Respect the Road: Lessons from an Old Trucker

For nearly 15 years, I’ve worked the night shift at Ed’s Truck Stop, where truckers, travelers, and troublemakers cross paths. One rainy night, an old man in his sixties came in quietly, ordered apple pie and milk, and sat by the window. He seemed worn and quiet, keeping to himself.

That peace was shattered when three loud bikers swaggered in, making a scene and targeting the old man. They mocked him, ruined his pie, and spat in his milk, laughing cruelly. The old man didn’t react with anger—he simply paid and left into the storm without a word.

Then came the shock. Their flashy motorcycles were crushed by a massive eighteen-wheeler as the old man’s truck appeared, lights fading into the night. The bikers’ smiles disappeared, replaced by shock and fear. The old man had handled it all quietly, letting karma do the rest.

As the diner settled back into silence, a fellow trucker toasted quietly, “Here’s to the ones who don’t waste their breath.” Sometimes, the strongest lesson comes without a word—and some nights, karma is perfect.