Surrounded By A Lot Of Good
“I’d die for my country without a second thought.”
“I was at my lowest right before I was arrested for trespassing while high on meth.”
“When I was a crossing guard I’d help kids with homework because we usually had an extra 15 minutes.”
I’ve been driving for Uber & Lyft lately for extra money. As many of you now know it’s my main source of income.
I feel like I meet hero’s at least once a day. It’s amazing how others will open up when trapped for 5 minutes to an hour with a seasoned interviewer.
I said it jokingly but it’s true. Being behind the wheel is a lot like being behind my mic. It’s an adventure each time I give someone a ride. I never know what sort of stories I’ll have the opportunity to explore.
A few weeks ago I picked up a Green Beret. I could see the passion in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He wholeheartedly feels dying for our country is the greatest possible honor. He told me all of his men feel the same way and explained to me how they keep him young and motivated.. seriously... dude looked like Captain America.
One of my first rides was a lovely young girl who needed a Lyft to her job at Burger King. I had the pleasure of also taking her home after a shift once as well. She talked about how she was so high once while she was working as a server she fell asleep standing up. Later she was found passed out in her car at work. Eventually she was arrested and explained to me that’s the best thing that ever happened to her. Last we spoke she had 1 week to go in a local rehab. This particular rehab has a 60% success rate. “This is a lot better than the average,” she told me. Her optimism was unbelievable and she inspired me.
This morning I took a kind lady to work who honestly cares about kids. “The daycare I work at sold the vans because none of the teachers wanted to take kids on field trips at the time.” She went on to tell me it’s tragic because some of these children never get a chance to go to the park or roller skating. She continues to help them with homework even though it isn’t in her job description.
I’m surrounded by a lot of good here in Clarksville and it makes me want to be a better man. I’m proud to call these people my neighbors.