a man and his son

The majority of fares I drive around town tend to be forgettable. Yesterday, however, I had the pleasure of meeting an individual who left an indelible mark. I picked him up downtown at a hospital, where he appeared visibly exhausted and troubled. As is my custom, I greeted him with a courteous hello and inquiry about his well-being, which helps me gauge the tone for the ride. John took a deep breath and assured me he was fine, though I sensed otherwise. May I ask who you'll be visiting? He shared with me that his six-month-old son was on a respirator. I allowed him to share his story, and I listened attentively to his situation. This was a twenty-minute ride, affording him ample opportunity to express himself. When he finished speaking, I could discern a sense of relief in his voice, having unburdened himself. He then inquired about my motivation for driving for Lyft. I shared a brief overview of my circumstances. After sharing my story, I wanted to impart a message of hope and resilience, emphasizing that no matter how bleak life may seem, faith and hope can provide solace and guidance. Having experienced similar challenges firsthand, I felt compelled to share this message. As I dropped him off, I noticed an old El Camino in the driveway, which sparked a conversation about the vehicle. I allowed him to share his ideas and enthusiasm for the car, and as we parted ways, I offered a final thought: how remarkable it will be when your son drives this car. His demeanor lifted, and a smile crossed his face.