09/01/2024
“I don’t care if you’re a garbage truck driver, be the best damn garbage truck driver you can be”~ F. Adamany
It’s extremely late on this Saturday night/early Sunday morning, however you want to look at it, and I’m still laying here wide awake trying to get to sleep…still exhausted both mentally and physically from what I’d say was the most brutal week of work weather I’ve ever endured since I became a delivery driver. I’ve been heavy in thought about this all week, and It all brings to memory 2 ‘polar opposite’ statements made to me regarding certain ‘blue collar’ professions such as mine, but what stands out most were those very words above spoken to me by my dear late uncle.
That advice (to me) has a two-fold significance in my life. The first time he spoke those words was after I got fired from my corporate job as a young 27 year old, aspiring advertising professional. And after the resulting and very exhaustive search for another job failed to land me my ‘dream’ career as an advertising manager, both he and my father came alongside me and encouraged me to take whatever I could get. (I happened to make it as one of 2 final candidates for that exact position at 3 different Rockford area corporations), yet wasn’t the one selected at any of them. That was a very discouraging and rather humbling season in my life. However, I’m so glad I ultimately listened to them. Taking their advice, humbling myself and a resulting change of attitude eventually made all the difference in the world. And that renewed mindset and vision soon led me into starting what would become a successful, 2-decade long business in the arts. I’ve no need to explain any further…other than I’m very proud of everything I achieved in those years…
They say all good things must come to an end. And that they did! And upon yet another very tough season later in life, I would again hear those exact same words. My career in the arts came to a crashing halt with the Great Recession of 2008, sending me into a personal tailspin, ultimately causing me to lose what was most important to me.
Fast forward another 10 years, and faced with being jobless and alone, I once again leaned on that same advice given me out of love 25 years earlier, after accepting a position as a delivery driver. I was not looked down upon, but was loved and encouraged by 2 of the most influential and successful men in my life. Not shaming me for what failed in the past, but rather urging me to do my best at what would be a totally new and different venture for me, encouraging me to not look back, just forward to what lay ahead and where it would lead me.
Having recently returned ‘full duty’ after a very frustrating setback-a 2-1/2 year long injury situation, I’m very happy to announce I’m feeling much better and am looking forward to the future. And for now, I’m really enjoying a new route area and my many new and awesome customers!!! A huge shout out of gratitude to everyone who has supported me and prayed for me during this ordeal…Thank you so much!!! And trust me, I haven’t forgotten about art, so keep your eyes open for new art (& music) coming out next year!!
And on a final note-to all my fellow drivers, and all my other ‘brothers and sisters’ out there busting your ‘you know whats’ doing whatever work you do in this blazing heat-here’s to you all…I salute you! Keep up the great work. It’s appreciated! Thanks for all you do…Peace! ❤️
