Garbage Truck Driver Feels Seen by Toddler

Tullahoma, TN – Don Jacobs, 51, a driver for the regional waste company was completing his usual route this morning when he noticed a young boy on the side of the road waving to him.

"Naturally, I waved back," said Jacobs before pausing and starting to tear up. "You know, most people don't notice me at all, unless it's to honk at me for driving slowly." He continued, "But this kid noticed me. I feel seen."

Sources close to Jacobs report that the event clearly had a big impact, as he continued to share it throughout the day.

"He's normally a pretty quiet guy," said Greg Gartrell, a colleague of Jacobs. "But he must have told that story five times in the break room."

The toddler, whose parents asked that he not be named, later told this reporter, "Garbage trucks are awesome, they go vroom-vroom smash-smash," while moving his arms in a crushing motion. He later added that he was waving at the truck, not its driver, and further that monster trucks are also awesome.

The garbage truck could not be reached for comment.