If I ever start looking for a new job, it probably won’t be as the operator of an 18-wheeler semi-truck. There are reasons for this: I need new glasses to curtail my creeping myopia; I’ve never successfully utilized a map, compass or GPS; my drivers’ license was confiscated; and if my family found out I was applying for such employment, I’d be locked in my room.
Of course, I jest. I would never consider accepting a job as the driver of a big rig. Fuhgeddaboudit. Nuh-huh! Not me. Not even if they begged me and tried to bribe me with Macadamia Nut Clusters or a lifetime supply of Depends or free hair-loss treatments. It’d be beneath my dignity to undertake employment which could guarantee the demise of innocent pedestrians as well as my own messy, unplanned and violent death. As a dedicated coward, I’d be too terrified to ride in such a vehicle, let alone operate one.
However, those fearsome diesel machines power our national economy by delivering our amazon Prime purchases – and, yes, even other products such as food, clothing, fuel, manufacturing, housing, vehicles, medical equipment and supplies, etc. Trust me, the drivers that tame and wrangle and steer those monster trucks in order to do all that are modern day heroes.
My son-in-law, Curt, made a career of it. His routes included frequent daily trips even through the ice storms, avalanches and blizzards of our mountain passes. An empty 18-wheeler semi-truck – which consists of a truck and a trailer – weighs over 17 tons. When it’s loaded, it’s legal maximum weight can be 80 tons! Driving an 18 wheeler through that kind of danger, and even just putting the chains on is not what I’d call a lovable activity. Just thinking about all that fun gives me PTSD.
My grandson Neil didn’t drive the semi-trucks, but as a tow truck driver, he was responsible for hauling them out of trouble, come hell or high water. My great-nephew Dylan also operated those huge vehicles doing construction for the Air Force. For them, and for all truck drivers, even the ones who deliver our pizza, I wish to thank them sincerely and wish them a happy Memorial Day.
Finally, please watch this 4 minute video. I don’t know who the truck driver was, but if you leave me a comment, I’ll try to forward it to him along with flowers, a gold star, and a case of beer.
I made my children promise not to tell me these kind of stories.
For my heart and sanity.
What the? Why? HOW?
First, why is he hauling so many “things” surely that big ass log is enough? Second, every self respecting driver knows you don’t drive into standing water like that!! And last, do you really need the honking, is that frustration or warning the geese? Or maybe it’s to taunt the geese because they’re clearly laughing at him??