My wife and I had an overnight getaway on Cape Cod. She picked me up after work at the Proctor and Gamble Andover plant, and we quickly forgot about my car parked there. The next day, we came home at 10 pm, and realized my car was still at work, 20 minutes to the south. Going back to get it was not going to happen.
My wife suggested she drive me to work in the morning. I wanted a better way -- maybe bike in or take the train. I remembered Proctor and Gamble offers a free shuttle to employees arriving on the 6:50 am train at the Ballardvale commuter rail stop on the Haverhill line.
What was the worst that could happen? I might get stranded in Ballardvale and hitchhike to work. But I had confidence the driver would be there. I started my morning right, walking the one mile from home to the train station -- 65-degree weather with the birds singing.
The train platform was comfortable. I read a bit of the Metro newspaper. The train arrived on time and 20 minutes later, brought me to my destination.
With a bit of concern, I stepped off the train, looking for the shuttle. I was thrilled to see a very clean commuter van waiting for passengers. I presented my work ID and rode the two miles to work with a feeling of satisfaction. It was a great experience that I might repeat.
Mike
Beauty Care
Proctor and Gamble
Andover Plant
