Disguised as a truck driver.


Sometimes angels can be found in the most unlikely places.

It had taken me nearly 10 hours to get just north of Atlanta from St. Petersburg, Florida. The weather had been cloudy, occasionally rainy, nothing that would cause any problems or delay. Now as darkness arrived, the sky opened up and torrents fell. It became more and more difficult to see and to complicate matters the traffic was horrendous. Stopping seemed the wise decision. Unfortunately, at each exit the hotels were expensive so I drove on.

As I approached Chattanooga the weather worsened and fog arrived. Now stopping was more than an option, it became a necessity. I was fearful about driving over the mountains in such conditions.

Apparently I wasn’t the only one who wanted to be cautious. Now each hotel at the exits were full – no vacancies. My mind started to play the “if only game.” If only I had stopped and paid the higher rate I would be safe and sound now. It is rarely productive to play this game so I stopped and tried to figure out what to do.

Number one, I needed gas. So I found the nearest gas station. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself. Called a friend and that helped to sooth me. Now out into the rain and fill my tank. It is amazing how wet a lady can get filling her car (smile). It didn’t help the overall feeling that the temperatures were in the 30’s (yuck).

When I went into the convenience store to pay for the gas, I noticed that a large semi was in the parking lot and what appeared to be the driver was talking to the clerk. Courage came to me as I went up to him and asked, “Are you going over the mountains towards Nashville?” He said he was enroute to his home in Nashville. I asked, “May I follow you? I am nervous about driving in the fog and rain and if I can follow your lights and the reflectors on the back of your truck that would be great.” He said his name was Jack and that he would be happy to help me out. I smiled and told him, “Thank you so much. I’m Judy. If I see a billboard for a hotel as we go along, I am going to pull off and stay there tonight if they have availability.” He smiled and off we went.

I felt confident as I followed his lights, 5 across the top and 6 along the bottom with reflectors outlining the back of the truck. The rain was pouring and the fog made visibility difficult. As we reached the top of one of the mountains there was a billboard for a hotel nestled among large warehouses selling FIREWORKS. I turned on my blinker and was surprised to see the truck do the same.

We both pulled into the Best Western parking lot. I told him it wasn’t necessary for him to wait. I didn’t wish to hold him up but he was concerned that if there wasn’t any room I wouldn’t have his lights to lead me on. Sure enough the hotel was sold out. Jack noticed a Holiday Inn Express across the way. Thankfully, they had one room left.

The rain was pouring. Jack helped me get my luggage inside. He was a gentleman remaining at the door as I placed them in the room. I thanked him and ask what I could do to repay his kindness. I offered my business card so he could contact me if he ever needed anything; I even offered him money for his trouble. He declined it all with a smile. He said, “Judy lets just keep it Judy and Jack. I am glad I could help you when you needed it. Maybe someone will help my wife or daughter if they need it.” With that he shook my hand and left to go to Nashville to his family.

Sometimes angels can be found in the most unlikely places.