03/09/2025
Could Not Believe My Luck
I cannot disclose exactly what series of events led me to the following experience, there are NDAs in place. I can tell you about the experience, but I do not have picture proof. Let me set the stage. I was in our Mercedes Sprinter Van, helping the 10 or so passengers load their luggage into the back compartment. After loading their materials, they would get into the van. One scruffy dude asked me if I had a step stool, and I said, “I am sorry, no. Who is it for?” He stated that he had someone wanting to sit in the front seat.
OK, as chauffeurs, the front seat area is multipurpose. We use it as our mobile office, a purse and personal bag access area, a luggage compartment and storage for cleaning supplies. In the Sprinter, we usually push the seat all the way forward so that ingress and egress is easier. Therefore, when someone wants to sit in the front, I need to move a few things around.
Since we cater to our customers, I ran around, grabbed the few items I had stored in the front seat, slid the seat back and held open the door for the scruffy dude. He said, “Thanks” and I returned to loading up the cargo area.
Once everyone was packed up, situated and ready to roll, I closed the doors and hoisted myself into the driver’s seat. I glanced to my right expecting the scruffy dude, and my passenger looked over at me. I immediately recognized his clear blue eyes that twinkled when he smiled that slightly crooked smile. He says “Hi, I am Lee Majors” and puts out his hand for me to shake.
Now, of course, my inner voice is saying, “Be cool Shawn, just be cool”. In an instant, the great parts of my childhood flooded my mind, from family adventures to our home time together. Our family watched his shows, as a family. We did not miss the Friday night “Six Million Dollar Man” or the Wednesday night “Fall Guy”.
(For you younger readers, this was back in the day that we had 3 channels and one family tv. There was no way to record a program, nor view it on your own time. You either saw it, or you didn’t. If you missed an episode, you would have to wait for re-runs later in the season.)
And, for the first time in my life, I had a great response at the appropriate time.
I looked over at Mr. Lee Majors, I said, “Hi, I am Shawn. But I don’t think I have enough insurance to transport the Six Million Dollar Man.” He waited a beat, smiled and said, “Eh, I am 85 years old, I am only worth 500K.”
Mr. Lee Majors, it was a pleasure and an honor to be your driver. Your presence in our front seat is the highlight of my year.