The concrete pad was laid, an extra step constructed, then the bricks and cinderblocks put in place. All that was left was the treads. Because brick and granite priced out the same (bricks a cheaper material with a higher labor cost, granite a more expensive material with lower labor cost), we went with the granite. The eight pieces of granite used were beautiful, but heavy. Getting them to lay flat and aligned was quite a task. The seams were mortared, then it was just a matter of time for them to set. A day later, it was just a quick rinse with a hose to finish the job.

I doubt many people will pay much attention to the new steps. They aren’t remarkably different from the old ones. But noticed or not, they are an integral part of how we live and welcome the world into our home – and how we go out into that world. We are connected again, for our goings out and our comings in. And that is a gift.

In the next couple of years, we’ll take on the walkway. That will require skill beyond me or my husband, so our mason will be back. Sometimes, we need someone else to help connect us to the world outside the door – even if few visitors will ever notice the skill and effort that connection required.

What is important and necessary isn’t always obvious. Thank you, Brett Alden, for your work.