One Step at a Time

The old wooden stairs crewmen in anticipation as Zack pulled and tugged, twisted and strained. The nails held the metal stripping firmly in place.

"Dad, I can't get this one."

"You're doing a great job, Zack, just keep working it."

The stairs to our basement had been covered with 1970's vintage linoleum floor covering for the 11 years that we had been in the house. It finally time to take it off.

I think I got it, Dad!"

"That's it, son, nice and easy."

Like a baby chick about to hatch, the aluminum retaining strip holding back forty years of foot traffic finally relinquished under the force from Zack's pry bar. He held it up triumphantly, like a trophy, and shook it.

"Yes! We did it, Dad. We did it!"