(Well, I’m caught between mourning the Vanderbilt loss and preparing for the 53rd Annual Little Sisters of the Poor Lawn Party. So, I hope you enjoy one of my golden oldies!)
It’s late on a Friday night. Friday nights are almost always the most interesting. I got a “ding” to pick up someone near Irvington, AL. There’s a raceway in Irvington, but I’m not sure what else is there.
It’s a long ride to get there. A lot of drivers would have turned it down. I pulled into the driveway, unsure I was at the correct address. I called him. “This is your Uber driver. I just wanted to be sure that I’m in the right driveway.” This is not the place to pull into the wrong driveway.
He answered, “OK, let me put my shoes on, then I’ll be right out.” I’m grateful he will be appropriately shod as he travels with me. He approached the car with two beers in one hand and a phone in the other.
He sat in the back right-hand seat and continued his phone conversation. He was trying to convince his listener that someone hacked his Facebook account. He checked out clean when the Army discharged him. Someone is lying about him. He swore. After a few more phone calls, he apologized for the distractions.
He then said the words I’m sure have been expressed to ride-share drivers, bartenders, and many other casual acquaintances;
“I probably shouldn’t be saying all of this…”
I believed he had developed a relationship with me. I could tell because he kept asking me, “You know what I mean?” I, of course, answer, “Yes, I know what you mean.”
He continued, “I was lazy most of my life. I have always wanted to have my own business. That’s the only way to become rich and successful. You can’t get there by working to make someone else rich. Know what I mean? The problem was that I had no discipline. I would stay in bed until 2:00 pm every day. That’s a lack of discipline.
”I nodded in agreement.
“There is only one way I could think of to get discipline, so I joined the Army. They won’t let you sleep until 2:00 pm. It was the best thing I’ve ever done, and it’s really made a difference in my outlook on life!”
He told me that we were going to his sister’s trailer. He had asked her for a favor, but she wouldn’t help him in this time of need. He said he doesn’t have many friends, and the few he does have only want to drink and get high.
I asked, “So, what’s the favor?”
“I left my vape stuff at her trailer, and I needed it tonight. I was hoping you could take me back home as soon as I get it from her. I even offered her $50 if she would bring it to me, but she wouldn’t.”
I waited outside of the trailer as he ran in. A few moments later, he hurried back and jumped into the back seat.
This round trip was going to cost him at least $40.00. He continued telling me that he wanted to start a business, find the right woman to marry, and raise a lot of kids. It’s his dream! He asked me what I thought and what direction he should take to get there. The woman has to be a churchgoer, which has been difficult for him to find.
“Those are wonderful dreams, but let’s start at step one,” I said. “What kind of business do you want to start?”
“Probably real estate,” he says. I’m thinking about buying some land and then a trailer or two. I can rent those out and use the profits to expand and eventually own a whole trailer park with dozens of trailers! You know what I mean?” Or,” he continued, I’d like to buy or build a bar. I think there is a lot of money in bars!”
“Do you know anyone in that business? Have you ever worked in a bar?” I asked.
“I know an old guy who used to own a bar. He and I talked about it. No matter what happens in the world, even if the economy crashes, people need a place to drink and chill out. It’s foolproof! I’ve just got to find the right location. I think it should be in this area.”
We arrived back at his house. He thanked me for the ride. I wished him good luck.
“Thanks for listening to me. Most people don’t. Know what I mean?”
Yes. Yes, I do.
God Bless,
Tommy
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