsite functioning as our Superintendent on one of my jobs running our crew. I'm not one of those guys that sits in the truck and watches like some sort of slave master, I get dirty and help out when needed. I may have a BA and a Masters degree with a finance and accounting background but I worked construction through high school and most of undergrad. I'm no stranger to hard physical work.

We worked 13 hours yesterday (left the jobsite at 9pm and 9 hours today. 2 back to back pours... I checked my watch and since yesterday morning I walked enough steps to cover 37 miles... These bones and my feet are killing me, but it will make you respect your guys in your crew for what they do everyday, rain or shine, and they respect you for not being the stereotypical "Jefe" when you're out working next to them.

As I'm sure you could assume, most of our crew originates from Central America, half speak or at least understand English. They are sometimes surprised to see, me, a gringo speak Spanish and understand what they're saying, laugh and joke with them, playfully pick on them like their other work buddies do. Today was a good day of bonding with the 'amigos'. I thanked them all for their hard work today.

My crew lead sat down with me on the lunch break and he was asking about taking a vacation. He said he wanted to go home to see his parents in Mexico. He explained to me that he hadn't seen his parents in 21 years... I looked at him shocked. I told him, "We'll get you the time off... You need to go see your folks bro. I lost my mom 4 years ago suddenly and my dad died suddenly when I was 13. Do not miss time with your parents." He looked noticebly shaken by my comments and he said "oway, I work too much... I can never get down there. I want to move them here." I told him that his work was no excuse to not see his parents and he should make plans to go down there to see them.

I don't think he expected to hear that from a "jefe". I thought he was gonna shed a tear for a bit. I pat him on the shoulder and told him I'd get him the time off. The dude works his ass off for us and he's "Mr Dependable." I'm on a mission to get him some time off to go see his folks. Something in me flipped when I heard that.

Folks, don't let your occupations or work keep you from your loved ones. EVER.