A Modification

…The police did want to speak with me and their questions were to the point.” What time did I see him? Did I know him? What time I told my supervisor? Do I use or do I know anyone one that uses, or sells heroin?” I had to say “no” to all of them. They took my name and number and told me they would give me a call if they had any other questions. I shook my head and said “OK.” They left and my supervisor filled me in on the details. His name was Darrel and he had been driving for UPS for the past 6 years. A long distance driver for them as well. He had a young wife and a year old child. The wife would be coming in to sign paperwork. She was in shock. I felt bad for her and the now fatherless child. I asked, “did any one know he had a drug habit?” My boss shook his head no, and apparently his wife didn’t know either. I shook my head and went back to the dock to help Sam unload trailers. While we worked I informed Sam what had happened earlier.

… Sam said he knew Darrel but he didn’t know he had a drug habit. They had a couple of beers together at one of the local bars. Sam felt it was too bad. He has a real nice wife and a young son. He had met them both. Sam changed the subject and wanted me to know of something else that was happening at our terminal. He informed me that the “big shots” were here from Atlanta. That usually meant there would be changes. I questioned him on “what kind of changes?” He didn’t know, but the last time they were here, they increased the amount of volume this terminal was handling, and our work load doubled. That’s why they hired all the part-time college students. I was part of that recruitment. Sam was here a whole lot longer than I, and I took his concern seriously. I was hoping I would still have a job.

… As we were finishing up my supervisor wanted to see me in his office. Wow, making changes already I thought. However, when I got there it wasn’t anything about my job. In front of me sat a very pretty young lady with hazel green eyes that were red and puffy. A young boy with blue eyes and blonde hair was sitting on her lap pulling her blonde hair. I knew who she was. Sam’s description of her being “real nice” was an understatement. You could get lost in her eyes even though they were red from crying. I was wondering why my boss wanted me. I must of had that look when he stated, “Melissa felt she needed to say thank you.” At the same time the young boy on her lap reached up for me to hold him. My hair was long like his fathers and I had mutton sideburns but no goatee or mustache. She raised him up to me and I held him. He was obviously tired as he laid his head on my shoulder.

..I explained I was very sorry for her and her son’s loss, and they have my sincere condolences. The room was complete silence for what seemed forever. She then said, “Thank you again.” I handed her back her son, and my boss informed her the company would be in touch. She left his office and I was completely numb. I must of looked like it because my boss said, “that was tough.” Another understatement I thought. I was drained emotionally now and physically tired from unloading the trucks. I just wanted to shower and go to bed forgetting this day. My boss informed me that Darrel had just cashed his paycheck and had over $3000.00 dollars in his wallet. They were grateful nobody else found him before I did. I thought out loud this time feeling really exhausted, “I may be a lot of things in this world boss, but a scoundrel isn’t one of them!” I left to punch out on the time clock ending my shift. ..My Life’s Journey continued..