Vanjones.net

Trucks and Daughters….. 11/10/16

I keep my posts to a circle of friends and I have never put one out to the masses. But today, I feel compelled to share something with you. During this campaign cycle, I have admired your professionalism, passion, and dignity. When controversy heats up, your ability to explain your position while not offending others is unmatched. That’s why I offer this story to you.

Today, while driving home from an appointment, I was in deep thought over the results of the Presidential election. I watched news reports last night which showed multiple protests throughout our country. The hurt and sense of hopelessness is deep, and very real. Black, White, Latino, Asian, Muslim, LGBT, women, men, children…. no one is exempt.

As I drive, I que up Michael Kiwanuka’s album “Love & Hate” and play track two, “Black Man in a White World”. Although I’ve listened to this song dozens of times, I want to truly absorb the words today, the day after the results of this election became final, reality sets in, and people either celebrate or cry. Two lines I have missed before ring out now; “I don’t mind who I am, I don’t mind who you are.”

As I approach a gas station to fill up my truck, I see an almost identical black truck in the station, facing the opposite direction I am going but with an open pump right next to it. Standing next to the truck is a black man, younger than me, powerfully built, with multiple tattoos, and a full beard. I could have picked any other spot, but I chose this one to get a close look at the vehicle, and possibly meet a stranger. So here we are, two truck owners, one black man, one white man (yeah, that’s me), pumping gas directly across from each other. The words are in my head, “I don’t mind who I am, I don’t mind who you are.” The first step is mine:

Me: Great looking truck

Him: (surprised look) Thanks

Me: It’s almost just like mine. What year is it?

Him: 2008. How about yours?

Me: 2006. I’ve have it ten years now. Have you ever had any problems with yours?

Him: No. Just a few minor things. You?

Me: Yeah, I have this engine ticking and the dealer says about $2,000 to fix it.

Him: Awe, these trucks ALL have that problem. My buddy has the same noise.

Me: (I extend my hand). By the way, I’m Bill

Him: (His face lights up with a big smile). My name is Bill too..!!!

Me: This is too weird. Two black trucks, both of us named Bill?!

Bill: (yeah, now he’s not just Him). This is crazy. (He looks at my license plate). I might have to play that number tonight!

We talk about trucks, the cover he just bought for the back of his, what I like about mine. The pump clicks, the truck is full, and we both get ready to leave. Bill is wearing a shirt that says, ”Father of a Princess” and it has a print of a big pink bow.

Me: That’s a great shirt

Bill: Yeh, thanks.

Me: Do you have a daughter?

Bill: (Huge smile) Yeah, I have two!!

Me: I have one myself. Nice talking to you. Have a good one.

Bill: You too.

A pretty simple encounter that I will not forget.

I am sure if we had spent more time talking, we would have found that we have a lot more in common, more than trucks and daughters….

There is a lot of goodness in people. We all need to take small steps and put ourselves in the position of others. We don’t have to agree, but dialog will surely begin the process of healing our hearts, taming our egos, and creating a respect for our differences.