One More U-Turn

Let me be frank with you.

It was 4:00 AM when I hit the road, heading toward an important meeting at a military base in Key West. This was a client we were eager to land — needless to say, there was a lot riding on this meeting. A lot of emails and phone calls were exchanged to get to this point, and now we were finally here.

The night before, I did all my necessary preparations for the meeting. I photocopied my driver’s license and insurance information to send to the base, made sure my presentation was good-to-go, and even ironed my clothes. This was the first big meeting I attended without my boss to represent our company, so I wanted to make sure all the “i’s” were dotted and “t’s” crossed.

I set my alarm clock and hopped into bed. The alarm clock goes off, and I prepare for the 4-hour drive ahead of me: shower, get dressed, grab my things, and hit the road.

The drive is going well, and I’m making great time — so much so that I stop at the Waffle House in Key Largo for breakfast. The stop is quick. I don’t even need to see a menu because I order the same thing every time: “All-Star Special, Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, White Toast, Hash Browns — Scattered and Smothered, Sausage, and hold the Waffle until I call for it.”

So far, my day is going well. I’m making great time, I just enjoyed a great breakfast, and I’m back on the road with plenty of time to spare. I usually leave early for meetings because I’d rather be early than on time — you never know what could happen.

There’s virtually no traffic at this time of morning, so the ride is smooth. I’m enjoying the scenic drive, listening to The Burnt Offering album by The Budos Band, when it hits me: Where’s my driver’s license?

While driving, I reach for my wallet, and my heart sinks. It’s not there. Then I remember putting it in the copier, but never taking it out. How am I supposed to get on base for my meeting if I don’t have identification?

I’m upset with myself. How could I be so careless?! I drove all this way for nothing. People depended on me — and not only did I fail them, I failed myself.

At this point, it’s about 7:00 AM. My boss at the time is usually up early, so I call him and explain everything. To my surprise, he isn’t upset. He says, “Hey man, shit happens. What can you do?” He tells me to head back, and we’ll try to reschedule.

I agree, make a U-turn, and start driving back.

Although he isn’t upset with me, I’m very upset with myself. I’m better than this. The first time I’m put in the driver’s seat and this is how I handle it? The more I think about the blown opportunity, the lower I sink in my seat.

Then it hits me: “What can you do?” Maybe there is something I can do.

I immediately make another U-turn and head back to Key West.

I think to myself, Key West is a small city — their DMV can’t be busy this early. If I can get in, get an ID, I might still make my 9:00 AM meeting.

I arrive at the DMV around 7:45 AM and see one person waiting at the door. Perfect. I’m second in line.

At 8:00, the doors open. I grab a ticket, and before I can even sit down, I hear, “TWO!”

I walk to the counter and say, “I’d like a copy of my driver’s license, please.” The person at the counter lists the items I need to get a driver’s license… and I don’t have them all.

I have my voter registration card, my Social Security card, and my vehicle registration — but no other proof of ID.

I’m crushed. So close.

Before I can hang my head in defeat, the clerk says, “You have enough to print your birth certificate — and after we print that, we can print your driver’s license.”

I’m beyond happy. My plan worked! Not only am I able to get my license, but I’ll also make it to my meeting on time. The clerk asks if I want to take a new picture, and I say, “Sure!”

I normally don’t smile for identification photos, but this one is different. I’m proud of myself. This picture will serve as a constant reminder of my ability to think on my feet and outside the box.

I’ve done a lot of things that earned me praise and pats on the back, but few moments mean more to me than this one. This was a day I felt like I lost — and turned it around. I willed myself to victory, and for that, I’m proud.