Last week I had the opportunity to meet a unique individual.
In my “day job” as a security officer, I deal with many truck drivers from around the country. Last week I met a truck driver - a gentleman - I will never forget.
This gentleman was born and raised in a country formerly part of the USSR. Though he had little formal education, he has mastered 4 languages. Unfortunately none of them were English. After meeting some people from the USA, he decided to make our country his.
He could not afford to take formal classes in English, so he borrowed every English speaking movie he could get his hands on. He would watch the movies and repeat the dialog. He watched at least two movies per day for several years. He now has the soundtracks memorized from every Clint Eastwood movie.
When he came to this country he decided that the best way to see the entire country was to become a truck driver.
He worked three jobs for a year and saved enough to put down half of the price of a new Semi.
What impressed me most about this gentleman? He could not go more than 2 minutes without praising this country! Waat A Cooontry! (What a country!). Among the things he said;
In this country, ANYONE can become ANYTHING they want! (Picture the butcher in Fiddler on the Roof saying this)
When he was growing up, you could tell who the rich people in town were. They could afford to buy an orange at the grocery store!
Growing up, they could buy apples for about 5-6 weeks per year. He was amazed when he found out that we can buy apples year round!
“On my truck I have only the American Flag”, he pointed out with pride. ” I am proud of where I came from, but I live now in the world’s greatest country!”
I could go on and one, but instead let me jump to how this chance encounter has affected me.
If this person has been able to achieve his wildest dreams by hard work and determination, what excuse do you and I have for falling short?
We fail to see how great this country is. We see the flaws and overlook the strengths.
We forget about our freedoms that others just dream of.
From time to time, I am going to remind myself, “Waat A Cooontry!”
Tags: What a country!
I printed this and have it framed in my office. This is a great country. Thanks for reminding me!
It is too bad that someone from another country can see what those of us born here can not. You are lucky to have met this guy!
Keep sharing stories like this one Carl.