As is typical at the St Ignace Richard Crane Memorial Semi Show, Andy and I, had made multiple rounds up and down the streets of St Ignace. We have had practicing this walk for about 15 years so we knew the routine and route well. I thought we had thoroughly inspected each and every rig proudly polished and displayed on the quaint streets of this small town, but there was The Gambler. How could I have missed that one? As soon as I saw the name, I was taken back in time. Years ago at one of the first shows Andy and I attended there was a semi with the same name (see The Gambler post). I had to know if this was that same memorable truck. The conversation with the men attending the rig said no, however they both did wish for a working slot machine like I remembered from that long ago rig.
We enjoyed a longer conversation with this owner than what Andy usually allows only because we had been admiring the displayed rigs and our reflections in the mirror-like bumpers and hubcaps for a few hours and Andy was finally slowing down a bit. Mr. Gambler II recognized Andy’s semi passion and asked me if Andy would like a shirt with a truck on it. Anyone who knows Andy also knows not only does he prefer shirt with big rigs on them, he also uses those trucks to engage in conversation with people as he has so few real words. This Gambler owner said he had a shirt in the cab for him and would be back in a jiffy. Typically at the two truck shows we attend I let Andy be boss and direct our activities, every man should get to be boss once in a while—right??! He had endured our waiting long enough and was wanting to move on as he his boss-for-the-day role allowed. In fact we waited so long I was beginning to wonder if Mr. Gambler II was not going to follow through as sometimes happens. Just as I was about to give in to Andy’s demands to move on, Mr. Gambler II came around the front of the truck looking a bit different but I could not identify why. He approached with his hands tightly cupped around a red object and as he thrust it at me he said “you might want to wash this first.” Not being able to find a new one, He had just given Andy the shirt off his back and was wearing a different one! He then proceeded to give Andy the hat off his head as well!
Many very kind owners, drivers and merchants have given Andy shirts, but this is the most memorable, humorous way he has been given one! I will always treasure that memory! While our interactions have mainly been with Mr Gambler II, my heart felt thank you goes not only to Arnold but extends to his wife Cathy as I know the wives in this profession give as much and sometimes more than the drivers.
Update! When I contacted Arnold about publishing this he said a working slot machine has been added to the decor of The Gambler! Cool! I am probably more impressed than Andy though!
Thank you to all the staff, drivers, owners, and families, who work hard for the success of the truck shows I take Andy to! It took me a few years to notice how much time, energy and resources goes into each show which makes me even more grateful for all each one of you gives to make these happen. Thank you so much!