“You know, I used to drive for Uber.” The gentleman settled into the right, rear passenger seat and shared a few ride stories with me.
“I saved a man’s life once,” he said. “It was late, and I had just dropped off my ride. As I began driving down the two-lane highway, I saw someone stumble and fall in the middle of the road. He wasn’t moving.”
“I pulled over. I asked if he was all right. No response. While it was late, there was plenty of traffic. I dragged him off the road and got him over to a gas station. Several cars passed over the spot he had been lying on the road.”
“I’ve always believed I saved his life.” I didn’t doubt my rider.
Some of my riders describe lives that many of us might not think worth saving. Sometimes, people go through hell on earth before they begin living. Hartley was one of those.
She had been raised in a family of addicts. Harley followed their example. Both her mom and her dad died of overdoses. So, naturally, Harley chose the perfect model to father her five children. True to form, he died of drug addiction.
“I lost my five children while I was serving three years in prison for drug problems,” she explained. “I believe they’re being raised in a much better place than I could do.”
“But, I’ve changed my life also. I’m getting married this weekend to a minister who started a program to help people like me. I’ve been working there for a couple of months. I don’t think I’ll ever see my kids again.”
Harley has one thing in abundance. Hope.
Finally, on a slightly lighter note, Uber dinged me to pick up someone at the airport. I got a message on the app.
“Are you picking up my wife? She’s blonde.”
For some inexplicable reason, I found that request to be hilarious. Could I end up with a brunette or a redhead version by accident? As I approached the airport pickup spot, while trying to suppress my laughter, the husband texted again.
“Do you see her? She’s got on a Blue Angels sweatshirt. It’s blue. You should be able to find her.”
There she stood! A lovely lady in her 60s with blonde hair and a blue, Blue Angels sweatshirt.
“Your husband was concerned I would pick up the wrong wife,” I chuckled. “I’m happy we’ve made the proper connection!”
She laughed and said, “Well, this is the first time we’ve used Uber, so we were a little nervous. The people inside the terminal were so nice and made sure I went to the right location.”
She was so pleasant and conversational.
“My husband and I have been married a long time. I met him in a pizza place. He was a manager and I was immediately attracted to him. He visited each table, asking whether everyone was getting what they wanted. I wanted him to sit at my table.”
“Of course, he couldn’t while he was on duty. The next time I came, I stayed until closing so he could sit at my table. That was how we began, and it’s been wonderful ever since!”
I could see why he wanted to make sure I picked up the proper lady. She’s a prize!
**********
By the way, if you are in the Gulf Breeze – Navarre area of Florida on December 10th, I hope you’ll take the opportunity to attend my first program on my book, The Ride Of A Lifetime – Stories From An Uber Driver.
St. Sylvester’s Catholic Church invites you to an inspiring evening of heartfelt tales and human connection on December 10th at 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall. Our special guest is Tommy Fulton, a devoted storyteller, speaker, and author whose journey of faith, resilience, and rediscovery resonates deeply with our community. Drawing from his acclaimed book, The Ride of a Lifetime – Stories from an Uber Driver, Tommy will share captivating themes from its chapters—stories of ordinary encounters that reveal extraordinary grace, kindness, and the quiet miracles in everyday life.
Thanks again, and God Bless,
Tommy
P.S. – Thank you for supporting my book! If you are looking for a great Thanksgiving gift or are ready to start collecting Christmas presents, visit tommyfulton.com for more information.
P.P.S. – Have you enjoyed my Uber stories? I’d love your help! Leaving a quick review on Amazon lets more readers discover The Ride of a Lifetime: Stories from an Uber Driver. It only takes a minute, and every review really makes a difference.
Leave your review here:
https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?asin=1968615393
Thank you for being part of my journey behind the wheel! 