RIDING THE HAPPY VAN – Knowing that something dark and evil was eating at my insides, that first visit to the VA Medical Center in Decatur was a bit traumatic to say the least. When I got there, however, I found that the worst part of any visit to the VA is trying to find a place to park! Thankfully, another old Vet enlightened me to the fact that Owl Inc. had a shuttle service from the parking lot at the Briarcliff Church to the VA Hospital running every 15 minutes. Since I came in from Gwinnett County via I-85, this opportunity saved a lot of time and made each visit to the VA much less stressful.
After my first visit, I was told by the great Doctors at the VA that my cancer radiation treatments would happen 5 days each week for 9 weeks. So, I soon became a a regular passenger on the Briarcliff shuttle.
Riding a van to a place where they cook your insides every day would normally not be a thing to enjoy, but I found something that I didn’t expect making each trip fun and interesting! I soon discovered that many of the drivers were not only good at their jobs…but entertaining to travel and converse with on each trip. In fact, I actually became good friends with several.
Since I am a car lover and still drive vintage cars in road races throughout the South, I soon learned that Wilbert Williams is heavily involved in drag racing during his free time. Though his racing is all done in a straight line for short distances and mine is accomplished going through right and left hand corners on longer courses, we still found lots to talk about and we have become close friends.
Nelson Tucker and I are both ex-military, possess a zest for exploring new things and have relatives in Michigan. Nancy Andersen shares my love for the outdoors, wildlife and fishing and we have had great discussions about those things.
Being a professional writer also gives me license to be nosey and ask plenty of questions, and that has led to many fascinating revelations from other drivers as well. Therefore, because of all of these newfound friends that drive me back and forth to the VA each day, I have come to relish each ride on the Owl, Inc. “Happy Van”….!
Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide. He can be reached at 770-289-1543, at jfish51@aol.com or at his web site: www.georgiafishing.com.