Fuel for Thought

Pulling The Cord

One long standing tradition for truck drivers is the arm pump. More often it will be kids, but from time to time you will find some adults who will motion for you to pull the air horn with the famous arm pump. While kids find this gesture amusing, maybe even thrilling, for many a weary truck driver, this simple gesture, when followed through with the corresponding action of pulling the air horn cord, will result in smiles for all those involved. This simple request can really brighten a tired truck driver’s day and give the child some satisfaction in their world of being told what to do and when to do it, they have the rare opportunity to tell the adult what to do and have it be done willingly and happily.
Recently, I encountered a very rare occurrence. Not only did I get the arm pump from a kid in another vehicle, but I received the unicorn of air horn requests. One morning as I was approaching a school bus full of what looked to be elementary school children on the interstate, as I was looking to the left lane for an opportunity to pass the slow moving bus, I saw a couple of kids in the back windows frantically giving the arm pump. I, of course, obliged their request and gave the air horn a couple of short bursts. As I moved over to the left lane to pass, with a big smile I looked over to wave at the kids and what did I see, the entire bus load of kids were pumping their arms in every window. As my smile grew even bigger, I blasted away on the air horn as I passed by the bus. Those kids all had the biggest grins you ever seen from a bus load of kids. It really brightened my day. The bus driver however, when I looked over, didn’t seem quite as happy about it, but he handled it. It was only a mile or two later that I was stuck behind a slow moving truck going up a mountain and lo and behold, what do I see as I crept up the mountain, but the same bus now in the left lane slowly catching up to me. As the bus passed me by, all the kids were now waving and smiling at me. A simple request, a simple act, so much joy brought to so many.
I’ve known team drivers who say they will not blow the air horn for requests because it disturbs the sleeping co driver. I get it, but I can promise you this, if I am passing you and a kid in a car in front or behind you gives me the arm pump, I will be pulling the cord. There are so many noises out on the road, even team drivers should give up the brief disturbance to bring so much happiness to the child who gives you the universal sign to toot your air horn.

Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.
-   Oscar Wilde

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
-   Dalai Lama

The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.
-   Robert Baden-Powell

See you down the road,
Greg