My dad is a Proud NYC Taxi driver, he has been ever since before I was born, I believe, so that would be about 40 years or so.
My dad doesn't have any 401K Plan or any professional service "end of year bonus." At 70 Plus, he drives his car, he politely and expeditiously takes his passengers to wherever they need to go.
Recently my dad began working with someone who is very special to us. This new driver has been sharing how many compliments he gets for his car.
"This car smells, nice."
"Wow, what a clean car! I'm so pleasantly surprised."
"Thanks for keeping your car so nice."
(I'm paraphrasing...)
My dad takes pride in his work. His cab has been our livelihood for decades.
When he was assaulted and left for dead in the streets of NYC he was home for months, recuperating and wasn't fully recuperated before having to go back out there to work. While recuperating at home there was no money coming into the household. The bills didn't stop, the bank didn't pardon neither the car mortgage or the home mortgage or the everyday costs of life. It's never been easy but it's what he knows. It's what he loves.
Through the years I have heard many misrepresentations and complaints about taxi drivers. People are always talking about the high costs of fares. People focus on the drivers who are not as courteous or as professional as the job merits, no my dad. When you think of professional car service you are thinking of folks like my father. I have written a few letters to both the TLC, taxi and limousine commission and the media to give some light to my father's story and to paint the true picture of a hard working, committed, professional with a lifetime of experience.
This hurricane Sandy that just took place and has devastated New Yorkers and New Jersey residents has put a deep wedge in the gasoline availability and has been the catalyst to some panic and pandemonium. I have been praying for the safety of all my neighbors and for peace and strength. My father has had such difficulty getting gas this past week. He was even on a line for over 15 hours to be told there was no gas and they didn't know when the delivery was coming. The cab was not for hire as it didn't have any gas to move anywhere. My hands were tied, I really had no ability to help in any way shape or form. A high school school mate, whom I had reconnected with on a social networking site, even offered to go get some gas for my dad out in Connecticut. It's been pretty challenging.
One thing I am grateful for today is the following message I just read on the internet:
NYC Gas Ration Rules:
Vehicles with license plates ending in an even number or the number "0"
can make purchases of motor fuel on even numbered days.
Vehicles with license plates ending in an odd number can make
purchases of motor fuel on odd numbered days.
Vehicles with licenses plates ending in a letter or other character can make
purchases on odd numbered days. Commercial vehicles, emergency vehicles,
buses and paratransit vehicles, Medical Doctor (MD) plates and
vehicles licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission are exempt.
Alleluia!
Namaste.
Sharing is caring.
Respectfully & Sincerely yours,
JeWeLs
