01/07/2014
Just getting out of work, tie barely loosened, I started my 2 hour ride home. Business meetings always bring out the best in me. As I hit the highway, my mind started wandering, as it usually does on this trip. I made it about 2 miles and got cut off. The car barely missing my front end. I swerved to avoid an iminent collision, and clipped the edge of a pot-hole. BOOM!! My right front tire shredded, tossing chunks in every direction. Barely avoiding a flat spin, I gained control as I slowed, hitting my hazards, and attempting to get to the shoulder. Finally, two cars later, I caught a break, and made it out of the travel lanes. I carried road service, but knew it was easier to call a shop myself, so I went through my phone, and located one near by. I wish I could change it myself, but didn't know how to. When I explained to the young lady that answered what had happened, all she could ask (with a smile I could see through the phone) was "do you have a mile marker near you?" "Yes, it's 232.8. Right next to my car." "Ok, great", she replied, as perky as a school girl. For some reason, her subtle tone released most of my stress from the near miss I just went through. "I can have someone there within 20 minutes, is that ok with you?" "Please!!" was all I could exclaim. I expected the normal 'within an hour'.. Sure enough, 15 minutes later, I see those glorious amber lights coming up the lane behind me. The feeling that went through me was beyond undescribable. The young man angled his massive truck between the guard-rail, and white travel line, and got out with a smile. Decked in a bright green vest, with matching stripes on his trousers. To me, those reflective stripes were the wings of an angel. He wasn't a 'model', had messed up hair, and dirt on his face, and hands. But had a true respect for a 'customer', and came up to me like I was his dad or relative. This was a VERY comforting feeling!! He opened my trunk, and pulled out the spare, and tire tools, all while gently placing my personal belongings aside with a 'white glove' touch. This entire time I could feel someone watching us, so I started looking around. No-one anywhere in eye shot. Then I looked up towards this young man's cab, and saw her. Such a beautiful set of bright blue eyes. She must have been 8 or 9 years old. "Is that your daughter?" I asked, trying to continue conversation. "Nah, step-daughter" he replied with a sence of swelled heart in his voice. This is a young man that has already seen too much, and now steps in for someone elses child.. I was left speechless!! We continued talking for a minute while he wrapped up the trunk of my car, and he went to the truck to grab his tow slip. "Ok baby, I'll be done in a minute, then we can hit 'Mikky-d's for you and momma." "Ok daddy" she replied with a child's enthusiasum. My heart melted hearing those words echo from his truck. He came back to me, writing down all my information, so I could submit it to my insurance company for a refund. Then he told me to wait a moment, he would back up his truck, and pull out to block the lane and let me out. When he flashed his headlights, I would be clear to take the first lane. I willingly agreed, paying him for his servises, and letting him know the tip was to buy that little girl her dinner. "Sir, are you sure?" It felt almost like he was reluctant to accept. "Yes, I am" I replied. He never even looked at the money, just wrapped his hand around it, and put it in his pocket. That actually made me feel a lot better. He wasn't concerned with money, just getting me moving again. "Ok, thank you, and have a great night", he exclaimed as I got back in my car. "You too" I said. Then, with no warning, I heard a sound of crunching metal, and saw a bright flash of 'safety green' pass my window. Then a slamming, jarring, crunching came from my car. I was pushed about 30 feet from where I stopped. The ringing in my ears overtook everything. As I started to try to find a way oout, a voice asked "are you ok?" "I.. I think so.." "Please, don't try to move", The voice said, as hands propped my head and neck in place. "What happened??" I asked, knowing the answer, but asking anyway. A car struck the tow truck on the drivers side, forcing the bohemouth into my car, then striking my car it's self. The tow opp was killed instantly. "What about his daughter?!?" I exclaimed. "His WHAT?!?" "He had a little girl in the truck with him!!" Thankfully, she was uninjured, physically...
A week later, in my hospital bed, I see on the tv that he had a service. Over 200 trucks rode in procession, lights going in his honor. From heavy duty, to road service, the 'parade' of trucks just kept rolling.. This young man risked his life, no matter what the toll, to keep the roads moving safe. Then the interview after almost killed me. The little girl spoke alone to the microphone. "My first daddy died a few years ago. I really don't remember him much, but I know he still loves me. He was a tow truck driver too. Now my new daddy died. Why can't people just let these man do their jobs? They were just trying to help..."
Families are destroyed by tragedies EVERY day. But in the towing, and recovery professions, most of these can be avoided, by following a simple law-Move Over Or Slow Down for emergency, and response vehicles!!
