On the broadcast board in my studio is a paperweight engraved with the words “Be Calm, Be Strong, Be Grateful.” Each time I flip on the microphone switch, I read the message.
Recently, I got an e-mail from Benny, who was an over-the-road truck driver. I used to ride motorcycles with the guys at the local Harley-Davidson shop and Benny was part of the group. I had not heard from him in years. I copied his number down on my reporter’s pad with the intention of calling him. Weeks later, I got another e-mail from Benny. I was out of town covering the chase and planned to call him when I got back.
A few days later, I got this e-mail from the owner of a Harley-Davidson shop in New Jersey:
“Hello, my name is Barry. I am from Fair Lawn, N.J. I am huge NASCAR fan and [fan of] your program. I had to unfortunately attend the funeral of our dear friend Benny who passed away unexpectedly early this week. Benny used to talk about you regularly. … Please feel free to e-mail me back if you have any questions about his passing.”
I cried hard. I was looking forward to catching up with Benny — and now he is gone. Benny put in hard hours on the road, had a heart attack and never got home.
A few days later, I got an e-mail from a listener named Tom, also a truck driver:
“I have never done this before, but I am sending this message to every one of my contacts. I have reached a point in my life where I have to make some changes for myself or I will end up killing myself. I am going on a diet. I have never tried to diet before in my life. I now weigh 349 pounds. I need all of your help. I cannot survive much longer if I don’t make changes in my life to help myself. I would really appreciate it if you all would pray for me.”
I said a prayer for Tom, whom I did not know, and e-mailed him that my listeners and I would be there for whatever support he needed. He replied that he almost didn’t include me in the e-mail, since he didn’t know me, but was glad he did.
I talked about Tom and Benny on the air and the support calls poured in.
An IT specialist wrote that he was so busy fixing people’s IT communication issues that he failed to keep in touch with folks he cared about. He vowed to change.
This year, take better care of yourself on the road. Don’t let staying in touch with people be the last thing on your list. Reach out, because people you never expect to care do.
Be calm, be strong, be grateful, and if you intend to do something, do it now. Life is short.
Two truckers made me stop in my tracks and gave me the gift of hard lessons. Thanks, Benny and Tom.
I’m off to cover NASCAR but won’t
forget the lessons you taught me.
Many blessings to you all.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
