Driver for Two

riving can be a delightful experience when you encounter the right passengers. I was navigating through downtown when I received a fare. Upon arrival, I observed three young women in their mid-twenties. Noticing the estimated 30-minute drive, I proceeded to assess the clients. Although they were intoxicated, they remained coherent. To ensure a pleasant ride for both parties, I reviewed certain details. Ladies, please note that this will be a lengthy drive. Kindly plug in your phones to recharge them. I have provided a tablet for entertainment purposes, and water bottles are available. One of the passengers, Lauren, expressed her appreciation, stating that I had everything necessary. Once we commenced our journey, Michelle requested that the music volume be increased. She complimented my music selection, and the trio began singing along to a K-pop song, "Like Jennie." I was impressed by their familiarity with the Korean lyrics.  As we approached the sce...

It was late at night, and I found myself on a dimly lit street, searching for my fare. A man was standing in the middle of the road. I checked my GPS and noticed the pin moving in sync with the man's movements. It seemed likely that he was my passenger. According to the app, his name was Jon. I pulled up and asked, 'Jon?' He stuttered and replied, 'Y-yes, I am.' His manner of speaking was somewhat unusual, but I have a stammer myself at times. I invited him to get in. As we began driving, I asked him why he was standing in the middle of the road. He responded, 'I'm invisible, and I wanted you to see me.' Throughout the ride, he kept his hands in his lap and maintained perfect posture. His demeanor was peculiar. He had a distinctive smell, reminiscent of a hunting shed where animals are processed. His hands were clean, but the rest of him appeared dirty. I hoped the backseat wouldn't get stained. He sat silently, with a smirk on his face, ...

From time to time I pick up people that make it fun to drive. I picked a bohemian girl with boundless energy. It wasn't a long ride, but her personality made it feel like I knew her for years. We had one stop which I guessed beforehand, knowing she was headed to the dispensary. She had ambitious plans for her life, albeit somewhat idealistic. I wouldn't discourage her dreams simply because I didn't share the same beliefs.

Driving for Lyft can be quite immersive, and occasionally, one may not immediately recognize their surroundings until they take a moment to look up. The focus on locating passengers can be all-consuming, making it easy to overlook one's environment. I recently picked up a passenger at a local bar, which I prefer not to name. As we began our journey, I noticed a tattoo that seemed familiar, but it took me a moment to place it. Suddenly, the memory came flooding back. The backstory behind this encounter is quite remarkable. When Michelle's sister was alive, Michelle and I would often embark on searches for her, equipped with a backpack of essentials and clean clothing. Rachel struggled with schizophrenia and homelessness, frequently finding herself on the streets. One particular instance stands out, where we found her sitting at a bus stop, engaged in a conversation with herself. Michelle exited the vehicle to approach her, while I remained with the dogs, observing from a distanc...

Yesterday, I picked up two ladies, who appeared to be in their late 60s. Where are you headed? They replied that they were attending a Tom Jones concert. They enthusiastically discussed him at length, demonstrating their devotion as ardent fans. Upon arriving at the drop-off location, I was struck by the unusually large number of attendees over the age of 65. I wonder if the demographics of the audience have any bearing on the performance.

  As I drive around, I have been encountering members of the older generation. I provide them with transportation to their doctor's appointments and assist with their grocery shopping. Many of them no longer have a loved one to care for them. Despite this, they are kind and possess a great sense of humor. They simply desire to engage in pleasant conversation. I had the pleasure of transporting an 86-year-old lady who still resides in the same house she has lived in for forty years. She had purchased plants and potting soil, and I was happy to assist her in loading these items into the trunk. She had carefully arranged the plants in a crate to ensure their safe transport. As I gently placed the plants in the trunk, she followed closely behind with the potting soil. I offered to assist her, but she declined, stating that she didn't mind a little work. As we began our journey home, she shared with me her experiences growing up on a farm in New Mexico. Her father had taught her how...

