Brooklynn:

Thank you for your patience, your help and the smile in your voice.

There are two ways to view this job.

One, get them in the car, get them where they are going, get them out. I’ve met drivers like that.

The other includes understanding.

I’ve been a passenger.

I’ve been driven to get my teeth cleaned.

I’ve been driven to my oncologist where I will maybe learn I’m dying.

I’ve been driven to life-changing surgery.

The “Back Seat” can be a terrifying place.

Having been there, I have empathy for the passenger. I chat with them, let them know that if there’s anything I can do to make them more comfortable, I’m there for them.

Sometimes nothing happens. Sometimes they chat. Sometimes we connect.

If the passenger tells me they used to hunt for Lions Mane Mushrooms on The Peninsula, I tell them about the surprising Morels that suddenly appeared in my backyard. We connect, we discover we’re both “Foodies”.

If they have doubts about their provider, I’ve had doubts too and reassure them that care requires trust.

If they tell me they’re finally on the list for a kidney transplant I’m excited for them and I let them know that! If they tell me about the months and tests and travel in the process I joke about how, “it’s not like on Greys Anatomy, is it?” We laugh together.

When appropriate, I try to better their day.

And still, I am 100% professional, always encouraging, always 100% on their side and I will think of them and remember them. And I really do.

I’m not the “get there” driver.

Am I friends with them? No, but if I can share that I understand their challenges and that I am one of the many, many others who have been through medical adventures, I try to ease their day if I can.

There are daily challenges in the job; tailgaters, red lights, traffic jams, road construction, hours with nothing to do. My personal challenges with the job are my own. I don’t share those.

But if there’s something I can say or do that is uplifting, encouraging, understanding, I do those things even though they aren’t part of the job. I want their time in my van to be comfortable, positive, maybe even a memorable few minutes.

While my time with ASM was short lived, I’m proud of the moments when I could make a passenger’s day a little less intimidating, a little less drudgery.

I try to put a smile on both of our faces.

I will find another home for my strengths.

P.S. This is copyrighted, if ASM tries to use it in training, I will sue. (I was a sales trainer for years and what’s mine is mine. But I still thank you Brooklynn.)