The struggle was real! The constant rain during the window of time we had for Andy to choose his favorite semi really worked against us. I had hoped he would be as decisive as he had been the year before but that was not to be and I believe the rain was the issue. In addition, over the years Andy had developed a pattern of collecting promotional materials from venders with in his first minutes at the St Ignace truck show and it was hard to keep him to the task at hand. He really wanted those flyers but I did not want him to be distracted or influenced and told him he had to wait until he was done with his job to raid the venders.
Ponchos on, we pretty much had the streets to ourselves for the three hours it took for him to finally give me what I needed to be sure that was his choice, at least two out of three thumbs up for the same truck. Most of the drivers were tucked away under their pop up awnings or sought dryness under the overhang of businesses,,, but in the drizzle Andy and I carried on. Almost magically as soon as he had his decision made the rain stopped. Had I known that was how it would play out I’d have pushed him a little harder for a faster choice!
When we agreed to this adventure I had no idea where it would lead us. I had wondered if all his favorites would be the local semis he saw regularly or a Kenworth as the Gaylord Kenworth has done a good job of saturating Andy with logos that he seeks out now. I also wondered if all of them would be red as those were always the ones he picked when looking at pictures. The previous year was a red one, but a Western Star. Would he pick the cattle pullers of the family who first knew and fed his semi addiction? He had chosen to have that style embroidered on his coat and other clothing. Would he pick the logging or bark haulers that is a constant stream past our house? The man of few words that he is, it was all speculation.
Being the second year for the award I was pretty sure all the contestants knew of the Andy’s Choice Award and about Andy’s limitations as well as his passion and if they won it meant some pictures with Andy.The applauds and cheers at the presentation confirmed my concerns from the first year were a waste of good energy! Very few persons with disabilities get to shine in the lime light like Andy has at this event. More often than not, they are the invisible of society, but Andy could not be invisible at a truck show if he tried! His passion is to strong and comes out in hoops, hollers, jake brake, and air brake sounds. It warms my heart when the audience responds with the same enthusiasm and respect at the awards ceremony! Thank you!!!
And, The 2015 winner is TJ’s Trucking!
As you see, it was not red, it was not a cattle puller, a bark hauler, log truck, and not a Kenworth and it’s not the same truck he picked last year. As you will see in future post, he has picked a different color, style, and owner each year so far!
I could not secure permission of the driver who accepted the trophy so I choose not to post his name or picture.
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