I'm on My Way, America

I’m getting ready for my first business trip this week.

This comes with a fair amount of trepidation. Not because of COVID or public health reasons, but because I haven’t traveled for work in almost a year and a half. I am not sure I know what to wear. I don’t even remember what shoes I have in my closet that match clothes that still fit me. And I’m not sure I will even like traveling again.

What if I don’t? What then?

But then I remember that I, too, am craving to work with real people—not Zoom images—again. And I think about all those people who work for airlines, hotels, restaurants, and shuttles who need us to travel.

I once met an amazing shuttle driver in Orlando. His name was David Shekner, and he drove back and forth to MCO. Imagine pickups and drop-offs at 20 hotels in 30 miles, the same tolls, traffic, every day all day long for $1 or $2 tips.

David seemed to love his job. When I met him, it was pitch black out, before 6:00 am, and he was raring to go, greeting everyone heartily as we mumbled our replies. “Anyone wanna talk? Anyone? Anyone? No? Okay!”

He was full of good advice throughout our ride: “Airport food courts are open, so grab a bite to eat before your flight. Just make sure you don’t spoil your meal on the plane.” But even with his cheerful comments, we were all a bit quiet. He kept trying, though. As we neared the airport, he said, “Those of you here on business, you have a few more minutes to network, if anyone wants to say anything…”

But everyone knows people generally don’t talk on airport shuttles. A dutiful passenger knows everyone is tired, even sullen perhaps, thinking of destinations and work waiting for you. But when we stopped at the first airline and a suited man got out, as David climbed back in, he looked back at us and said, “Well, he was in a rush, wasn’t he? Now that he’s gone, we can talk about him!”
We all laughed again and started to chat a bit here and there. We started asking David a few questions about himself as well. This guy was not just in the world. He was of the world.

I wonder what happened to David during the pandemic. Is he still going strong? Did he get COVID? Did he lose someone he loves? Or is he desperately still trying to perk people up in these tougher, darker times?

And how about you? How have you fared this last year or so? What are you transitioning into? And what silver linings are you carrying forward?

I remember as we arrived at the last stop that day in Orlando, David said, “Please make sure you gather your belongings. If you don’t find them right away because it’s early and still dark, no worries….” He paused.

“You’ll be able to find them on eBay tonight.” And we all laughed again.

“Hey, this is America!” he added, with a huge smile, slamming the van doors.

As I pack my bags, noise cancelling earphones, extra phone chargers and extra masks, I’m thinking Damn straight, David. This IS America. Wait for me. I’m on my way.