  As a driver, I always strive to be courteous and engaging in conversation. While I wouldn't describe myself as exceptionally intelligent, I possess a broad range of knowledge, similar to Cliff Clavin. I typically find common ground with my passengers. My phone alerted me to another fare in my queue, and I recognized the pickup location as a bar in the Melrose District, known for its LGBTQ-friendly restaurants and bars. The elderly man I picked up appeared slightly inebriated, with bloodshot eyes and disheveled hair. I remarked, "It looks like you've had a great time." He nodded, mentioning he had been drinking since brunch. It was around 5 pm when I picked him up. "Did you enjoy your day?" I inquired. This question sparked a detailed account of his day. I always aim to get my passengers talking, as it seems to improve their mood. He shared that he was now alone, following the passing of his husband. I mentioned that I, too, was alone. "What can you do...

As I drive around, I really don't know what to expect for a pickup. I arrived at an extended stay hotel. I see the lady with garbage bags with her. Then her partner comes out with a handful of bags and a suitcase. They fill up the trunk of the car barely. I asked, "why are you moving?" The man tells me "damn government housing funds ran out." "We have to move and start over." I see we were going to another extended hotel. I asked, "do you work?" I'm looking at him through the mirror. "Nah," he said. "I haven't worked in 3 years." "We get government assistance." I looked puzzled, "how does that work?" Lady says, "I'm disabled because I'm an addict." "So they pay me." I dropped them off and wondered how someone can live like this. Drugs are a burden not just on family but all of us. We have to pay as a society

I recently met a remarkable woman. As is my custom, I inquired about her background. She shared with me that she is an artist working on a project to showcase her work, and she had numerous ideas for promoting her art. Like many artists, she had a multitude of thoughts and ideas. However, she also opened up about more significant personal challenges she is facing. I discovered that we share some common experiences, having both battled MRSA infections and lost spouses. We began to compare stories, and I found her fascinating. Her presence is radiant, and I hope her enthusiasm does not wane prematurely, much like the brief lifespan of an O-type blue star, which, despite its immense mass and luminosity, exhausts its fuel at an incredible rate. Were I twenty years younger, I might have considered asking her out. I wish her all the best in her pursuits.

  I had a pickup in Old Town Scottsdale. The wife was a beautiful young woman with a baby in her arm. The man was well dressed, pushing an Orbit baby stroller. I only knew this because I asked the wife. Upon further research, I found that the stroller costs over $1300. They began loading the stroller, which folded into a car seat. She offered to assist, but the man declined. I suspect he was inexperienced with this task. She made a noise with her tongue, prompting him to give her a look. She then proceeded to play with the child. The man had a 40oz container in the car seat. Despite appearing affluent, his behavior seemed inconsistent with his socioeconomic status. I noticed that the pickup location was Sugar Jam The Southern Kitchen. As we commenced our journey, his phone rang repeatedly. Based on the conversation, I deduced that he was a music producer. He mentioned being from New Orleans and invited me to look him up if I ever wanted to party. I thanked him for the invitation. S...

Occasionally, I am reminded of the heartbreak and trials I have endured. I am not alone in this experience. Everyone undergoes or will undergo challenging times. It is often said that one emerges stronger from such experiences. However, I do not feel stronger as a result of my experiences. Instead, I am more aware of what I have gone through. I have altered my persona to navigate my life. If you are currently experiencing a difficult period, please know that you are not alone and that God is love. You are loved by God, and having faith can be a source of comfort. I do not preach the gospel, but I want to share that my faith in God has been instrumental in helping me through my journey. Take a moment to step outside on this beautiful day and listen. Hear the birds singing and feel the gentle breeze on your face. This simple act brings me a sense of peace. God loves you and so do I.

As a driver, I have the opportunity to meet individuals from diverse backgrounds. Upon receiving a new fare, the app provides me with the rider's name. I've encountered a wide range of names, but one stood out in particular - Saucy Fish. The designated pickup location was a motel that appeared to be somewhat rundown, potentially offering hourly rentals. I always exercise caution when arriving at a new location, ensuring I'm aware of my surroundings. In this instance, I parked in an open spot, allowing me to observe the area around my vehicle. As I waited, a woman emerged from the motel, dressed in a bikini and a pink mesh bodysuit, complete with 8-inch pink high heels. She waved to acknowledge me. Upon entering the vehicle, I greeted her and inquired about her well-being. Her voice was distinctly feminine, which surprised me given her stature. She possessed a southern drawl, prompting me to ask about her origins. She replied that she was from Texas. We engaged in conversati...