I utilize the VIA Para transportation service, and I will usually have different drivers, but occasionally, I will encounter a familiar face. Recently, a driver asked me, as soon as I entered the vehicle, if I still worked at a place he remembered taking me to. His question threw me off because of the place he mentioned I had not worked at in over two years. Unfortunately, he did not look familiar to me, so my memory was not serving me well then. He explained that as soon as I started talking, he remembered me and my personality and that I looked different. At that moment, my thought was whether this could be a good or bad thing. He had just picked me up from the gym, so I was not looking my best. He also remembered me often telling funny stories about my mom and dad and being their caregiver. As the conversation continued, I relaxed and realized this was a good thing.
This encounter made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. It was a reminder that while I am on the transportation service, which, due to being a rideshare, can be a quick trip or an hour and a half to two hours long, to take the time to share a friendly hello and thank you to the driver and conversation if the driver is open to it. I never know who I will encounter on my trips, but I hope to brighten someone’s day with a smile, hello, and thank you.
The World of Dlo 