Thanks again for all of you who have purchased my book. I’m grateful! I never wanted to become a slave to algorithms, but I understand that if you respond, there is less chance I’ll end up in your “promotions” folder, or worse yet, your junk file. If you don’t mind, a quick “Hi!” would be wonderful!
Now for this week’s blog post.
I broke a record this week – the longest Uber ride I’ve ever given. No, I didn’t drive someone to Cuba, despite the title of this blog. I did take someone to McComb, Mississippi, which will suffice. More than four hours there, then a four-hour deadhead home.
I got excited when Uber dinged the app. You don’t often see an “expected” fee that large. I immediately punched the “accept” option. Only then did I notice where we were going, except I wasn’t quite sure where McComb was. I quickly figured out that, even empty return miles would give me my usual hourly recompense. Oh well, maybe a tip.
My rider, Ramos, apologized for taking so long to get in the car. Finally, he tossed his suitcase in the back and settled in the right rear passenger seat. We carried on the usual chit-chat. I asked him why he was going to McComb.
“I’m a tree man. They’ve been through some terrible storms and I help clear up some of the damage caused by them. This is my second time there. I hope we can finish up soon, so I can get back to my family.”
“One of the reasons it took me so long to get in the car was because my young daughter was crying and begging me not to go. It was breaking my heart. We want to have more children, but something has to change about my work. I can’t stand spending this much time away from them.”
“Even when we finish this location, there is always another place to go. The only good thing is that I’m paid well, and I know I’m taking care of my family.
“The only thing that keeps me going is that I know I’m taking care of my family. I came here from Cuba about seven years ago. My sister had become a citizen twenty years ago, and she helped me come to Miami and go through the long process of getting my citizenship. My wife and I moved here where we could afford to buy a home.”
“I had to get used to having to make a payment every month. In Cuba, I bought a small house for $10,000.00. It wasn’t much, but I didn’t have to make payments. I desperately need to find a job that allows me to be with my family more, but I’ll need to do this until I can.”
He became quiet, then apologized and said he’s reading some texts from his wife.
“Oh my God,” he whispered. “Oh, no, no…”
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
“My wife is telling me that there is a raid for illegals going on along Hwy 98, near where we live. It’s the immigration police. I’m so scared for our friends.”
I felt like I was getting into more personal area, but I had to ask.
“Are you and your family okay? I mean, are you legal?”
“Yes, we are citizens. Most of our friends from Cuba are legal and have the proper paperwork, but a few of them don’t. I worry for them.”
He paused, then said, “I understand why this has to be done. I agree that it has to be done. Even so, it hurts us to see what can happen to our friends. Everything will be sorted out. I love this country, and I’m not arguing against doing things legally, but it’s scary.”
After some quiet time, we began discussing the challenges life presents to us. I asked him if he could do anything he wanted, what kind of work would he do that would keep him closer to home. He told me that he was one of the better leaders in his crews, and much of what he’d learned was in great demand near home. But first, he would need to build up some savings, because it may take a little time to build up enough business to be successful.
I told him my story (of course) and the challenges we had faced. We discussed a timeline for him to start working on his dreams. We spent a substantial amount of time sharing the idea that everything happens one step at a time. He spends a lot of time worrying about the past and dreading the future if things don’t go well. I know that feeling.
Ramos has big dreams for his family. He asked me how I kept such a positive attitude. I told him I do my best to learn from the past, but not dwell in it, hope for the future, without fear, and get up every morning determined to have a great day. I’m not always successful, but each day gives me a new opportunity.
We shook hands and wished each other the best when we reached his destination. It was a good ride for both of us.
(I’m reminded of a friend of mine who passed away in 2008. Jorge Subirats was one of the original ‘boat people’ who came over from Cuba in 1961. He eventually settled in Mobile, AL, and had a very successful career in real estate, and as a high school teacher and coach, and a Sunday school leader. I knew him through the Mobile Jaycees. I pray that Ramos has the kind of success I witnessed in Jorge. Quite a character, and quite a legacy!)
Thanks, and God Bless,
Tommy
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