An Act of Kindness - Bastille

"An act of kindness

Is what you showed to me

It caught me by surprise

In this town of glass and ice

Kindness,

So many people passed me by

But you warmed me to my core

And you left me wanting more

Oh I, got a feeling this will shake me down

Oh, I'm kind of hoping this will turn me round

Oh I, got a feeling that however small

Oh, I'm kind of hoping this will reach my soul

And now it follows me every day

And now it follows me every day, every day, every day"

Well, it's been a minute since I last posted. I spent another 6 months on the road and had tons of adventures which I will start catching everyone up on. I am going to post in random order, starting with an interaction with a U-Haul Trailer employee in Pearl, Mississippi, named Eboni.

Driving a bus and towing a vehicle lots of miles, often means mechanical issues come up (some driver caused, and some some just happen). While driving back east in December, I failed to ensure the wires that connect the lights of the jeep to the bus, were not dragging on the ground, and I noticed at a gas station that the wire had dragged for hundreds of miles, frayed, and the jeep lights were not working as a result. It was dark and rainy, and I have no idea how long I was driving dangerously. I was in Mississippi, it was 9 pm and I had my first experience camping in a Walmart parking lot. I felt pretty safe as a nice airstream parked there as well. In the morning, I spent 3 hours trying to find a replacement cord for my particulate set-up and was unsuccessful. My last attempt to find a cord was at a U-Haul Trailer and Hitch business in Jackson, Mississippi. I went in and found what I thought might work, and as I was outside at the bus beginning to see if what I purchased would work, Eboni approached. Eboni works at U-Haul, and was intrigued by the bus. She asked about it, I told her my story, asked if she wanted to peek her head in (people are so curious), which she did. Eboni, who I just met, peeked inside, complimented how cool it was and said with sincerity, "I love this for you." Eboni was cheering on the happiness of a stranger. We all should be Ebonies.

Eboni then asked what I was doing at U-haul and I explained. She did a quick assessment of what i purchased and said, "Let me help you. This won't work. I got you."

I. Got. You.

As we walked to the office, we exchanged names, she asked more about the bus, what I was doing, and I couldn't help but notice her huge, authentic smile. I told her, "I cannot say enough how much your kindness, friendliness, and willingness to help, means to me. I have been trying to solve this problem for hours". Eboni responded, "My goal in life is to be a millionaire so I am practicing kindness now." I laughed and said I never heard anyone put it that way, and I absolutely hoped her dream comes true.

We walked inside, she found what I needed, and then Eboni came outside and installed magnetic lights (they also didn't have the cord I needed but at least I could drive safely and get a cord delivered to where I stay in NC). In addition, Eboni, along with two co-workers, secured the wires with zip ties for safety and security. Eboni told her co-workers about my bus life story, they also peeked inside, loved the bus, and asked questions. It was a memorable interaction.

I went into U-Haul stressed about my safety, exhausted, and yet I left uplifted. As I drove away, I honked and Eboni gave me a huge wave and smile.

I've said it before, life on the road isn't always the breath-taking views. It's no different than stationary living - it has its ups and downs. The difference on the road is, you are typically far from trusted friends, resources (mechanics, plumbers etc.), so you are forced to solve problems yourself and/or rely on the help of strangers. It requires leaps of faith, choosing to trust, and following your intuition to keep you safe. When an Eboni is gifted into your space for just a moment, you are thankful. And inspired.

Eboni, you are a gift. I will always remember the sincere care, kindness, and interest you CHOSE to show. I have a feeling you make that choice every day, and those who enter your orbit are lucky. (Eboni is in the center - looking fabulous). #UhaulFamous