He Rides With Me Always

08/10/2019

For any understanding of this story, I need to share a few facts before beginning the story. I grew up on the central coast of California. During the summertime breaks from school our grandparents would take turns having us visit them. One set resided in Spokane Washington, the other in Bend Oregon. The grandfather in Bend Oregon went by the name Granddad to us kids. I resemble him in body stature and skin color as the Hawaiian genes came through in me. It is only fitting that that when I became a grandfather I adopted the name Granddad as well. He retired to Bend Oregon after building and selling off a trucking company in California. To keep himself active he took up driving Taxi in Bend. I remember as a kid he would get up early have a cup of coffee while reading the newspaper and then drive away before the sun came up. He would return at lunchtime and he and I would sit and have a bologna sandwich and a soda and then he was off again until sunset. A fond memory for sure and I look forward to repeating it with my granddaughter Victoria Mae when she gets a bit older.

I started driving for Lyft exactly two days prior to becoming a grandfather. Victoria Mae arrived 3 months to the day premature. 1 pound 14 oz. She is a miracle baby. That was 14 months ago. As I learned that process of driving Lyft, I repeatedly stated that my grandfather would have loved driving for Lyft as the map is right there in front of you, and it gives you vocal cues when to turn if you so desire. He always had a huge map book of his area beside him in his cab. A powder blue 1950’s body styled Chevy with the company logo “Owl Taxi”. However My Granddad was a Ford man in his private life. He loved his Torino station wagons. Even had a Ford pickup truck, Avocado green and white with dents everywhere from use and abuse. My granddad passed away in 1997. During his time on his death bed he kept talking to my daughter. She was only one at the time, and we were in Colorado.

I bought a Ford Escape prior to beginning my stint with Lyft. I must admit I thought about him during the process of purchasing my Ford. How could I not. I popped for a model with all the bells and whistles. It has so far been the best purchase I have made in the way of cars. My first car was a 1976 Ford Mustang II Ghia … Also powder blue, 302 Boss Motor, four barrel carburetor. The light weight body and heavy power plant was a dream. Sally as I called her could pass anything but a gas station. I went through tires and fuel quickly. My Escape is named Pearl and she is my Granddad mobile that I rarely push past the posted speed limit.

As I stated before I have been with Lyft now for 14 months and I have had some weird experiences for sure. I enjoy the process for the most part. I compare it to a driving video game. The map shows you where you are at, the amount of rides and money you make is like keeping score. You earn extra by providing safe and friendly service.

Now I said everything above to actually get to this point to begin the story of a ride I had last night. As I have said I have had some strange occurrences while driving Lyft. I have been hit on by both men and women. I have heard confessions of all sorts. I have been on drug deals and transported all sorts around Colorado.

I began last night as I do every Friday night by doing a four ride streak that rewards you with a small bonus. I had some concert goers for my first ride.  A fourteen minute ride, which was not too shabby to begin with, then I caught a 5 minute ride a couple going to the bar from their house. I like when drinkers are smart. I also wish that I had had the option of Lyft when I was a young drunkard. My third ride in the streak was a 21 minute ride going toward a truck stop that I really enjoy the coffee from. He and I had a great conversation and I confided in him I was glad he took me the direction we went so I could refresh my coffee. I was thinking I could get one last short ride and then high tail it for the truck stop for a refill on my java. My final ride popped in a 70+ minute ride north. I was slightly miffed as I really needed a refill but chose to complete the bonus run.

I drove to the pickup location expecting a male as the name on the app was distinctively male. I was greeted by a female who stated that her boyfriend had ordered her the ride and that we were going to Loveland. I didn’t mind because I had been to Loveland a few weeks ago. I figured we had a long ride ahead of us, so I have better get some conversation started. I asked her what he name was. She replied Sharon (Not the real name changed to protect her anonymity) She did say she preferred to go by Storm. I asked her why and she stated it was a nickname she acquired when she was struck by lightning as teen. I told her we had something in common as I was struck by lightning in my early 20’s and we exchanged our stories about how we were struck by lightning. I got to the end of my story and lamented that sadly I did not gain any super human powers. She said stated she had when she got struck. I asked what those powers were. She stated she didn’t want me to freak out but that she saw dead spirits. I must admit I was thinking at first whack-a-doo however she continued. She said she didn’t want me to freak out but there is an older gentleman who wanted her to convey that he rides with me always.

I had the hair on the back of my neck stand on end and also got goose bumps on my arms immediately. I stated that my Granddad was a taxi driver back in the 70’s and she nodded and looked in the passenger seat as if she was seeing something I wasn’t. She stated yep that’s him without even looking at me.

It was all kind of creepy but also kind of heartwarming.  I have to say we spoke of spiritual things for the rest of the ride and I believe that I was destined to transport this woman. She had other incite as to another spirit that is haunting me, but I will leave that portion unspoken as I feel I need to keep that close and personal.

We did eventually reach our destination; I dropped her off and began the long trek back to Denver. I had my app open with the directional destination set for my home area. I did stop at a different truck stop for coffee and a snack. I remained parked there for a bit listening to my overnight trucking radio network pondering the things said on my last ride. After finishing my snack I rolled off into the darkness of the Colorado early morning realizing that I am not alone. No matter where my Lyft adventures take me. I have a co-pilot. He rides with me always.

Author's Note

This story is true and I wanted to capture it as quick as I could after it happening.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

incredible story Sir Underhill! i want to know more .. didn't you have things to ask and say to, and hear from, your Grand Da!?? and i sure want to know more about her .. my goodness .. this is a true story that can easily become fiction as you might develop a dang movie from it .. Taxi driver, lighting strikes, and spirits .. sheesh .. and it just not fair mentioning the "other spirit" and then say you can't tell ;) what a very special experience sir! not to mention your own story of being struck ... wow!
E.
ps. love your Grand Da .. and i don't even know him aside from the picture you draw for us .. and we have a Ford Escape too ;)

[J Todd Underhill]

The other message was not actually from a spirit, it was about spirits and what becomes of them in certain circumstances. I really would rather keep that bit private as it is something that has troubled me for years. I know I heard similar theories on a radio show about the matter less than a week before; making it all that much more creepy on the second message. I really did not want to pursue any questioning of my Granddad as he has chosen of all things to do in his after life to ride along on my adventures. and that is comforting enough. The lady herself was not too strange and I have to say if she was looking at me for a reaction I would have thought her a scam artist. She was actually looking from the back seat into the front passenger like she was actually acknowledging a presence.

[Einstein Noodle]

ahhhhhhhh no need, really, to explain my friend ;) but i appreciate it and have a deep respect for the Spiritual and our spirits ... was trying to say it has great potential, in my mind, to make a bigger story of one kind or another. i am a big fan of Dean Koontz and use to like Stevie King as well ;) love on ya brother!
E.

[Patricia Wedel]

Bless you... a Co-Pilot is always with you. I read your story determined to keep
reading... until the ending. I do believe. truly, Pat