Stories from the Road: Memories

[Tobin S.]

I know I complain a lot about the weather here in Ohio, where I do most of my trucking. This time last year I was seriously considering making a career change. I mean seriously- updated the resume and put in some applications. Then I realized that I'm kind of stuck unless I go back to school. About the only thing I'm qualified for besides driving a truck is $9 an hour manual labor jobs. I can't get by on that, even living as frugally as I do.

Well, it's been kind of a rough start to the new year here in Ohio as far as weather goes. Last week it snowed every day but Friday on my route, and snow creates more stress, more danger, and more work. So when I got that flyer in the mail from a correspondence school yesterday, I found myself taking a serious look at it. :)

Things are looking a little better now. It's been colder than a well digger's ass, but it looks like I'm going to make it to the weekend without any more snow. But I'm sure I haven't see the last of it.

Trucking in the extreme cold isn't very fun, either. Especially when you have to get outside and unload the truck. I work outside usually for about 2.5 hours a night. You do get acclimated to the weather to a certain extent, but it will still wear you down and make you wish you were flipping burgers for a living. I was at my last stop today in Chillicothe, Ohio right as the sun was coming up. It had gotten as cold as 2 degrees F during the night. My truck said it was 6 in Chillicothe.

I was standing there on the lift gate on the back of the trailer preparing to load up some dunnage when I had a very poignant moment. As the sun came up and made the morning very bright as it reflected light off of the snow, it occurred to me that some day I will miss this. Thirty years from now when I'm a retired, old man I'll look back to that moment and wish I was back there.

The day suddenly seemed a little warmer and I felt a sense of pride in who I am and what I'm doing.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear Tobin!

That was a transcendent moment! Good for you...

We don't all get such a moment. You have to be open to those possibilities to have them.

Your old age will be full of these sweet memories...

Good for you!

:hug:

[Tobin S.]

2. Thanks, Peggy

I've always looked forward to being able to take it easy some day. Maybe I'll have something to look backward to as well. I think I will.

[Haole Girl]

3. I like this

It's great how you were able to live in that moment & really appreciate it. :-)

[hibbing]

4. That is awesome

Hi,
I always have loved your stories of your life on the road and you are a an excellent writer. I so love taking a moment when something is beautiful to stop, look, take it and enjoy. I have many such memories and am sad for everyone else rushing about that don't stop to take a few moments to look at a beautiful sunrise or sunset or some other sight. Thanks, and post more often will ya???!!!

Peace

[MilesColtrane]

5. Kick for use of the term, "dunnage".

And, for the realization that it all goes by so fast, what sucks today could be bliss in retrospect.

Keep the shiny side up, Tobin.