Often times when we have down time, we love to grab an Uber and go explore the town. This is a great way for us to get a little breather out of the truck, and to get to see the towns and people around us.
The other day we had a day off and Larry was going to spend it getting caught up on laundry. So I figured it was a good day to get groceries, get my nails done and relax. So as I gathered my things, I headed outside to meet my Uber driver. The app told me my drivers name was Michelle and she would be in a blue car.
After a few moments I saw this bubbly lady pull up to get me. It wasn’t long before the two of us were deep into conversation about both of our lives. Michelle explained she had been in a pretty bad accident, and due to this was stuck driving her son’s car while she did Uber driving.
Then Michelle began to tell me the story or her late husband, who also was an over the road truck driver for many years. She explained how he loved the open road, always felt that it was calling his name. Michelle missed the days when he would come home and she would be busy doing his laundry. Then helping to meal prep for him so that he ate good while he was away.
A year and half ago, Michelle shared how her sons, and her husband and herself all contracted Covid-19. For Michelle and her sons they were able to recover after a few weeks, but sadly her husband passed away. The saddest part he did not have any known health issues at the time of his death.
Knowing how badly Larry and I had Covid back in January, my heart just ached for her loss. We talked about the lingering effects from Covid is still effecting us all. As the conversation flows I can hear the slight crack in her voice, as she shares about her husband. Soon we were arriving at my destination, I tipped her well and thanked her for a wonderful ride.
A few hours later after getting my nails done and grabbing some groceries, and Jimmy Johns for dinner. I was ready to head back to the truck stop, and called for my Uber ride back. As I was waiting I looked at my app and saw my driver was Michelle in a blue car. A chuckle left my mouth, this could not be the same driver I had earlier. But within moments there Michelle was pulling up out front of the Jimmy Johns with the biggest smile on her face.
In all the years that we have used Uber and Lift services to get around, never have we ever had the same driver and to and from our destination. As Michelle and I laughed about the weird coincendance of us meeting, we figured it had to be a for a good reason. On the ride back to the truck stop I shared with Michelle about Larry and I had started our Treat A Trucker program and How we try to give back to the trucking community. When she found out we were on social media she asked for our information. So as we pulled up to my truck I handed her an extra $20 for a tip and our business card and asked her to stay in touch.
Over the years I have learned that God puts people in our lives, when we truly need them. And Michelle was one of those.
