[00:54.84]I was on the outskirts of a little southern town,
[00:58.53]Trying to reach my destination before the sun went down.
[01:03.01]The old CB was blaring away on channel one-nine,
[01:07.59]When there came a little boy's voice on the radio line.
[01:11.67]And he said, "Breaker, one-nine, is anyone there?
[01:16.39]Come on back, truckers, and talk to Teddy Bear."
[01:20.84]Well, I keyed the mike and I said, "You got it,Teddy Bear."
[01:26.19]And the little boy's voice came back on the air.
[01:29.80]"Preciate the break. Who we got on that end?"
[01:33.51]I told him my handle, and then he began:
[01:37.27]"Now, I'm not supposed to bother you fellas out there,
[01:41.92]Mom says you're busy and for me to stay off the air.
[01:46.28]But, you see, I get lonely and it helps to talk,
[01:51.25]'Cause that's about all I can do. I'm crippled and I can't walk."
[01:58.33]I came back and told him to fire up that mike,
[02:02.00]And I'd talk to him as long as he'd like.
[02:05.75]"This was my dad's radio," the little boy said,
[02:08.61]"But I guess it's mine and Mom's now 'cause my daddy's dead.
[02:14.69]Dad had a wreck about a month ago.
[02:17.97]He was trying to get home in a blinding snow.
[02:24.00]Mom has to work now to make ends meet,
[02:27.82]And I'm not much help with my two crippled feet.
[02:33.66]She says not to worry, that we'll make it all right,
[02:37.67]But I hear her crying sometimes late at night.
[02:42.63]You know, there's just one thing I want more than anything else to see.
[02:48.84]Aw, I know you guys are too busy to bother with me, a little crippled boy.
[02:54.15]But, you see, my dad used to take me for rides when he was home,
[03:01.83]But I guess that's all over now since my daddy's gone."
[03:07.23]Not one breaker came on the old CB,
[03:11.00]As that little crippled boy talked with me.
[03:14.56]I tried hard to swallow, the lump just wouldn't stay down.
[03:19.72]As I thought about my boy back in Greenville town.
[03:24.76]"Dad was gonna take Mom and me with him later on this year."
[03:27.95]Why, I remember him saying, "Someday this old truck'll be yours, Teddy Bear."
[03:34.15]But I know I'll never get to ride an 18-wheeler again,
[03:38.30]But this old base will keep me in touch with all my trucker friends.
[03:43.96]Teddy Bear's gonna back on out now and leave you alone,
[03:47.83]'Cause it's about time for Mom to come home.
[03:51.13]But you give me a shout when you're passing through,
[03:54.31]And I'll sure be happy to come back to you."
[03:58.40]Well, I came back and I said, "Before you go ten-ten,
[04:02.93]What's your home-twenty, little CB friend?"
[04:07.60]Well, he gave me his address and I didn't once hesitate,
[04:12.17]'Cause this hot load of freight was just gonna have to wait.
[04:17.90]I turned that truck around on a dime,
[04:20.96]And headed straight for Jackson Street, 229.
[04:25.93]And as I rounded the corner, oh, I got one heck of a shock--
[04:30.16]Eighteen-wheelers were lined up for three city blocks!
[04:34.67]Why, I guess every driver for miles around had caught Teddy Bear's call,
[04:39.61]And that little crippled boy was having a ball.
[04:43.50]For as fast as one driver would carry him in,
[04:46.62]Another would carry him to his truck and take off again.
[04:50.17]Well, you better believe I took my turn at riding Teddy Bear.
[04:55.62]Ah I mean giving a ride to Teddy Bear
[05:00.91]And then I carried him back in and put him down in his chair.
[05:05.93]And, buddy, if I never live to see happiness again,
[05:09.35]I want you to know I saw it that day, in the face of that little man.
[05:15.18]We took up a collection for him before his mama got home,
[05:18.70]And each driver said goodbye and then they were all gone.
[05:24.02]He shook my hand with a mile-long grin,
[05:26.94]And said, "So long, trucker, I'll catch you again!"
[05:31.61]Well, I hit the interstate with tears in my eyes,
[05:36.05]I turned on the radio and I got another surprise.
[05:40.33]"Breaker, one-nine," came a voice on the air,
[05:44.03]"Just one word of thanks from Mama Teddy Bear.
[05:49.27]We wish each and every one a special prayer for you,
[05:53.98]'Cause you just made my little boy's dream come true.
[05:58.25]I'll sign off now before I start to cry.
[06:02.04]May God ride with you. Ten-four, and goodbye."