“The name Aero started as my gamer tag. The leader in our online game said I typed as fast as the wind. Somehow, that led to airplane and Aero. The name took on more meaning when I dropped out of high school and left home early–following the wind and living like a nomad. I learned a lot of lessons the hard way. Everyone still calls me Aero. ­

I drive for FedEx. Driving a delivery truck is a chance to meet people I never thought about meeting. There are famous football players and music artists with houses around Fairhope and along the beach. The guy who wrote Forrest Gump was on my route. He was still getting packages even after he passed away. 

I listen to old myths and lore while I’m driving. It has been Odysseus and Achilles lately During the busy season, I make about 150 stops a day. Some people leave out baskets with water, snacks, or sodas for delivery drivers. Others offer water when they see us. The hard part is the dogs–many of us carry dog treats to make friends.

I spend the day scanning barcodes on packages, but the barcode tattoos on my arms are the prices paid in my life. You can’t buy something without paying a price, sometimes with pain. The date on the barcode is October 23, 2012–the day I decided to live for myself instead of what others expect from me. I’m learning to enjoy myself and be successful within my own means instead of being someone I’m not.

Being a good parent is my struggle right now. I’m proud of my kids. I remarried and work hard for my wife’s daughters to like and love me. I’m trying to adopt them, but the legal fees cost a lot. The girls already write my last name behind their name. Our lives and names keep evolving.”

Aero