Conversations, Characters and a Ride share - 5th

Dream to Reality

The last post was my tribute to dreamers, and this one is a story of one who couldn’t stop dreaming. One who realized a dream and then dreamt again and realized that to just dream again and kept the cycle going. I know I cant do full justice to his story, but still will share to my best effort.

I landed in Pittsburgh and had 2 hours before my 1st meeting. Somehow, I decided against waiting and heading direct to the meeting location. I am glad that I did, as I could meet my most interesting ride share driver.

He must have been in early 70's. Wearing a neatly ironed button-down shirt he greeted me with a smile and excellent mannerism. I stepped on the front seat and we started chatting. I usually don't come at airport he said but today was different. So what places you usually go to? I asked. See I am a full-time grandfather who part time does other things. Usually I take my 4 grandchildren to various classes and places and offer ride shares in between. That is interesting, I smiled. Yes, family is a beautiful thing. I came to know the value of family while living alone for many years. Aha that can be a story worth listening to, I thought. When and why were you alone. In my youth I worked for secret services. For many years I was posted in Europe, secret ops. So, I was not allowed to even befriend anyone. So, it was a lonely time. My awesome wife lived in Pennsylvania, I will visit her twice a year, 1 week each time. That is when I realized how important she was and how important family is. I could somewhat relate to what He said. But you were serving the nation keeping everyone safe and sacrificing family life for that is a proud thing. I tried to pep talk him. He grinned, you sound like someone from secret service days. Honestly, I see myself as the peace maker. There was Intel that we gathered and shared which could help avoid conflicts, so I sure am proud of it. Also no regrets on family front, I made up for lost family life and friendships after I moved from secret services to local police department. And then retired early. My older son is a doctor and younger works for federal government. And my wife is as beautiful and caring as she was 30 years ago. 

Great I am happy for you. Must be an amazing life working for secret services then police department and raising a wonderful family and finally retiring to become a full-time grandfather. Very exciting life if you look from my vantage point.

Yes, but being a full-time granddad is like a day job. Evenings are different. I knew that moment that the story had a new chapter. I am all ears I said. So, evenings, well two weekdays and both weekend days I play drums in my band. Yep have a band.  I wanted to learn some music ever since I was a kid. But never had chance, about 4 years ago I attempted to learn something. Actually; anything would have been okay with me. But my music teacher told me that I had good sense of rhythm and asked me to try drums. I was surprised at discovering that I had good sense of rhythm, he chuckled. So, now my drums are my 2nd love, of-course my wife stays on the top rank. We started our band. The lead guitarist is a 60-year-old neuro-surgeon youngest in the band. Our lead singer is my age and a retired professor, keyboard guy is an old grumpy soul who would never share what he does outside the band life. We don't dare ask too. I think either mafia or secret service, he broke into a laugh as he said. But good thing we play at the plaza and now we have started having some shows. We will be playing in the local fair next month. 

I am impressed I said, so is that all or something else? He laughed, no that is all, for now. May be one day we will sign a big Hollywood contract. I hope I retire as good as you, when I do. Don't just hope he said, Plan. We all plan our life, our jobs, promotions, weekends, vacations and everything. But when the age hits we just retire, without planning. I see that same as committing slow suicide. So, if you know what I mean, plan for retirement. And please don't plan the way your bank would say, how much money will you have and how your medical will be taken care of etc. Plan what will you do in your time. Plan how will you celebrate life and not having to go to an office every day. Plan what will you give to people around you. 

Yes sir, I hear you. I’ve seen someone else like you who lives a few thousand miles away and proudly I will add, he is my father. I wish two of you could meet one day and compare notes. I said while getting out of the car. Why not? he responded, bring him to Pittsburgh next month on 20th he will be my guest for the concert. 

I know I couldn’t keep my promise and see your concert, but I also know one day I will be able to do that. You with your band and your thinking will not be difficult to find, next I visit Pittsburgh Sir. But before signing off I will sincerely thank you for your valuable advise and request all my friends and family reading this go through the retirement plan paragraph again and make a commitment to your selves. We all can be comparing notes a few decades away to see who planned it well.

Conversations, Characters and a Ride share - 4th

Dreamers 
Here are some small snippets of professions that few of my ride share drivers were from, This is a tribute to few of the many dreamers I’ve met on these ride shares.

It was snowing and I was in my business suit when I rode the vehicle. The driver was very polite, from the way he spoke he reminded me of an old friend. So I asked if he too was from central Africa, just like my friend. Qui! he responded. I am from Cameroon. That was an instant conversation starter. What do you do Sir, he asked? I work for a consulting firm I responded. I want to do something like that, he said. But very few opportunities in my field of expertise, he sighed. What field will be that? I asked. I worked in Cameroon for a cellphone service provider. I was a BSS engineer. He mentioned. Most of my friends tell me that in the US only way to get a good job in technology is if you are a software engineer. I am trying to earn money by driving and helping some businesses on their WiFi network maintenance to earn enough to learn software development. I started as a BSS engineer in India almost 20 years ago, I said. And I still work in telecom industry, I handed him my business card; Send me your resume if you want and may be something can work on BSS or network side for you. His eyes sparkled. After a few days he was working as a Network engineer with one of my friend’s firm. Ironically now after a few years he is an expert in enterprise WiFi. He occasionally calls me and we do talk about that day he picked me from my house to drop me to the airport. I always feel that I recommended his name to my friend because I had felt his passion for his dream, when I had met him. I am glad that I was in his car that day else how would I tell my friend that he owes his best performer to my recommendation. One day I will get a chance to work with you my friend, you know you are worth it.

Another day, late evening from airport to home I met another dreamer. He was driving the ride share from 7pm to 11pm daily as he told me. What do you do before 7, I asked? Oh, I work for The airlines from 9am to 6pm. Curently, I am a baggage handler. But I will not be that for long. He said in a gritty voice. I am working in my degree in avionics. I know I started late, but while growing up I never had thought about a career. I started as a porter at the Airport and then learnt how much fun engineering can be. So I work long hours on weekdays and attend school over weekends. You know what, I was interviewed by a major airline last week and I think I will fill a role in engineering team. They are giving me a trainee role till I graduate. I am impressed, I said, you sure should be proud of yourself. I am sir he replied, but more than that my wife and my 5 year old son are proud of me. That is what I want to see more than anything. 
Dream on my friend as the world is made a better place by those who dream. I said.  I could see proud in his smile when I was leaving the car. I knew I have a story to tell my kids that night. 

I hope I see the other side of his story one day. I am sure he has fulfilled his dream by now. And I hope he already had his next dream. Because dreamers make the world worthwhile.


I remember writing an article many years ago and there was a line that have kept me going on the dream chase sharing that while we are talking of dreamers- 
 Dreams don't have handles to hold on to; but they do have wings ! 

So all dreamers out there, just don't hold back, nurture them and one day your dreams will spread the wings and fly, taking you along!