I Hate My Truck–Not Really

I hate my new truck.

Some of you have seen me in the truck I bought at the end of the year—a beautiful 2013 Ford F-150, short bed pick-up. It’s pretty; it’s comfy, dependable, and rides very well. It even has more space, I think, than my husband’s long-bed truck.

But, this week, I hate it.

The life a newsperson isn’t real different than that of a volunteer fireman or other emergency personnel.

We are on call 24/7. Now, mind you, we can choose to roll over and go back to sleep. We can decide it’s too far, not exciting enough, doesn’t sound like anything, etc. Your emergency responders go no matter what.

But, when events happen, like last week’s ice storm, we are usually out there photographing them cutting trees out of the road, putting out fires, literally, where power lines have fallen, or power surges have caused problem of whatever. Even though we don’t often run the photos, we take photos when the firemen save the structure or prevent the fire from spreading and endangering other property and people.

We go to numerous accidents that never make the paper, although I must admit our accident ratio seems to have decreased in the last year or so.

But, last Wednesday, I think every emergency official in Jasper County was out working, and I mean working hard. And, I don’t just mean paid emergency personnel or just volunteer firemen. But also people who don’t usually classify themselves as emergency personnel. City utility workers were out, as were EMC, Ga. Power, and virtually every utility there is.

Our own public works department used every man, I’m sure, to try to clear roads and keep people as safe as possible.

My husband heard of a tree down just up the road and took off on his four-wheeler to cut it down. He helped the sheriff’s department squad that was riding the county as the calls came in. That squad included the sheriff himself…. way to go Donnie Pope. He was out there with his men, and the other men and women cutting up trees and helping stranded motorists, so the firemen could put out fires.

The utility workers were out there in the sleet and freezing rain or whatever the conditions were at any given time—sleet, wind, snow, rain,—definite yuck. Meanwhile most of us were at home hunkered down ready for whatever, many without power.

Those in and near Monticello weren’t as fortunate with power outages beginning early Wednesday and continuing until early Thursday. (Mind you, not the same people generally all that time, different areas.)

The 911 center was one of the first to lose power Wednesday, but with the back up generator it wasn’t even noticeable.

But, I digress. I began telling you about my new truck, then a little about my job. Many of you know I was driving a red 2001 Ford Escape. I loved that car. But, it was past its prime. So, begrudgingly I traded it in late December for a new truck.

I don’t really hate my new truck. I love it. I miss my Escape. I especially missed my Escape Wednesday. I would not have hesitated to take my chances on the road in that car I knew so well, and I felt would run so well on the roads. And, if I dented it…well it was 13 years old.

But, my husband, being the protective sort husbands are supposed to be, warned me strongly about driving my truck. If I ran off the road it’s not four-wheel drive so I wouldn’t be able to get out of the ditch. The Escape wasn’t four wheel drive either, but she and I together were invincible.

Well, suffice it to say I heeded his warning. My brother-in-law picked me up for work Wednesday in his four-wheel drive Chevy. He brought me back home too. And, here I sit.

The Chevy did great. Kathy did not. When leaving The News office, without thinking, I stepped down on the sidewalk, and immediately slipped and fell on all fours. I hit my right knee hard, with my left knee and hands taking the rest of the weight.

I’m fine, but it humbled me a little. I’m not quite as invincible as I was. Or thought I was. So, I got home safely, and heeded the advice of many and stayed off the roads.

That’s why we don’t have photos of the phenomenal people out working in this, and all the tragedies that occurred. I apologize with my whole soul.

At this writing, I don’t know the damage. I understand there have been at least two bad house fires and numerous scares. Makes those who lived without power for the night appreciate they still have an intact house.

Snow and ice days can be fun for some, but our emergency officials would describe them as anything but. We appreciate you….every one of you, and please believe me….I’m not alone.

Almost everyone who didn’t have to go out in this appreciates the job you do.